Zuma
UPDATE 2/16: We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Zuma did not make it.
When we reached out on Friday with an urgent plea for his medical care, we knew he was fighting a critical battle. After spending the previous night at the emergency hospital, he was stable enough to return to the shelter that day. We were hopeful. But on Sunday, sweet Zuma took a devastating turn and had to be rushed back to the ER.
Our Franky Fund partner veterinarians did everything they could. He received a blood transfusion, plasma, and round-the-clock critical care. Despite their tireless efforts, Zuma’s tiny, fragile body was simply too weak. Severe, prolonged malnutrition had already taken so much from him, and he became septic. There were also suspected neurological complications from the neglect he had endured for far too long.
Together with our BARCS veterinarians and the Franky Fund team, we made the most compassionate decision to let Zuma pass peacefully this afternoon and end his suffering.
Zuma’s life was far too short. But because of you, it was filled with love.
In just four days, thousands of people rallied behind one dog–to show that his life, and every life, matters. You gave him comfort. You gave him dignity. You gave him warmth, gentle hands, and the sound of voices cheering him on. Though we ache wishing he could have known that kind of love sooner, we find solace in knowing that he did not leave this world alone, afraid, or forgotten. He left surrounded by compassion.
Your donations made it possible to try—truly try—to save him. They ensured he received every available treatment and every chance. And while the outcome is not what any of us hoped for, your generosity means his suffering was not ignored. His life mattered. He mattered.
All funds raised in Zuma’s honor will go on to help the next emergency case who needs us—because that is how we carry his light forward.
Thank you for standing with Zuma. For loving him. For grieving with us.
You will always be part of our family, sweet boy. ❤️
FRANKY FUND: Yesterday afternoon, Baltimore City Animal Control officers responded to a call about a neglected dog at an apartment building—they were heartbroken by what they found inside.
It was clear the dog had been without care for quite some time. The living room was covered with urine and feces. In the middle of the room sat a couch without cushions—and on top lay a dog so painfully thin he could not even lift his head. There was no food. No water. No comfort. When an officer gently picked him up, his head fell limply over the officer’s arm. Zuma, as we named him, was immediately transported to BARCS for medical care.
At BARCS, our veterinary team determined he was just a 1/9 on the Body Condition Scale. Every rib, every bone in his spine, and even the shape of his skull was visible beneath his fragile skin. Zuma was severely emaciated, hypothermic, dehydrated, and anemic. He could not stand nor walk on his own; his body was shutting down.
Our team immediately began fluids, heat support, and a carefully controlled refeeding plan. But his condition was so critical that we rushed him to our Franky Fund partner emergency hospital for round-the-clock monitoring, unsure if he would survive the night.
Today, Zuma is stable, and we are cautiously hopeful for his future. He can now stand with support and take a few small steps. It may not sound like much, but for a dog who couldn’t lift his head yesterday, it is everything.
Through it all, Zuma has been a sweet and gentle patient. Despite the neglect he endured, Zuma looks up at his caregivers with soft, adoring eyes, as if he understands that he is finally safe.
We have made Zuma a promise: the rest of his life will not look like his past. Though his movements need to be limited now, we can’t wait for him to heal and be able to run and play like a 2-year-old dog should.
BARCS is seeking donations for Zuma 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 meet 12,000 homeless animals each year who need help. Many arrive broken, injured, or neglected. We can only provide this level of care if the Franky Fund has the resources to say “yes” when their lives depend on it.
Together, we can give Zuma the second chance he deserves. Together, we can turn his story from one of abandonment into one of hope.
If you're able to help, please consider making a donation. 100% of your donation goes directly to medical care.
Donate now and give the gift of health and life. BARCS’ Franky Fund cares for hundreds of 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.
