Sally
UPDATE 6/19: We are so sorry to share heartbreaking news with all of you that our sweet puppy Sally did not make it. We wish this was not the update we were sharing with you today. As you know, when Sally arrived at BARCS, she was in crisis and needed round-the-clock emergency care. With your generous donations and the urgent care from our Franky Fund ER partner, she began to regain her physical strength. But we quickly learned that her emotional wounds ran even deeper than the physical ones.
Despite everyone’s deepest hopes--and the tireless efforts of her care team--Sally was struggling in ways that made it hard for her to accept the care she urgently needed. Because her condition was so critical, she required frequent, hands-on medical treatment. But as time went on, Sally’s behavior became unpredictable and unsafe, putting the veterinary team she depended on at risk. When new issues developed, including complications with her heart, and she required even more intensive care, it was no longer possible to continue her treatment safely. Without that care, her suffering would return. With heavy hearts, the decision was made to let her go peacefully.
While we wish her outcome had been different, your support meant she was finally treated with love and gentleness--something she had been denied for far too long. Her story strengthens our commitment to building a world where no animal suffers the way she did.
All donations made toward Sally’s care will be used to help our other current emergency cases through the Franky Fund. If you have any questions about your gift or would like to discuss how it’s used, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
*****
FRANKY FUND: Early this morning, Baltimore City Animal Control officers received a call regarding a neglected dog being kept in a home. Upon their arrival, officers found a wire crate in the living room with an emaciated dog curled up in a puddle of her own urine. Sally, as we named her, was able to stand but was very weak. She was covered in sores, her fur was soaked in urine and feces, and there was no food or water accessible to her. The officers immediately removed her and transported her to BARCS for medical care.
Our veterinary team noted that Sally’s body condition is <1/9. Weighing only 16lbs, she is severely emaciated and dehydrated with muscle wasting. Her ribs, spine, and pelvic bones are fully visible beneath her skin, and her fur is stained and discolored. Sally also has open wounds on her legs, tail, and paw pads along with a mild heart murmur, most likely due to anemia and dehydration.
Our medical staff immediately placed her on antibiotics, treated her wounds, provided her with IV fluids, and started her on a refeeding schedule so that she can safely gain weight. She was then transported to one of our Franky Fund hospital partners for continued care, where she can be monitored around the clock. The biggest concern at this time is that her sodium level is dangerously high, due to water deprivation, and if it comes down too quickly with rehydration then her brain will swell. This has to be monitored very carefully and fluid rates are adjusted based on her lab results each time this level is rechecked. Once she is stable, we hope to place her in a foster home as she continues to recover in the coming weeks.
Sally has had a rough start to life to say the least–it is heartbreaking to see an innocent animal suffer terrible neglect. Though she is understandably nervous and confused, she has calmly accepted care from our team and welcomed gentle pets and head scritches. The team at the hospital noted how incredibly sweet Sally is and everyone there has already fallen in love with her. We have assured her that there is a brighter future ahead, one full of soft blankets, delicious cookies, and lots and lots of love. Now, we are asking for your help.
BARCS is seeking donations for Sally to our Franky Fund, which is a restricted fund that saves the lives of animals with extraordinary medical needs and emergencies. It is a lifeline for the injured, sick and abused animals in Baltimore City. We can only spend as much as we raise and it is separate from our General Fund. Here at BARCS, we meet 11,000-12,000 animals each year that need us. Many like Sally need specialized care before they are ready to find loving homes.
With your help, we can give innocent animals like Sally a second chance at life. If you have the ability to make a one-time gift, or even pledge to be a monthly donor to our Franky Fund program, you can help us care for more animals like Sally. 100% of your donation goes directly to medical care.
Donate now and give the gift of health and life. BARCS’ Franky Fund cares for nearly 900 animals each year with extraordinary medical needs. The costs to save their lives is outside of our annual budget, and so the Franky Fund relies completely on private donations. 100% of your gift today will help the animals listed below and others like them.
If you have more questions about the Franky Fund or donating, please email give@BARCS.org.
