A family in Georgia were forced to surrender their critically injured dog on Monday after she was struck by a car. Tragically, the one-year-old dog’s family were unable to afford the cost of surgery needed to save her life, and with tears in their eyes and their hearts full of sadness and blame, Branca was signed over to the shelter. And then it became a matter of life or death. When Rescue Dogs Rock NYC was contacted by the shelter and asked to help, co-founder Stacey Silverstein immediately jumped into action:
“911… dog critically injured,” Stacey posted on the organization’s Facebook page with Branca’s photos and video. “Unfortunately, time has passed since this accident occurred so we are unsure if she can be saved. The shelter says her injuries are severe and internal in nature. We will do everything medically possible to save Branca’s life.”
And later that afternoon, ten-pound Branca was on her way to the organization’s emergency veterinarian where she has been treated for pain and stabilized. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC informed Pet Rescue Report they are currently in the process of arranging private transportation to bring Branca to New York City for surgery to repair her shattered pelvis which will require two plates on each side. The cost of surgery is expected to exceed $4,000, and it is hoped donations can be raised to help Branca have a second chance at life.
To donate, please click here or Pay pal: [email protected]. Checks can be mailed to RDR NYC , PO Box 101, New York, New York 10028.
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(Photos and video of Branca struck by a car, courtesy of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC)
View video here as Branca was on her way to an emergency veterinarian:
https://www.facebook.com/RescueDogsRockNyc/videos/1418063734941045/
Isn’t it sad the SURGICAL PROCEDURES for your pet has escalated to astronomical amounts, whereas the normal average income family can’t afford to provide medical care when and emergency intervention is a Life or Death situation in feeding your children, making your house mortgage, and car payment!!!! The poor injured animal, and often the children of their beloved are the REAL VICTIMS of a tragic loss of life… Thankfully Branca , that is an awesome looking little girl was given a second chance…. What a wonderful organization RDR NYC is ….
What I really wish is that the rescue would help with the vet bill and let the family have the dog back. Unlike the monster(s) who abuse and neglect their pets, or abandon them at kill shelters (or worse) just because “they don’t have time” or want to get a puppy, this family honestly cares about the dog. To me, KEEPING a furbaby with their loving family is the first priority, and if a rescue can help do that by helping with the vet, that’s what should be done. In the short time I had my own rescue, one of the happiest stories was being able to help a disabled couple who were losing their home with their little dog. We got Sammie his shots and groomed, and took care of him until the couple was able to find another place to live. The reaction of Sammie and his family when they were reunited was one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life.
I totally agree
penny you’re right. Because of the astronomical cost of surgeries it’s a tough call to some owners to surrender their pets. Even some organizations wouldn’t step in if you were to inquire. I actually had to use my credit cards to pay for an expensive vet bill. Did I regret it? No. However, it was a risk in case I needed to use my credit card for home emergencies or prescriptions. I wish vets could have a payment plan for those that need it.
This is why I got pet insurance on my babies anything can happen I lost my baby London because I couldn’t pay $8000.00 even though she probably wouldn’t last the night ,..don’t ever go to Med Vet
Yes insurance is good to a point, But most Veterinarians want the money paid at the time of the service and then you get reimbursed by the insurance. If you don’t have the money at the time, what do you do?
If it weren’t for Rescue Dogs Rock NYC Branca would be dead – I truly hope she is able to be saved – and she gets a safe loving home.
So heartbreaking! This is a prime example why a pet must ALWAYS be in the owners care and control! Thank God these owners loved thei fur baby enough to surrender her so she can get the care she needs. Praying for Branca
Why can’t the dog be given back to the family the he knows and loves to get well maybe another solution could be worked out
Thank you Rescue Dogs Rock for stepping in. Hope Branca makes a full recovery.
So Sad!!!! Thank You for helping this baby!!!! She deserves it.
They cannot afford vet care and they were so careless that their dog was hit by a car. The rescue will now pay thousands of dollars to save Bianca because of the owners stupidity. If they really loved her they would have kept her safe.
You don’t know the story how do you know they were not leash walking her and were hit from behind?! Accidents happen no one is as perfect as you seem to be…. instead of judging make a donation and pray you never make a mistake…. keyboard experts… everyone behind their keyboard has never made an error or had a mishap… unbelievable! IF it was even an accident caused by their mistake YOU DON’T have the full story…. Ps expert… it’s BRANCA
Without judging, dogs get loose, lost and hurt, not always in their control when children are around, running in and out of the house. Please don’t be so quick to judge!,,,,
For you if all else fails, blame the family. Sad for you
Heres a great idea. return her back to the original family and they can do charity work for the local shelter. in georgia and work off the tab, maybe fostering some dogs to free up beds for more rescue. why not?
RDRNYC has returned some dogs in the past, no strings attached. I just commented on that myself. But your idea is a good one. Never too much PR for these selfless angels of mercy. And what a way to free up space in the shelters.
Great idea!
It sounds reasonable, but, what about the vet bills? ellen I have a Go Fund Me page for people to donate money to help with rescues. Would you believe out of 350 friends on FB I only got 3 that donated. Collected only $120.00. Shared it several times. So sad that no one is that concerned about the plight of animals that need to be rescued, fostered or adopted. Many whom I thought were animal advocates. So sad.
Thank you Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, again you have stepped up to help,
If more People have Pet Insurance, It would Help.
It’s been my experience that most of these pet insurance plans will not help to cover expensive surgeries!
The ones I have seen however, you need to pay the bill up front and then be reimbursed. I would be hard put to come up with $4,000 at the drop of a hat, even if I were to be reimbursed.
If we can provide free medical care for those here illegally, the same should be provided for our pets when the financial expenses are to costly yet you love your dog dearly as did this family. Maybe something should have been done with a go fund me page. Still not too late to do if owners still would want their dog. How many of us just casually have $4000 lying around and trying to figure out how to spend it.