Zuko's journey to his forever home was a long and challenging one, marked by hardship and incredible resilience. His story began long before he arrived at Shelter From the Storm (SFTS). After being adopted out by APA Olivette, a shelter near St. Louis, Zuko was found as a stray in January 2025 in a truly deplorable state. He was emaciated, covered in scabs, and suffering from a severe, untreated hip injury likely caused by being hit by a car. It was clear he had endured significant trauma.

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A New Beginning at SFTS

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In February, Zuko was transferred to SFTS, and our team was eager to welcome him and provide the love and care he so desperately needed. His initial condition highlighted a past filled with pain and neglect, but we were determined to give him a fresh start.

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The Road to Recovery

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Upon his arrival, Zuko underwent extensive diagnostics to create a comprehensive care plan. Once he regained some strength, he underwent an orthopedic procedure called an FHO (femoral head ostectomy) to address his hip injury. This surgery was crucial in providing him significant relief and will help prevent future pain and arthritis.

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Zuko's recovery was a testament to the dedication of our incredible volunteers. For over a month after his surgery, he received four physical therapy sessions daily. These sessions were vital in helping him regain muscle mass, improve his range of motion, and reduce his pain. Thanks to their tireless efforts, Zuko now uses his leg confidently and reliably, as if his injury never even happened.

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A Community Effort

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Zuko's transformation truly highlights the power of collaboration, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Countless individuals contributed their talents and time to his recovery, and the love he received was more than matched by the affection he gave back to everyone at SFTS. While it was an emotional goodbye for our team, knowing Zuko was heading to a brighter future filled us with immense joy.

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Finding His Forever Home

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After years in and out of the shelter system, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that Zuko has been adopted by the most wonderful, loving family! Our adoptions team had a strong feeling about the perfect match after discussing the family's preferences. When they met Zuko, it was love at first sight – they were immediately smitten and didn't even want to meet any other dogs!

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Zuko's journey has been arduous, but we are confident that every challenge he faced led him to this incredible, forever home. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our supporters who made Zuko's miraculous recovery and adoption possible.

Lyla's Journey: From Urgent Intake to Peaceful Farewell

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Lyla, a frail 14-year-old cat, arrived at Shelter From the Storm in critical condition. Her owner, in hospice care, could no longer address Lyla's extensive medical needs, which had been neglected for months. Weighing only five pounds, Lyla was emaciated, covered in flea dirt, and matted. Her most urgent problem was a massive, painful abscess on her face, suspected to be from fractured teeth. The swelling was so severe that it prevented a full oral examination, and pus was even draining from her eye. Lyla was in immense discomfort, barely able to lift her head, her spirit visibly weary after weeks of inconsistent eating.

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Upon arrival, Shelter From the Storm's team immediately transported Lyla to their clinic, Wisconsin Community Veterinary Center. There, emergency care began swiftly. The veterinary team cleaned her infected face, started intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and administered pain relief. Blood samples were taken for analysis. The initial plan was to sedate her the following day to lance and drain the abscess, allowing for a thorough assessment and the development of a treatment plan.

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A Glimmer of Hope and Ongoing Challenges

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In the days following her intake, Lyla showed some promising signs. Her bloodwork came back better than expected, and the swelling in her face began to subside. However, the exact cause of the abscess remained elusive, as veterinarians were unable to locate teeth on the affected side of her mouth. Despite the initial improvements, Lyla was not stable enough for the necessary surgery to fully evaluate her condition and address the critical dental issues.

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Eating remained a significant struggle for Lyla. To provide her with much-needed nourishment and strength, a feeding tube was placed. She tolerated the tube feedings well, and the team hoped this would help her regain her appetite and improve her overall condition. Her prognosis remained guarded, but Lyla's personality began to emerge, and her strong spirit became evident. The team provided round-the-clock care, showering her with love and taking each day as it came.

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A Heartbreaking Diagnosis and Peaceful Goodbye

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Despite the dedicated efforts and outpouring of support, Lyla's condition began to decline. While the facial swelling had initially improved, it never fully resolved. More concerning were the neurological symptoms that started to appear: Lyla began obsessively circling in her kennel, appearing disoriented and distant.

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To understand the persistent facial mass, a biopsy was performed. The results confirmed the team's fears: Lyla was suffering from squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive and painful cancer. Given this devastating diagnosis and Lyla's rapidly deteriorating quality of life, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her.

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On her final afternoon, Lyla was surrounded by the people who had loved and cared for her during her time at the shelter. She passed peacefully, cradled in gentle hands, enveloped in warmth, compassion, and the love of the entire community that had rallied to support her. Her story, though brief at the shelter, touched many, offering her safety, dignity, and peace in her final days.

