Paris Hilton

Jimmy  Darts

Flavor Flav

SB Mowing

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Samuel Weidenhofer

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

<div>Emily Lauren is raising funds for <strong>Lindsay Perry</strong>, a dear friend who is currently receiving treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She is currently receiving treatment at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland, OR. This diagnosis has brought an incredibly difficult season for Lindsay and her family, as they face the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with treatment and the road to recovery. Right now, the focus is on helping Lindsay get through each step of this fight with as much support and stability as possible.
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<div>The funds raised will help ease the burden of <strong>medical expenses</strong> as well as personal needs and safe and clean housing throughout treatment and recovery. When someone is battling leukemia, everyday responsibilities do not pause, and the strain on a family can grow quickly. Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, will mean so much. Lindsay Perry needs help during this fight and recovery, and every act of kindness will remind Lindsay and her loved ones that they are not facing this alone.
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Support Lindsay Perry's AML Treatment

<div>My name is Brandon, and for far too long, I’ve been getting in my own way.

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<div>I’m not sure why — but I’ve been holding back from fully chasing what I’m about to unfold for you. I operate a modest small business rooted in service to shelter dogs. Margins are thin, the days are long, and after nearly a decade, the impact has proven to be invaluable to shelters and clients alike.

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<div>As we roll into 2026, I want to finally share this vision openly — in hopes of finding the right people who rock with it and want to see it come to life.

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<div>If you’re still reading, I invite you to find a seat, get comfortable, and learn what’s been keeping me up at night for the last 24 months.

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<div><strong>The Belief That Started It All</strong>

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<div>For the past several years, my life and work have revolved around one simple belief:

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<div>Dogs deserve happier, healthier, more active lives — no matter where they come from or who owns them.

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<div>That belief led me to RunBuddy Mobile, the world’s first and number one mobile dog gym, providing structured exercise, enrichment, and confidence-building for dogs — including shelter and rescue dogs who otherwise wouldn’t have access to such an outlet.

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<div>After six years working alongside the founders in Arizona, I brought RunBuddy to the Lone Star State.

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<div>In just the last nine months, I’ve provided over $35,000 worth of services completely free of charge to shelters and rescue organizations, including Central Texas SPCA, Austin Humane Society, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, and Austin Pets Alive!

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<div>This support isn’t occasional — it’s built directly into our weekly operations.

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<div>Before Texas, this mission was already well underway.

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<div>RunBuddy Mobile has supported shelter and rescue dogs in Arizona for over eight years, using structured weekly workouts to improve quality of life, increase adoptability, and help dogs succeed both inside and outside the mobile dog gym.

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<div>Now, that same belief — backed by nearly a decade of real, hands-on impact — is evolving into something bigger.

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<div><strong>A One-Man Operation — And the Schedule I’m Working Toward</strong>

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<div>Since arriving in Texas, RunBuddy has been operating largely as a one-man show.

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<div>Most days start around 5:00 AM and end close to 7:00 PM, often six days a week, driving from client to client. While it would be possible to fill every available time slot with paid sessions, I’ve intentionally operated at approximately 65–75% paid capacity.

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<div><strong><em>Why?</em></strong>

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<div>So I can:

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<div>	•	Provide consistent, reliable support to shelter and rescue partners

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<div>	•	Protect the quality of care every dog receives

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<div>	•	Reduce burnout and keep this work sustainable long-term

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<div>That choice has allowed RunBuddy to show up week after week for shelters — but it has also meant growth has been slow, careful, and entirely self-funded.

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<div>That said, this current schedule is not the end goal.

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<div><strong>What the Ideal Future Actually Looks Like</strong>

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<div>My ideal schedule doesn’t involve being on the road all day, six days a week.

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<div>Instead, I envision spending four to five days per week, six to eight hours a day, embedded directly at our shelter partners — working hands-on with staff, volunteers, and dogs.

