Help Guarumo Heal After a Tragic Act of Animal Abuse

Hi everyone,

I’m creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my dear friend Lesley Barraza and her beloved dog Guarumo, who suffered a devastating injury on December 26, just after Christmas.

Guarumo is a people-loving dog with the biggest heart. He loves going on runs, laying outside, and soaking up the sun—his favorite hobby. On December 26, Lesley and her family took Guarumo to her mother-in-law’s home so he could enjoy the beautiful weather in a fully fenced yard.

That day quickly turned into a nightmare.

Lesley received a terrifying phone call saying Guarumo had been seriously injured and was no longer able to move his back legs. He was rushed immediately to the emergency veterinarian. Initial X-rays were inconclusive, but Guarumo was in extreme pain and paralyzed from the waist down. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to the Denver Veterinary Hospital for further care.

Because of the holidays, Guarumo had to stay overnight until an MRI could be performed the following morning. The MRI revealed fractured discs in his spine, severe bruising, and spinal trauma. Surgeons were able to remove some fragments, but not all, leaving his recovery uncertain.

Guarumo is still hospitalized, and the family does not yet know when he will be released due to limited staffing and ongoing evaluations. He is currently unable to walk.

Sadly, this was not an accident. This injury occurred as a result of animal abuse by a neighbor, who reached into the fenced yard and caused harm to a beloved family member.

Veterinarians have advised that Guarumo will likely need:

• Months of physical therapy

• Continued pain management

• Follow-up imaging

• And possibly another surgery

The medical costs are already overwhelming, and his recovery journey is just beginning.

Guarumo’s Information:

• Name: Guarumo

• Owner: Leslie Barraza

• Species: Canine (Pitbull Mix)

• Sex: Male

• Color: Gray and White

• Birthdate: 12/26/2019

• Age: 6 years

Guarumo is deeply loved and deserves every chance to heal and regain his quality of life. I’m asking for help on Lesley’s behalf—whether through a donation, sharing this fundraiser, or keeping Guarumo in your thoughts.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.