USSBear is a newly forming rescue who specializes in abandoned or discarded large breeds, like Cane Corsos. Inspired by the rescue of a Corso / Blue Nose mix who had been abused and eventually became the best family dog ever, we actively rescue euth list or otherwise troubled large breeds in need of special care or outright saving. We have rescued and / or fostered dozens of dogs since forming, even reuniting lost dogs with their families. We rescue lose dogs as well as shelter dogs scheduled for euthanasia. We also regularly volunteer at the West Valley Animal Shelter in Chatsworth, CA helping out the dogs by giving them enrichment and engagement time. We not only show the right dog to potential adopters but also do basic training to give them a chance to succeed in their new home.

We recently came across two Cane Corso Mastiffs, Chikis (A216070) and Zeus (A2196071), now spayed and neutered by the shelter, whose owner is a backyard breeder and couldn't sell the dogs because of their cherry eye.

Unfortunately, the dogs ended up at the shelter (West Valley Animal Shelter) and are not doing well. Given their breed, these dogs can shut down fast, and because of their cherry eye condition they have been Urgent Needs Alerted (Animals in the Urgent List have been observed as having escalating levels of FAS (fear, anxiety and stress) and need to be taken out of the shelter to resolve their stress), meaning they need to get out of the shelter as soon as possible, either adopted or rescued before becoming Red Listed, which means Euthanasia listed, and are less likely to be adopted due to their medical condition and. Potential adopters often move on when faced with the high costs of surgeries, as these two would obviously need, as the City of LA certainly isn't going to spend this kind of money on dogs when euthanasia is so much cheaper. Dogs with medical issues rarely stand a chance in a shelter. They don't get medical care and are ignored by potential adopters. Eventually they are put down.

Both Chikis and Zeus have cherry eyes, a condition where the third eyelid's gland, responsible for tear production, prolapses (pops out) of its normal position, creating a red swelling in the corner of the eye.

The purpose of this fundraiser is to get the dogs the surgery they need so they have a chance of being adopted or rescued. Rescues will often save a dog with medical issues if they know the medical costs are covered. We desperately want to get their condition addressed so they can be placed and rescued. This fund raiser seeks to ONLY cover medical / surgical costs. (Quote from the vet: $2,031)

We GREATLY appreciate any support you provide, large or small!

Thank you,

USS Bear,

Saving One Dog at a Time.