Update!!!

Sorry I have not updated! With the funds that have been made so far a gracious rescue has stepped in to help with their connections and was able to get him into top tier care. While Rusty’s fate is still being evaluated, he is not suffering or starving at the moment and is with very capable people that will make the most humane decision for him. He

arrived to FU late last night. I drove 5 hours one way to meet such a kind soul named Suzy who owns Clefties and Coffee Rescue. If you would like to continue to donate the funds will be going to her amazing rescue to continue to care for Rusty and others like him.

I am forever grateful for the shares, donations and prayers. My heart is at peace knowing he’s with the best that will do what is best for Rusty. I was told in the last update he was friendly and licking others which lets me know he is safe and sound where he needs to be. I will update you when I hear more!

Help Rusty Get Life-Saving Surgery for Megaesophagus

Hi everyone,

A few months ago, a very pregnant and malnourished dog wandered into our neighborhood, nearly hit by a car. My kids and I pulled over to help her and hoped to find her family. She had a microchip, but when we finally contacted the owners, they told the company to stop calling them. Just like that, she was ours to care for.

The next night, she went into labor and gave birth to 10 puppies.

It’s been an emotional and financial rollercoaster ever since. The mother needed immediate care, having clearly never spent a day indoors or had proper nutrition. We lost one puppy early on, which is sadly common with large litters. But we cared for the rest around the clock, got them healthy, vaccinated, and found homes for all… except one.

Meet Rusty.

He was always the smallest, the weakest. The vet suspected worms, and they were right, he was heavily infested. Once treated, he seemed better… until he wasn’t. He began vomiting constantly and couldn’t keep down food or water.

Eventually, we got a diagnosis: severe megaesophagus, a condition where the esophagus becomes enlarged and can’t move food or water to the stomach. In Rusty’s case, even water won’t go down. He is starving while trying to eat. The only viable option surgery. Without it, he won’t survive. He’s slowly starving to death.

The cost is around $7,000, and as a military family with limited local support, we’ve already stretched every resource to care for the mom and entire litter. Rusty wasn’t even supposed to stay. But we named him, my daughter chose "Rusty," not knowing it was the name of a dog my late father once had. That moment felt like a sign.

I never imagined I’d be writing this. I know times are hard for many, and asking for help doesn’t come easy. But Rusty deserves a chance to live a full, happy life, one we’ve fought hard to give him from day one.

If you can donate, we’re beyond grateful. If not, please consider sharing. Every bit of kindness helps.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Rusty and Schwab Family