Tripawds are amazing and Smudge is especially awesome. Smudge and his people are founders of Smudgie’s Gifts, a fund to help financially distressed pawrents pay for urgent veterinary care. Smudge’s generous people, Ward and Cheri Wells recently told us about their work and we wanted you to know about it. The following guest blog post was submitted by Ward and Cheri.
Who’s Smudge?
When I held him in my hands he was just a small smudge. Inky black with tan brows, the beagle-shepherd mix burrowed his tiny nose into my shirt while the fleas continued to ravage his skin. His shabby old outdoor shelter, too rickety to be called a doghouse, lay nearby, void of his brothers and sisters already adopted. He was the last. The smallest. The runt of the litter, and he chose me.
Now, 13 years later and one leg lighter, Smudge is still my little boy. A bit whiter in the face but just as bright-eyed. A bit slower to rise from his bed, but just as excited to hear the clink of the treat canister. And now missing a leg, but still excited when the leash is taken off of the hook. He’s my boy, and he is an inspiration.
In April 2011, after two unsuccessful surgical attempts to repair a torn ligament in his knee due to an injury, Smudge’s right rear leg was amputated.
Much more traumatic to us than to him, he accepted his new “specially-abled” status immediately and adjusted better than any human would to the same circumstances.
I believe that the vet removed a few years of Smudge’s age along with the leg, because Smudge’s demeanor since the surgery is more puppy-like, more playful, more endearing (if that’s even possible).
Smudgie’s Gifts Helps Pets Get Needed Care
Smudgie’s Gifts, a fund available through LoveyLoaves Inc, is for animals like Smudge. These funds are available to pet owners and rescuers who are facing difficult veterinary costs due to their pets facing life threatening illness or injury. LoveyLoaves Inc is a pet advocacy and wellness non-profit organization based in East Orlando, FL.
In addition to Smudgie’s Gifts, LoveyLoaves has goals that include:
- educating the community about responsible pet ownership
- the benefits of spay/neuter
- the importance of microchipping
- and many other pet-related topics.
To learn more about Smudgie’s Gifts and LoveyLoaves, or to apply for funds please refer to our website. Eligibility requirements do apply, and due to the many requests we receive, unfortunately not everyone will be awarded funds.
Decisions are made based on many factors including urgency of need, financial need, and availability of funds.
Please Help Smudge Keep on Giving
If you are not personally in need of Smudgie’s Gifts, but know of an animal that would benefit or if you believe in this very important cause, please consider donating and making a difference.
Download this veterinary financial aid document for more financial assistance resources if you’re having trouble paying vet bills. Admin heard about LoveyLoaves on LinkedIn. If your are “In” be sure to join the Tripawds LinkedIn Group!
Announcements:
Hi Smudge, i lost my right hind leg the same way. Chased a rabbit and snapped my ACL ended up with an infection in my knee. Operations were unsuccessful because of the damage done to all my ligaments in my knee and I was now bone to bone. Now I am six weeks post my operation and doing well. Keep up your good work
Hi Angas! Yep, I know that story well… only I wish I could say that I was doing something exciting like chasing a rabbit or hunting down vermin, but I just twisted my leg by stepping in a hole.
I’m like a new dog, but I sometimes get a little worried walking on the tile floor. Luckily mama and poppy bought me some rug runners and now it’s good.
You keep up the good work too and good luck! Keep us posted on your progress… maybe let the rabbits run away from now on!
Thank you so much for spreading our cause!