Dottie's Donation Drive!

I’ve never had to do one of these before so I’m not really sure where to begin. I’m not good with asking for help for myself but since this is for a special tiny dog, it makes it easier. She is a tiny 6 pound little thing with a big name…Dorothea aka Dot, Dottie, Lil Bit, Tiny Dog.

TLDR: I recently took in a stray who is in need of surgery.

A neighbor found a stray dog which she brought to me in October. She has 4 cats so she couldn’t keep her. The neighbor told me she knew I’d know what to do since “I know about dogs”, having 2 already and a cat. The poor thing was in terribly sad shape...matted and infested with fleas, severe double ear infection, toenails so long they were curling under (so much she was walking on the sides of the pads of her feet), marble-sized nodules could be felt on her chest and belly and she was suffering from severe periodontal disease. The first night I bathed her twice, trimmed her nails and tried to clean her ears. She just sat quietly, never moved and let me take care of her. I believe she finally felt safe and knew I was going to help her. I took her to a vet but she was not chipped. I posted on social media in case she was lost but no owner came forward and she has now been with me since 10/12/24.

My vet believes she was used as a breeding dog that was dumped because of c-section sutures in her belly and the lack of care for her teeth. In the initial 3 days she was with me, she was bathed 4 times and shaved to take care of the matting. I treated the scabs above her tail and her sides from constant scratching due to the flea infestation. I treated her, as well as my entire home and other animals for the fleas as well.

Dottie was seen by 2 vets for health evaluations, antibiotics for her ear infection and vaccinations. Per both vets, Dottie needs surgical intervention to remove the 4 mammary tumors, spay her (in hopes of preventing future tumors) and clean her teeth while already under anesthesia. I’ve been told the plaque may be the only thing holding her teeth together at this point. The vet will pull any teeth deemed too damaged to save which can run from $15 - $175 per tooth! Unfortunately, tooth damage can’t be determined until she is already under anesthesia and the vet gets a good her teeth.

Dottie is believed to be 8-9 years old. I refuse to turn her into a shelter where she may likely be euthanized or give her away to a stranger. At this point she is a part of the family, gets along with my other 2 small dogs and cat and not to mention she is such a total doll and I'm completely in love with her. She has a chance to be happy, loved and cared for the rest of her life. This is her second chance.

My CareCredit card is maxed out. I am creating this in hopes to help raise funds for the surgery; which is estimated to be $2300. I have received confirmation of a $400 pledge towards the surgery from OC Animal Allies, for which I am so grateful.

I really don’t like asking for help but, again, this is not for me per se, it is for Dottie. I know times are tough for everyone and we just got through the holidays but if you have even a dollar to spare for Miss Dottie, I would be forever grateful. And so will she.

If you actually read this far, thank you so very much for your time!