Doberman Collapsed on a Pile of Leaves. 💔❤️‍🩹❤️

When Jocelyn Madrid texted me about a beautiful fawn Doberman in need of help, I immediately asked for the location and headed out. She wanted to know if she should offer the dog some food, but I asked her not to. I had been told the dog was probably injured, and my biggest concern was keeping Jocelyn safe and preventing a bite if the frightened dog reacted unpredictably.

The moment I saw Penny, I could tell she had a gentle soul and that I was safe. Even so, approaching an injured dog always requires caution. Whenever possible, I like to secure a dog before making contact, not only because of the possibility of aggression, but because fear can cause a dog to panic and run away.

My gentle snare acts as an extension of my arm, allowing me to safely secure a dog from about six feet away. It gives both the dog and me a little extra space, helping to keep the rescue calm and controlled.

As I reflect on the past 18 years of Hope For Paws, I often think back to how it all began. It started with a wooden broomstick and a computer cable that helped me create my very first snare. In some ways, a rigid catch pole offers more protection because it creates a physical barrier and can prevent a frightened dog from charging toward a rescuer, but over the years, we've learned to trust our instincts and read each situation carefully.

We still carry a traditional catch pole in the car for everyone's safety, but if you've watched many of our more than 1,000 rescue videos, you've probably noticed how rarely we need to use it. Most of the time, patience, kindness, and a cheeseburger are the tools that make all the difference.
 

The Medical Journey

Once the excitement of being safe began to fade, the reality of Penny's condition started to surface. For the first time in a long time, she could finally slow down, and that's when it became clear just how much pain she had been carrying.

We took X-rays, and the findings immediately raised concern. The veterinarian feared the worst and mentioned the possibility of cancer. Hearing that was heartbreaking. After consulting with a surgeon, they recommended a CT scan so we could get a clear and accurate diagnosis.

Then came the news we had all been hoping for.

No cancer.

The diagnosis was elbow dysplasia that had progressed to osteoarthritis. While it wasn't the outcome we had dreamed of, it was something we could understand, manage, and help her live with comfortably.

Unfortunately, there is no surgery that can fully correct her condition, but there is an effective treatment to control the pain and inflammation. We were referred to a specialist who introduced us to Synovetin OA, an annual injection administered directly into the affected joint. The treatment helps reduce the inflammatory processes that cause arthritis pain and can provide significant relief.

Penny will need annual bloodwork and X-rays before each treatment, but compared to what we feared at the beginning, this felt like a tremendous gift. Knowing that her condition can be managed with a simple yearly procedure brought an enormous sense of relief. Most importantly, it means Penny can focus on what she deserves most: enjoying her life, feeling comfortable, and finally leaving her painful past behind.
 

I don't even want to think about what would have happened to all these animals without our supporters.

Every day, animals arrive at CARES in need of help. Some can walk through the door, and some are carried. Most don't have a rescue video or a story shared online, but their lives matter just as much. Their health, their comfort, and their chance to experience love and safety all depend on the generosity of compassionate people like you.

Today, as we celebrate the 18th anniversary of Hope For Paws, I'm excited to share that a group of longtime supporters has offered to match every donation up to $60,000. That means your gift today will be doubled, helping us unlock $120,000 for animals who need us now.
 

Tomorrow (totally by chance) is my 51st birthday, and it amazes me to realize that Hope For Paws has been part of more than 35% of my life. I've been helping animals all my life, but eighteen years ago, I set up a small organization so I could do more, but I never imagined so many lives would be touched along the way. Looking back, what fills me with the most gratitude is knowing that every rescue, every recovery, and every happy ending was made possible by people like you who chose to care.

There is nothing I would love more than to continue saving lives and creating second chances for years to come, and I hope you'll continue being part of the team that makes it all possible.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for standing with us through every rescue, every challenge, and every triumph.

Last but not least, Penny is now looking for a loving forever home. She is fostered by our friends at LA Animal Rescue. She loves other dogs, and she is so sweet, funny, and gentle. To adopt her, please visit their website.

Eldad