Critical Care Unit

SmallDog Rescue is one of the few local rescue groups that takes in very ill and senior dogs. We believe these dogs, too, have a right to be rescued. Our hope is to make them as healthy as possible, then help them find their forever homes. Each individual dogs’ needs and costs are estimated based on quotes from the vets. If any procedure ends up costing less, then the monies raised go directly toward the next dog in need. All CCU donations are used to care for dogs listed on this page. You can also make a general donation to the CCU for future dogs in need, please see the bottom of the page.

Avalanche, commonly refereed to as Big Al or Alva, might not be a “Small Dog,” but that’s ok. We don’t mind! Avalanche was our first rescue dog of 2012. On January 2, a good samaritan found Alva on the side of the road. To them he looked like a dog struck by a car. They pulled over to check if he was alive, and he was breathing. The family scooped him up in their van (with their young children) and searched for the closest animal shelter. Somehow they were lead to Furkids’ front door. Our dog operations manager, Lauren, happened to be at the cat facility and opened the door. After seeing the terrible shape he was in, Avalanche was brought into our surgery room for examination by our veterinarian. At first we were unsure what was wrong with him. He didn’t have any cuts, bumps, bruises, or broken limbs. He wasn’t too dehydrated either and he was a healthy size. After a night of rest, fluids, and observation additional tests were run and we found out he had a potentially deadly virus attacking his intestines. We believe Alva must have never had vaccines and contracted the disease while on the streets. He must have collapsed just before the family found him. A few more hours and he mostly likely would not have survived. 

Since Avalanche needed 24/7 care, fluids, temperature checks, etc. our dog facility manager, Craig, took him home night after night. For almost a week Alva made the trip to and from Craig’s house getting a little better every day. We weren’t sure if he would pull through. He first began to walk, then lifting his head more, and then A TAIL WAG! We knew he was going to be ok. After round the clock care for a week Alva was ok! Since then he has blossomed into a normal sweet dog. At only 35-40 lbs he is a smaller pit bull and a big couch potato. He is getting neutered soon and then we will begin taking applications. 

It is dogs like Avalanche that make what we do worth the sleepless nights. His story is just one of many. Avalanche’s medical bills were a few hundred dollars, but we can always use more for emergencies like this.