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.
🐾 Max – Low Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Max was found as a stray in the Atlanta, Georgia area in late November 2025. He was labeled “rescue only” by the shelter due to malnourishment and abrasions on his body. He was anemic and had a urinary tract infection. Max was transferred to an NR foster home in northern Virginia.
During Max’s neuter, he also had a mass removed from his right hip. The mass was found to be a low-grade soft tissue sarcoma, removed with very narrow margins. Soft tissue sarcomas have a high risk for local tissue invasion without wide and deep margins. Of additional concern with these tumors is the chance of disease spread regionally to lymph nodes and distantly to the lungs.
Even though Max’s tumor was low grade, to give him the best chance of a long, healthy life, he was seen by a veterinary oncologist. He had chest x-rays to ensure the cancer had not spread (it had not). This made Max a good candidate for another surgery to attempt to get wider margins and prevent recurrence. On April 3rd, Max had the second surgery in which all abnormal tissue was removed. The results of the biopsy came in on April 13th, and it showed no indication of remnant sarcoma, which is great news! Max is expected to do very well long-term with a low risk of local recurrence or metastasis.
If you can spare some change to help with Max’s surgery and related expenses, please click the “Donate” button below. Thank you so much!
If you prefer to send a check, mail it to New Rattitude, PO Box 91, DeWitt, MI 48820. Please be sure to write “Sponsor Max” in the note field of your check. THANK YOU!
Last updated: 05/18/2026
🐾 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. Please consider giving the gift of rescue by donating to Raya’s campaign! 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: 06/08/26
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: 06/01/2026