Squiggle's Journey to Finding His Forever Home

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Squiggle, an adorable puppy with a unique cleft palate, came into our care on the very day he was born. Unable to nurse naturally, he required immediate tube feeding to survive, along with dedicated around-the-clock puppy care. Despite his challenging start, Squiggle blossomed into a happy, loving, and truly special little guy.

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As he grew, we consulted with a canine dentist to assess his cleft palate. The dental specialists determined that it's best to wait for his adult teeth to fully emerge before pursuing surgical correction. This allows for natural growth and shifting in his mouth, ensuring the most effective and lasting repair. This means Squiggle will need ongoing care for several more months, culminating in an anticipated surgical repair by a specialist around six months of age—a significant but necessary expense.

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Currently, Squiggle is thriving in a loving foster home. He’s proven to be an absolute dream puppy! Squiggle gets along wonderfully with everyone he meets, including other dogs, children, and even cats.

Isa's Journey: From Broken Spirit to Forever Home

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Isa, a mere 4-month-old puppy, arrived at our rescue from MADACC with a deeply troubling injury. Her tiny face was streaked with crusted blood, and a painful swelling protruded beneath her right eye. Despite the obvious discomfort, her gentle and loving nature shone through, a testament to her resilient spirit.

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Upon examination, radiographs revealed a zygomatic arch fracture – a painful break in her cheekbone. This severe injury caused her significant pain and necessitated specialized care to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

 

Our veterinary team immediately put together a comprehensive treatment plan. This involved sedating Isa for a thorough evaluation, including detailed imaging to assess the full extent of the damage. We were prepared for the possibility of surgical correction, aiming to realign the fractured bone and stabilize it. Given the involvement of multiple teeth, dental intervention, including potential extractions, was also on the table. Regardless of whether surgery was performed, extensive post-assessment care, including pain management, antibiotics, and close monitoring, was crucial for her recovery.

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This complex situation meant Isa would require specialized care and potentially multiple procedures. We reached out to our compassionate community for support, asking for donations to cover her essential medical care, including specialized veterinary consultations, diagnostics, pain management, potential surgical intervention, and post-operative care. The response was overwhelming, with every donation, no matter the size, making a significant impact on Isa's recovery.

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A Remarkable Turnaround

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Weeks later, a remarkable update emerged. After close monitoring and a period of relaxation in a loving foster home, our medical team determined that Isa's facial fracture did not require surgical repair! This was incredible news, and it allowed her true personality to blossom. She completely came out of her shell, transforming from a terrified, injured puppy into a spunky, silly girl. She even stole the show at puppy yoga!

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated to Isa's care. Your generosity truly helped mend her broken smile and paved the way for her healthy future.

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Adopted!

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Isa was officially made available for adoption. It wasn't long before this sweet pup found her forever loving family. The family who gets to call Isa theirs is undoubtedly very lucky to have such a resilient, joyful, and affectionate companion. Isa's journey is a beautiful example of how community support and dedicated care can transform a life.

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Ahoy's journey at the shelter was one of remarkable resilience and triumph. This courageous little kitten arrived needing immediate care, undergoing eye enucleation shortly after her intake. Despite such a challenging start, Ahoy's spirit remained undimmed. Her name, inspired by the bold call of a sailor, perfectly encapsulated her adventurous and resilient nature.

As Ahoy healed, she blossomed. She spent her days exploring and playing, her curiosity leading her on many delightful adventures. And when playtime was over, this brave little girl transformed into a true cuddle bug, lavishing affection on her caregivers. Despite the hardship of losing her eye upon arrival, Ahoy was a constant source of joy and purrs, always ready to chase her favorite toys and share her comforting presence.

Thanks to her indomitable spirit and loving nature, Ahoy quickly captured the heart of her forever family and has since been adopted, where she is loved dearly.

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Nebula's Journey: From Injury to Loving Home

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Sweet Nebula's journey with us began when she arrived with a severely fractured leg and elbow. This was no ordinary break; it was a significant, untreated injury that made a full repair highly unlikely. Our medical team quickly determined that, to give her the best chance at a pain-free life and a speedy path to a forever home, amputation was the most compassionate option.

Initially, her surgery had to be postponed due to an upper respiratory infection, but Nebula, a true fighter, bounced back quickly. Despite the swelling and obvious discomfort she experienced, never bearing weight on her injured leg, her spirit remained unbroken.

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A New Chapter

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Nebula underwent her amputation surgery and has been healing wonderfully ever since! She's recovered beautifully, proving to everyone that she's a resilient and incredibly loving puppy. Throughout her entire ordeal, her tail has never stopped wagging, and she continues to be the cuddly companion we all adore.

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She received all the love and dedicated care she needed in her foster home, thanks to the incredible support of everyone who contributed to her journey. We are thrilled to share the most wonderful news: Nebula has found her forever loving family!

