Recently, I took my mom, Pat to Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook, Illinois as she had been without a dog for some time. She just turned 70 and dogs have pretty much been a part of her entire life. After meeting a few different dogs, she met "Rown" and something about him immediately spoke to her. Specifically, Rown has a bad right leg, just like my mom (well, actually, she has 2 bad legs). More on that in a bit.
Although we will never know what happened to Rown, he was found in terrible condition on the streets of Korea. He had suffered a devastating leg injury that likely limited his ability to move, leaving him to resort to eating whatever he could find to survive, which included rocks and screws.
With Rown's fate seemingly sealed - somehow he found his way to an animal rescue where surgeries were performed to unblock and clear his stomach and stabilize his leg, which included the insertion of rods, pins and screws from his right paw pad up to his shoulder. He was flown to Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook in the hopes of finding a forever home, where he is currently being lovingly fostered by my mom, Pat. Rown (Shadow as she calls him) is doing great and is making progress with housebreaking, obedience, and is an excellent, excellent, dog who is very gentle and loving. My mom and Rown are a perfect match for each other and I wouldn't be surprised at all if she decides to adopt him. Actually, I really hope she does.
Shortly after she brought Rown home; however, my mom noticed that Rown began to favor his right leg and he developed a paw sore that would not heal. After additional medical care and a vet visit, it was determined that Rown's rod had shifted, which is now pushing down directly on the bottom of his paw pad, meaning Rown will require another surgery on his leg. We don't know what this will entail for Rown other than it will be extensive and will be an expensive cost for the Rescue to bear, which is why I am starting this GoFundMe. No matter what, we will do whatever it takes to support my mom and Rown during his recovery.
And just like Rown, my mom also has rods, pins and screws in her legs. Nearly 30 years ago she experienced significant trauma which has made life dificult at times. But she is an incredibly strong and resilient woman, wonderful mom and grandma. And just like Rown, she didn't ask for or deserve what happened to her.
And I guess that's where all of this ties together. In all of the dates and times and rescues or shelters that we could have gone to look to get her a dog to foster or adopt, it was this moment. It was Border Tails Rescue. It was Rown. It was meant to be. They are both survivors, they have both been through so much and yet their endearing spirit shines through. We would be grateful for any donation to support Border Tails Rescue and their efforts to cover the costs associated with Rown's surgery and recovery.
Prefer to donate directly to Border Tails Rescue? No problem! https://www.bordertailsrescue.org/donate
Want to learn more about Border Tails Rescue and their mission?
Though Rown is a transfer from a Korean rescue, it is important to know that Border Tails Rescue has pulled 360 dogs from Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) through its Homeward Bound Program from 1/1/25-7/31/25, making it the 2nd largest rescue partner with CACC in 2025! Source: Chicago Animal Care and Control Homeward Bound Program.
Lastly - Please adopt, don't shop! Contact your local animal control for names of rescue organizations that they regularly work with.
Organizer
Kevin Wheeler
Organizer
Lemont, IL