Support Jerry's Fight for a Healthy Future

My name is Leslie, and I have fostered dozens of animals for area shelters and local rescues, most recently Jersey Pits. One of our fosters over this past summer was Jerry, who absolutely melted my heart. His eyes are kind and his energy is calm. He is undoubtedly an old soul which is why his nickname was “Grandpa,” despite his being 3 months old when he came into my care. A young couple looking to adopt their first dog together found Jerry, and the 3 of them had an instant connection. They happily became his parents, and we not only kept in touch, but my dog and Jerry also continued to have frequent play dates because to know Jerry is to love him. But he is a sick boy who has bravely undergone two invasively major surgeries, has had countless tests and biopsies, and has been on a constant flow of medications— all before he even turned 8 months old— and his road ahead is still uncertain.

This is his story…

Jerry’s story began in heartache. In the beginning of August 2024, at about 12 weeks old, Jerry was found wandering alone in a parking lot, terrified, starving, and desperate for help. Despite this rough start, Jerry’s tail wagged with hope when he was rescued by Jersey Pits, and I was so blessed to be his foster mom while he patiently waited for his furever family to find him. Thankfully, in September, a young, loving couple adopted him.

But Jerry’s journey to a happy life has been heartbreakingly delayed. Fewer than 8 weeks after his adoption, Jerry began showing signs of severe illness. On November 17th, an emergency visit to the vet revealed devastating news: his small and large intestine had necrotic tissue, and, in order to save his life, he immediately underwent emergency surgery.

The surgery was risky for such a young puppy, but Jerry fought with everything he had. However, complications followed. An abscess developed, and three weeks later, while still trying to heal from his first surgery, Jerry needed a second surgery. During this procedure, the vet also found suspicious tissue that tested positive for salmonella, leaving Jerry’s medical team scrambling to stabilize his fragile condition.

Jerry is just 8 months old, but he has already endured more pain and hardship than any boy should. Yet through it all, Jerry has remained incredibly brave—his sweet eyes and kind heart showing just how much he wants to keep fighting.

The mounting medical bills for Jerry’s young, first time parents have already surpassed $27,000, of which the insurance company will only cover $7,000, and his recovery is far from over. His family has given everything they can to save him, but they can’t do it alone. That’s why I am reaching out to this incredible community for help.

Every dollar will go directly toward Jerry’s medical expenses. Together, we can give Jerry the chance to grow into the healthy, happy boy he was always meant to be.

Please consider donating to help this sweet, beautiful guy.

Thank you for reading Jerry’s story and for considering to help him.