My name is Nancy Dunn. I am the shelter manager at Dogs and Cats Forever, a 501c3 no kill animal shelter located in Fort Pierce, Florida. We have been saving the lives of dogs and cats on the Treasure Coast for more than 42 years. We are funded strictly by donations and grants and we desperately need your HELP FOR HAZEL!

We received a call on Friday, April 27th, 2024 from Okeechobee Animal Control asking for assistance with a puppy that officers seized as part of an animal cruelty case. This 5 month old pup was malnourished, injured, and in need of medical attention. We took her into our shelter to see what we could do for her. How could we not?

Hazel, we named her, is struggling. She had been shot at with a BB gun and as radiographs would show, has a BB lodged in her spinal column located by the L5 vertebrae. The BB is causing sweet Hazel partial paralysis of both her hind legs and she is currently unable to control her bowels. After carefully reviewing Hazel’s case, the neurologist suggested surgical removal of the BB from Hazel’s spinal column. This could create healing and regeneration and improve Hazel’s odds of regaining mobility.

Hazel’s recovery will be costly. The quote for her veterinary care, which includes surgery, hospitalization, and re-evaluation is $4,198. We at the shelter are prepared to put the hard work into her rehabilitation but, being a not for profit, we need help to pay for the surgery she so desperately needs.

If you were to meet Hazel you would fall in love with her as we all have. She is infectiously happy, bursting with puppy kisses, and full of the spunk she is going to need to steamroll her way through recovery. Your generosity will provide Hazel with the care that she needs to rise above the cruelty she has endured and give her the chance she deserves to heal and live her best life. Every donation will make a difference in Hazel’s healing journey. Thank you for considering to be a part of HELP FOR HAZEL. If you would, please also share Hazel’s story with your friends and family.

With Enormous Gratitude,

Nancy Dunn and the Dogs and Cats Forever Team