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<div>That shift would allow me to:

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<div>	•	Help significantly more dogs each day

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<div>	•	Be a more valuable on-site resource for shelter teams

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<div>	•	Provide consistent structure and enrichment where it’s needed most

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<div>	•	Reduce wear and tear on the dog gym itself

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<div>	•	Spend more time at home with my family

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<div>The example I always give is this:

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<div>If I were a roofer and started my own company, the long-term goal wouldn’t be to stay on the roof forever.

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<div>With the dog gym, however, there’s no world where I’m not working in the gym in some capacity — and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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<div>But focusing my time at shelters allows me to fulfill my purpose without burning myself out, while also creating space to care for my family, take care of myself, and eventually reconnect with passions and hobbies I’ve set aside in pursuit of making this dream real.

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<div><strong>Why Experience Matters (And Why This Is Hard to Replicate)</strong>

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<div>Over the past six years, as RunBuddy gained popularity on social media, many have attempted to replicate the mobile dog gym concept.

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<div>Most launched with the best intentions.

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<div>Many came and went.

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<div>Few — if any — have scaled across multiple gyms and markets.

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<div>The reality is this work is far more complex than it looks.

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<div>Running a successful mobile dog gym requires:

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<div>	•	Deep understanding of canine behavior

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<div>	•	Skill working with dogs of all temperaments and histories

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<div>	•	Operational discipline around routing, scheduling, and sustainability

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<div>	•	Systems that protect dogs, clients, shelters, and staff

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<div>If success were as simple as putting money into vans and sending them on the road, someone with deeper pockets would have done it already — and left us in their wake.

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<div><strong><em>But money can’t replace experience.</em></strong>

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<div>What allows RunBuddy to succeed isn’t just the concept — it’s the years of refinement, mistakes already made, lessons learned, and grit earned along the way.

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<div>I’m in a unique position to carry this forward — with the experience, passion, and resilience to scale responsibly while protecting dogs and the mission.

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<div>The only real limitation is access to capital without taking on traditional debt that drastically eats into already-thin margins.

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<div><strong>Introducing the Church of UpDog</strong>

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<div>The Church of UpDog is a mission-driven initiative built around the pursuit of canine wellness, movement, and quality of life — for dogs and people.

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<div>Despite the playful name, the mission is serious:

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<div>	•	Support shelters and rescues

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<div>	•	Fund routine movement and enrichment

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<div>	•	Help dogs stay out of shelters — and get adopted faster

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<div>	•	Connect people through the love of Dog

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<div>	•	Improve mental and physical health

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<div>Our goal is to formally establish the Church of UpDog as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so supporters can soon enjoy the benefits associated with charitable giving while knowing their contributions are fueling meaningful, measurable impact.

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<div>The Church of UpDog already has its bylaws drafted and an independent board structure in place, with officer and director roles filled. To avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest, I will not serve in any decision-making role — ensuring transparency, accountability, and mission-first governance from day one.

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<div><strong>Why This Fundraiser Matters — and Why It’s Different</strong>

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<div>This GoFundMe campaign is the first step in a much larger expansion effort.

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<div>The long-term vision is to build and operate 15+ mobile dog gyms across Texas, representing an investment of approximately $975,000. This expansion is not meant to create dependency on donations — it’s meant to eliminate it.

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<div>Once operational, each mobile dog gym:

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<div>	•	Serves 30–60 household clients, dramatically improving dogs’ quality of life

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<div>	•	Generates consistent earned revenue through paid services

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<div>	•	Uses that revenue to continually support shelter and rescue dogs

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<div>In other words:

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<div>	•	Client revenue becomes the fuel that funds shelter impact

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<div>	•	Donor dollars help build the engine — not keep it running forever

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<div>	•	Monthly operating expenses are reduced by avoiding long-term debt (aside from van financing)

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<div>When all 15+ gyms are operating, the system becomes largely self-sustaining, allowing shelters to receive more ongoing support — for free.