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Wong's Journey: A Brief Life, A Lasting Impact

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Wong, a sweet bulldog, arrived at our care on a Wednesday evening, a new addition filled with the promise of a brighter future. His stay, however, was tragically short and challenging.

 

What initially presented as a common upper respiratory infection rapidly escalated, leading to a critical health crisis.

Within days of his arrival, Wong's condition deteriorated significantly. He developed full-blown pneumonia and subsequently entered septic shock, a life-threatening complication. Despite intensive care at an emergency veterinary hospital, his prognosis remained guarded. Medical assessments revealed a severe systemic infection: his white blood cell count was critically low, liver values were elevated, and an ultrasound showed densely fluid-filled lungs. He exhibited no interest in food, and his abdomen was distended with fluid.

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The veterinary team faced difficult decisions, often having to choose between complex medical interventions, each with its own risks. For instance, considering a feeding tube to provide nutrition and drain abdominal fluid also meant potentially compromising his oxygen therapy and risking aspiration due to his inability to move. Wong remained hospitalized, receiving continuous intravenous fluids, blood pressure support, and antibiotics, all while on oxygen therapy under constant veterinary supervision.

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The financial burden of his extensive critical care quickly mounted, with initial estimates for just the first 12 hours ranging from $4,500 to $7,200. Recognizing the escalating costs and the need for prolonged hospitalization, our organization issued urgent appeals for donations, highlighting the dire need for community support to continue Wong's fight for survival.

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Despite every effort and the unwavering hope of his caregivers, Wong's condition proved insurmountable. The septic shock was too profound, and his body could not recover from the overwhelming infection. After careful consultation with the veterinary team, the heartbreaking decision was made to provide Wong with a humane euthanization, ensuring his final moments were peaceful and free from suffering.

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Wong's time with us was brief, but his story deeply impacted many. He represented the hundreds of animals our organization takes in each year, many of whom arrive in vulnerable states due to neglect or illness. Though his loss was deeply felt, his memory serves as a poignant reminder of the critical mission to continue fighting for the well-being and future of countless other animals.

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Rising from the Ashes: Stache's Story

 

Our journey with Stache began just before Christmas, when we welcomed a pregnant mama dog and her twelve puppies into our rescue. For those of us in animal rescue, there are certain cases that immediately capture our hearts, and Stache's family was one of them. 

 

A Devastating Turn

 

The joy and anticipation surrounding Stache's litter quickly turned to heartbreak. A little over a week after their arrival, the puppies suddenly became very sick, displaying severe respiratory distress, lethargy, and loss of appetite. We lost the first pup before we even fully grasped the severity of the situation. Despite countless emergency vet visits, every possible treatment, and thousands of dollars spent, there was nothing more we could do. We watched, helpless, as each puppy declined within hours. Tragically, only one puppy, a little girl we later named Viva, remained from the initial litter of twelve.

The pathology and lab work revealed a devastating truth: some of the puppies tested positive for Parvovirus, though thankfully, the surviving pups initially tested negative. We also found their lungs were filled with fluid, adding to the complexity of their illness. These unexpected medical emergencies led to mounting veterinary bills, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per puppy for hospitalization alone, on top of the care they received at our clinic. We desperately wanted to save them all, and the financial burden was immense.

 

Gratitude Amidst Grief

 

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who rallied around us during this challenging time: the volunteer who transported Stache, our dedicated caretakers, the foster parent who opened her home and endured such profound loss, the veterinarians who fought tirelessly to save the pups, and all of you, our loyal supporters. Your belief in our mission to save these animals, your donations, and your unwavering encouragement kept us going.

The privilege of rescue work often comes with frustration, disappointment, and deep sadness. Even when we do everything right, dreams can be shattered. However, it's precisely in these difficult moments that your support becomes most critical. We must dig deep and continue our work, because the number of animals needing our help grows every day. We will never stop fighting for dogs like Stache and her puppies. It was an honor to love them, to care for them, and to hold them as we said goodbye and freed them from their pain.

 

Viva: A Beacon of Hope

 

Amidst the sorrow, there was a glimmer of hope: Viva, the one surviving puppy. She truly was "the little puppy that could." Viva became a symbol of resilience and light during a very dark time for us. Thanks to her loving foster home, she thrived, gained strength and embraced the joys of puppyhood, learning from her strong mama, Stache. Viva completed all her medical treatments and then found her forever family. Her survival is a testament to the incredible generosity and support of our community—your donations and belief in our mission made it possible.

 

Finding Her Forever Home

 

After enduring so much, it was time for Stache to find a family of her own where she could finally relax and be spoiled. We brought her to local events, hoping her perfect match would find her. And finally, Stache, the brave mama who faced such unimaginable loss, found her forever family.

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