Dogs who received medical care through Bessie’s Legacy
Bessie’s Friends
Bessie’s Legacy is Rain or Shine Rescue’s medical fund, created to support rescue dogs and cats in need of major medical intervention. These are Bessie’s Friends, animals who have directly benefitted from this special fund.
Exuma: little potato with a huge heart
Exuma was brutalized by humans who saw her as a cash cow. They bred her, used her as a bait dog, and cut off her ear flaps without veterinary supervision. As a result, her ear canals became chronically infected and her right eye partially paralyzed. We supported her through bilateral Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) surgeries and covered her medical care exceeding $4,000.
Through her ordeal, Exuma’s loving and gentle spirit never wavered. Though she’ll always carry physical scars from her past abuse, she still trusts humans with all her heart and loves unconditionally.
Dogs like Exuma are why Rain or Shine Rescue was created, and why we continue to focus on saving medically-needy dogs. They’re worth every penny and every ounce of care we pour into their rehabilitation, and they give so much back in return. Please make a tax-deductible gift today - every little bit makes a real difference!
Shades: shy girl dreaming of true love
At 10 years old, Shades never expected to lose the only home she knew, but that was what happened when her owners moved and dumped her at a Texas shelter. She was overweight, painfully arthritic, and seemed to have an unquenchable thirst. Once we took her into rescue, we discovered that she has Cushing’s disease - a hormonal condition that if left untreated, can progressively lead to life-threatening complications.
With medical management, Shades is feeling much better and her symptoms have been brought to heel. Diagnostic tests, continued monitoring and medications has brought Shades’ rescue cost to nearly $3,000 and will continue to rise.
If you’re able to donate, please consider giving to our medical fund Bessie’s Legacy to help us support good dogs like Shades and give them a new lease in life. Every donation makes a life changing impact and is tax deductible!
Tanuki: this is why we rescue
Imagine being discarded at the animal shelter after years of neglect, left with nothing but a careless note that says “The dog won’t walk or move anywhere.” That is what happened to Tanuki, a loyal 15-year-old family dog.
He came into rescue severely matted, riddled with heartworms, and debilitated by spondylosis and arthritis. We questioned whether we could save him and give him the quality of life he deserves. In the end, it was Bessie’s memory that made the decision for us - taking a chance on sick old dogs is the reason we rescue.
One by one we went down the list of Tanuki’s medical needs - first a thorough grooming to remove his matts, pain management for his orthopedic issues, and 3 months of intensive heartworm treatment. He faced it all with a kindness and dignity that touched everyone from his vet team to his foster parents.
We hope to raise $1,000 towards Tanuki’s medical bills and continue his rehabilitation. Please make a tax-deductible gift today and help us spread the word!