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<div><strong>Where Expansion Fits In</strong>

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<div>Time spent at shelters also creates the perfect environment to train and mentor new coaches operating the other dog gyms.

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<div>If funds are raised to support the first five mobile dog gyms, that milestone would allow me to step away from full-time, day-to-day road operations — not away from the mission, but into a more impactful role.

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<div>From there, my time off the road would be used to:

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<div>	•	Support shelter dogs directly

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<div>	•	Train and support new coaches

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<div>	•	Guide continued expansion of RunBuddy Mobile

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<div>	•	Build the Church of UpDog into a sustainable, long-term force for good

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<div>This is how the work becomes bigger than one person, without losing its heart.

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<div>That’s the model.

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<div>That’s the goal.

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<div>That’s why this first fundraiser matters so much.

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<div><strong>Fundraising Goal</strong>

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<div>Raise $25,000

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<div>This initial campaign is about momentum and proof of belief.

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<div>Funds raised will help:

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<div>	•	Establish the Church of UpDog as a nonprofit entity

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<div>	•	Launch formal fundraising and outreach efforts

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<div>	•	Expand RunBuddy Mobile into additional Texas communities

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<div>	•	Cover early startup costs for additional mobile dog gyms

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<div>	•	Continue free or sponsored sessions for shelter and rescue dogs

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<div>	•	Demonstrate grassroots support to larger donors and sponsors

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<div>This campaign shows the movement already has a loyal base of supporters who believe in both the work and the long-term vision.

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<div><strong>Why This Matters Now</strong>

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<div>Over 60% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

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<div>Over 90% demonstrate at least one behavioral concern.

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<div>Shelters are overcrowded.

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<div>Rescues are stretched thin.

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<div>Too many dogs lack proper movement, stimulation, and fulfillment — not because people don’t care, but because resources are limited.

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<div>The Church of UpDog builds on:

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<div>	•	$35,000+ in free services already provided in Texas

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<div>	•	8+ years of shelter support in Arizona

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<div>	•	A proven, experience-driven model built to last

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<div>Your support helps transform proven impact into a scalable, nonprofit-backed, self-sustaining force for good across Texas.

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<div>How You Can Help

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<div>	•	Donate, if you’re able

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<div>	•	Share this page, even if you can’t donate

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<div>	•	Follow @RunBuddyAustin and @ChurchOfUpDog on Instagram to watch this foundation take shape

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<div>Every contribution builds momentum.

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<div>And momentum can make or break the execution of this mission.

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<div>With every fiber of my being, thank you for believing in Dog, community, and the idea that movement can change lives.

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<div>That’s what’s Updog,

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<div>Brandon 

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Help Change Shelter Dogs’ Lives with The Church of Updog ⛪️

My name is Joshua, and I am a dog trainer with K9 Optima. Recently, I was called to assess Spock, a wonderful dog at the Contra shelter who is currently on the euthanasia list. When I met Spock, I saw a gentle soul who deserves a second chance at life. Thankfully, I was able to connect with a rescue organization that is willing to take Spock in and give him the loving home he deserves. However, the only thing standing between Spock and safety is the cost of transporting him from the shelter to his rescue destination. 
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 The transport fee is $1,400, which covers Spock’s safe journey out of the shelter and into the care of the rescue. Without this urgent support, Spock’s time is running out, and he may not make it to his new home. I will personally withdraw the funds and ensure they go directly to the transporter, so every dollar raised will go straight to saving Spock’s life. 
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 I am asking for your help to give Spock a chance at a new beginning. Every donation, no matter the size, brings him closer to safety and a loving future. Please join me in supporting Spock’s transport and help us save his life. Your kindness and generosity can make all the difference for this deserving dog.

