We are students at Providence College, and on Saturday, March 28th, while sitting by a fire in our backyard, a dog came running up to us. She was 10-15 lbs underweight, her nails were so long they were digging into her paws and causing them to bleed, and she was very filthy. We searched online for an owner and were not successful. We also called the local shelter and they were closed. We decided to take her in and give her a bath.

The next day, we brought her to Petco to look for a microchip, but she didn’t have one. We then brought her to the vet. They told us that they have not seen a dog in such bad condition. They also estimated she was on her own for at least 4-5 weeks. They gave her rabies shot, vaccinations, they clipped her nails and she was prescribed antibiotics for her infected paws.

We named her Tiki.

Unfortunately, we cannot find a foster home and have been told they are all full. Shelters are packed to their limit, and adoptions are slower than ever. There are too many dogs and not enough adopters, and the dogs are paying the ultimate price. Shelter euthanasia is higher than it has been in years. Dropping her off at a shelter would most likely result in euthanasia for Tiki.

We brought her back to the vet this week and got her microchipped and spayed. The most responsible thing we could do was get Tiki spayed which was very expensive.

After being on antibiotics for a week, her paws are significantly better, her skin is healed, she is no longer limping, and she’s acting like a new dog. Tiki is on the road to recovery and enjoys playing freely with us on the lawn.

Tiki couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Friartown which has been amazing. Tiki has won all our hearts.

As college students, we don’t have the financial means, and the vet bills have been a challenge over the last few weeks to cover the antibiotics, microchipping and spaying her. Carrying the expense on credit cards is not easy without the means to pay it back. We are simply tying to do what is best for Tiki - the pup that just showed up looking for help.

We’re hoping to raise funds to help cover Tiki's medical expenses so we can continue to give her the medical care she deserves as she recovers and continues to be monitored by her vet.

We would love and appreciate if you can find it in your hearts to help us, help Tiki. Please consider donating to our “Go Fund Me” or even just sharing our fundraiser to help our sweet dog, Tiki.

Your support means the world to us and to Tiki, and we’re so grateful for any help you can give. Any amount would be appreciated and will definitely go a long way to help her.