Hello! My name is Ingrid and I am a long time volunteer and foster home for Rescue The Underdog. Today, I'm reaching out to you to share with you my current foster pup story... Fiorelli is a super sweet little mutt and is 3 years old. This cutie is the perfect example of the cases our tiny but mighty group takes in. Fiorelli was found as a stray and ended up at the Martinez high kill shelter. He was found in terrible shape with several fractures on his leg, probably due to being hit by a car. My poor boy was scheduled to be euthanized and no other rescue wanted him because of the medical expense involved and the time and care he would need to heal. Dogs like Fiorelli are often left behind by other rescues because they need costly vet care and won’t be able to get adopted right away. Rescue The Underdog is a small local rescue and even with very little funds available, it's mission is to save doggies just like Fiorellie from euthanasia . It was obvious to us that we needed to step up and give him the chance at life any innocent dog deserves.

Fiorelli is a result of Covid-19 and came to us March 16th just as shelters were closing down, and dogs had nowhere to go. As a foster, I have cared for a dog with a fractured leg before, and I knew he needed someone with that experience as it meant medications multiple times a day, short potty breaks, and making sure his cast was kept dry at all times.

Days turned into weeks and my family and I were so hopeful Fiorelli would heal. We took him for cast changes and X-rays as recommended by the rescue’s vet. Sadly, at his last check up, we were told that despite all of our efforts, his leg would need to be amputated! With Fiorelli being such a young, sweet and playful dog, I just simply couldn’t live with that answer.

So on May 25th, I took him to a specialist for a second opinion and I have hope again! There is a surgery that can save Fiorelli's leg and the specialist is highly optimistic!

Due to Fiorelli's type of fractures, the surgery is a very complicated procedure and my sweet Fiorelli will need some rehab time. It will include debridement and specialized machines to save his leg.

The catch is that at this point, I only have 2 to 4 weeks max to make it happen. After that, surgery won’t be an option any longer. The cost is estimated from $6240 to $7810 and even though the vet is willing to give us a discount, the rescue just doesn’t have the necessary funds.

Fiorelli is the cutest pup with such a fun personality. He knows what he wants and will make sure to let you know. As his foster mom, I will move mountains so he doesn’t get unnecessarily amputated.

I so understand how we are all being solicited but I am still hoping that you will be able to help if only a little. All donations add up and even the smallest contribution makes a difference.

Please share Fiorelli’s story with family and friends. I know in my heart, that with your help, we can make it happen. For more info about Rescue The Underdog please, visit www.rescuetheunderdog.com

THANK YOU ❤️❤️