Help Save Spock: Urgent Transport to Rescue

Hi everyone, I just want to introduce you to Harley. Some of you may already know him. He’s a sweet Great Dane who’s been through a lot. After losing his mom (original owner) in February, he’s been out on the streets with his new owner (previous owner's son), who’s now unhoused and struggling. We took him to the vet today, and it turns out Harley’s situation is urgent. He needs a toe amputation due to a broken toe that split and became infected. I’ve already covered his first vet visit, antibiotics, and pain medication, and put him on a special diet to help him heal. The funds raised will go directly toward his surgery, prescription medication, food, follow-up appointments, and even temporary housing. My goal is to help Harley get back on his feet and thrive, while also supporting his owner and keeping their bond strong. If needed, I can foster Harley during his recovery, but I’m working with his owner to make sure they don’t have to be separated unless absolutely necessary. Your support means so much, If you can help, even a little, it would make a world of difference. Thank you for being part of this journey and for caring about Harley and his family.

Help Harley Heal and Stay With His Family

Oso, my sweet dog, has always been my loyal companion. Every day, he would greet me at the gate, tail wagging, ready to play ball or go for a walk in the park. Recently, Oso tried to jump a fence and, in the process, got hung up and broke his back leg. Now, he is in so much pain and can barely move. It breaks my heart to see him unable to do the things he loves, and our daily routines have changed so much. I miss seeing his happy face at the gate and taking him out for our walks together. 
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 Oso needs urgent medical attention and rehabilitation to help him heal and get back to his joyful self. The costs for his care are more than I can manage alone, and I want to do everything possible to give him the best chance at recovery. Your support will go directly toward his treatment and rehabilitation, helping Oso return to the life he loves. 
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 I would like to thank everyone in advance—whether you are able to help financially or simply send a prayer for my baby, it means the world to us. Oso is my heart, and I love him so very much. Any support you can offer is deeply appreciated.

Help Oso Heal and Walk Again

After losing our beloved dog Gideon to oral cancer, I saw an ad for Cupid on my newsfeed. He looked so much like Gideon that I couldn’t ignore it, and even a month later, Cupid was still at the shelter. I decided to foster him to give him a break from shelter life and a chance to find a loving home. A wonderful family saw his post a few weeks later and wanted to adopt him. They took him in and, after a week, brought him to the vet for a wellness visit and vaccines. That’s when we learned Cupid tested positive for stage 2 heartworms. 
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 The shelter is not planning to cover his care, and without treatment, Cupid will pass. The new family cannot afford the cost of treatment, and neither can we. It’s heartbreaking to think that after finally finding a family, Cupid’s life could be cut short simply because of the cost of care. The funds raised here will go directly toward Cupid’s heartworm treatment, giving him a real chance to live and experience the love he’s always deserved. 
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 We want to give Cupid the best chance of life that we can. He’s never known a real family, and we don’t want him to pass before knowing that deep love and connection. Any support you can offer will help us save Cupid and give him the future he deserves.

Help Save Cupid: Heartworm Treatment Fund

<div>We started fostering Forrest at 12 weeks old after both his legs were broken and he was left alone after being hit by a car. He had casts for 6 weeks while his bones healed. Unfortunately, both of his back legs have remaining issues which impact his mobility. <strong>One leg needs to be amputated and the other has a luxating patella which will require surgery before the worse leg can be amputated.</strong> He is a good candidate for surgery, but we are trying to raise some of the funds to cover his surgery and physical therapy costs so that we can get his legs fixed up and then find his forever home.
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<div>We’ll use the funds raised from this to pay for part of the surgery and physical therapy during his recovery to give him to best chance at having a fully healed knee that can support his weight when he becomes a tripod
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Ashley Mayle

Ashley Mayle

What they care about

Featured causes

Support Lindsay Perry's AML Treatment

Help Change Shelter Dogs’ Lives with The Church of Updog ⛪️

Help Save Spock: Urgent Transport to Rescue

Help Harley Heal and Stay With His Family

Help Oso Heal and Walk Again

About me