Our Sick and Injured Dogs
Some of the dogs we rescue have severe illnesses or other serious medical issues that are much more costly than the money brought in by adoption fees. To help nurse these dogs through their medical needs so that they can eventually become healthy and
NOTE: In the event that donation amounts are raised in excess of the required vetting for any particular clinic dog, the overage will be used to assist other current or future New Rattitude clinic dogs. All clinic funds stay within the clinic specifically for dogs with special financial health needs.
🐾 Meet Raya — a tiny warrior with a heart as brave as her name.
When Raya entered New Rattitude’s foster care in February 2025, she was frightened and carrying the weight of a past we may never fully understand. The scars along her head and side are signs that she may have endured unthinkable trauma. The truth is lost to time. What we do know is that Raya never stopped fighting to survive.
What seemed like a simple path to adoption quickly became a complex medical journey. A benign tumor was removed during her spay, but soon after, Raya began experiencing severe pain when trying to relieve herself. Months of tests, specialists, medications, and diet changes brought no answers — and no relief.
Then Raya’s mobility worsened. Her bowed hind legs led to a diagnosis of advanced luxating patellas in both knees, leaving surgery as her only hope for a pain-free life.
On November 17, Raya underwent double knee surgery. Recovery was tough, but her spirit stayed strong. Within days she was walking again — and, miraculously, the painful symptoms she’d lived with for months disappeared. For the first time in a long time, Raya is comfortable and hopeful.
To give Raya this chance for a better future, New Rattitude has already spent over $4,800 on diagnostics, treatments, and surgery. This year’s Holiday Donation Drive is dedicated to covering these expenses. Please consider giving the gift of rescue this holiday season! Thank you for opening your heart.
If you prefer to send a check, mail it to New Rattitude, PO Box 91, DeWitt, MI 48820. Please be sure to write “Sponsor Raya” in the note field of your check. THANK YOU!
Last updated: 12/02/25
🐾 Help Beetle’s Smile Shine Again!
When Beetle was rescued from a high-kill shelter in California this October, it was clear that something was wrong with his jaw. His crooked little grin told the story, but we had no idea just how much pain he’d been in. X-rays revealed an old, oversized metal plate in his jaw—one that had clearly been causing him trouble for a long time.
On Nov 17, specialists removed the plate and 21 damaged teeth. There was no way to repair his jaw, but with time, his soft tissue will heal—and he’s already feeling AMAZING. Beetle is finally playful, happy, and pain-free for the first time in ages.
We’re thrilled to report that Beetle is recovering like a champ. He’s more energetic, tail-wagging, and playful than we’ve seen since he first came into our care! No more hiding under the blankets—he’s bounding around, full of joy and life. It’s clear that the pain that had been bothering him for so long is finally gone, and he’s feeling like a new dog!
However, Beetle’s surgery came at a hefty price—$4,816 in total. We’re asking for your help to cover some of this cost. Your donations, no matter the size, will make a huge difference in giving Beetle the chance to live his best life, pain-free.
Please consider contributing to Beetle’s recovery fund. Every little bit helps, and Beetle is so grateful for your support. Thank you for helping this sweet boy shine again!
If you prefer to send a check, mail it to New Rattitude, PO Box 91, DeWitt, MI 48820. Please be sure to write “Sponsor Beetle” in the note field of your check.
THANK YOU!
Last updated: 12/01/25
🐾 Meet Lil Beau — the little fighter from Louisiana!
In July, 9-year-old Lil Beau was rescued by New Rattitude from a shelter near Baton Rouge.
It was his third time there after being neglected and allowed to roam. This time, his owners never came back — and that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. 💔➡️💖
Since rescue, Beau’s faced so many challenges — but he’s fought through every one of them like a champ! 🐶💪
🦷 Every single one of his teeth was abscessed and had to be removed.
💔 X-rays showed old, healed fractures — even in his spine.
💊 His liver enzymes were dangerously high (but improving now!).
💧 He battled a bladder infection from kidney crystals — and he’s almost clear!
❤️🩹 And he still needs to be treated for heartworms over the next few months.
Through it all, Beau is safe and loved in his foster home and learning what it means to be pain-free.
Lil Beau’s medical bills have been extensive, even with rescue discounts. If you can spare some change to help with Lil Beau’s expenses, please click the “Donate” button below. Thank you so much! — every bit helps this brave boy continue to heal.
If you prefer to send a check, mail it to New Rattitude, PO Box 91, DeWitt, MI 48820. Please be sure to write “Sponsor Lil Beau” in the note field of your check.
THANK YOU!
Last updated: 11/20/25
Millie – Bronchial Pneumonia
Millie Update (11/1/25): Millie recently had a bronchoscopy that showed lung inflammation but no specific cause; several conditions, including cancer and fungal infection, were ruled out. A bacterial infection was found and is being treated with a new antibiotic, while her heartworm disease may also be contributing. She’ll continue antibiotics and steroids, then begin heartworm treatment once her coughing improves—thank you to everyone who’s helped support her $8,700 (and counting) medical care.
On July 22nd, Millie was rescued from a North Carolina animal shelter. Millie is heartworm positive, but her more immediate health issue was bronchial pneumonia. She wouldn’t eat much, had a fever, was lethargic, and her breathing was labored. After a few days on antibiotics, Millie’s condition worsened. On Saturday, July 26th, she had to be hospitalized. She had fluid on her lungs and her oxygen levels were very low. Millie had to be put in an oxygen tank and receive injectable meds.
Every day the ER hospital has called with an update on Millie, who started out in “pretty poor shape.” The reports started with “hopeful, but we will just have to see how she responds” to “stable but not yet ready to be weaned from oxygen” to “slow improvements.” After a few days, they began to wean her off oxygen, but Millie struggled a bit to breathe and had to remain in the oxygen tank. Finally, on July 29th we received good reports! Millie still needed oxygen supplementation but seemed more comfortable. By Tuesday evening, we heard, “Millie has had a really good day today”! She has been coughing a lot which is clearing her lungs, and she is breathing better as a result. Millie was discharged on July 30th. As the ER doctor said, “Slow and steady is winning this race, thankfully”!
Millie’s final invoice (after a rescue discount was applied) was $4,974.88. Donations to help with Millie’s lifesaving expenses are not expected but are welcomed. If you wish to contribute, please click the “Donate” button below.
If you prefer to send a check, mail it to New Rattitude, PO Box 91, DeWitt, MI 48820. Please be sure to write “Sponsor Millie” in the note field of your check.
THANK YOU!
Last updated: 11/20/25