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Milagro Seniors.
The seniors here at Milagro are in poor physical condition when they come to us. Some are, quite literally, even at death's door. Our focus is to restore them to as best health as they can achieve, given what damage they've already suffered. Most of the damage cannot be entirely or easily repaired, but rather only treated to help give them some comfort. Still, we do all we can to offset their past misfortunes. Under the neglect, the injuries, the matted fur and open sores, the blindness, the organ failure, all of it, we still find little souls that hope for love and some kindness, and a powerful life force, the ability to still love in spite of all they've suffered. This is what compels us. Our seniors don't seem to mind that their little bodies aren't perfect anymore - they're very happy and at peace here at Milagro, knowing they've found a safe haven full of love and kindness.
God bless all these little lives that you've put in our care; and God, please be especially loving to those little souls who never do find help in this life...
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GENESIS. Precious 15yr old Genesis was picked up in the desert as a stray. She is on a special diet and supplements to support her liver which was damaged by tick fever and hepatitis. Genesis recently was diagnosed with vestibular disease (similar to Parkinson's in people) and is now on medication to treat those symptoms. She is learning to walk again with physical therapy. Please consider making a donation to ensure Genesis gets the follow-up care she needs relative to this diagnosis, as well as the supplements needed to support her damaged liver.
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OTIS. (07.26.08) Otis is an 86lb purebred American Bulldog - a gentle old giant that came from a domestic abuse home. He is safe and sound here at Milagro now and looking forward to some peaceful years in a loving and serene home environment. Even as age begins to show on his body, Otis is still a magnificent creature - inside and out. He's as sweet and lovable a dog as can be found. Milagro is interviewing to find a longterm guardian to care for Otis. If you want to be the lucky person to love this sweet soul, please let us know via the "Contact Us" link. |
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JOURNEY. Look at this face! Sweet little 14yr old Journey also was dumped in the desert by heartless owners. We're so happy to have found her in time. She suffers diminished hearing and significant vision loss. Her teeth were decayed beyond repair, so they all were pulled, and her hips are showing significant degeneration. Journey is on a senior diet tailored to the special needs of her age group. Her eye medications are roughly $60/month and eye specialist appointments average $600-700 annually. Please consider making a donation to ensure Journey continues getting the ongoing care she needs to protect her failing eyes. Journey had surgery on Monday, June 5, 2006, to remove a fast-moving growth above her right eye. Cost of the surgery and biopsy was $400.00. The biopsy came back positive for basil cell skin cancer. Please sponsor Journey with a donation to help us cover these costs.
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JOEY. Adorable little Joey was found as a stray. He is an 11yr old dollbaby, blind in his right eye, an apparent old injury from earlier in his life. Joey suffers bronchial asthma, struggles with his breathing, and his little heart is apparently enlarged. An ultrasound revealed a lesion inside Joey's little heart. Valley fever is the suspected culprit. UPDATE 07.11.06: Valley fever test results are negative. Joey will be on antibiotics for 6 weeks to resolve the lesion inside his heart, and will undergo another ultrasound to see if his condition has improved. UPDATE 09.02.06: A second ultrasound showed Joey's heart has greatly improved, and the doctor believes Joey's breathing struggles are primarily due to bronchial asthma. Joey is now on daily treatment for the asthma, and is responding magnificently well! Please consider donating toward little Joey's extensive medical bills.
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MISS KAYCEE. (07.03.07) Miss Kaycee is a 14yr old "tweeny" Doxie, rescued from the pound. Kaycee is very matronly and caring, loves people and animals, and takes a very active role in helping her Milagro guardian raise bottle-fed kittens. Kaycee suffered a partially ruptured disc when she was young, and although it has healed, she is losing function in her hindquarters as she ages. The vet says Kaycee's perfectly healthy in every other way and feels no pain from her back problems. However, she will soon be unable to walk at all, so Milagro is hoping to get her a doggie wheelchair. Please consider donating to help Milagro make that much-needed purchase for little Miss Kaycee so she can age gracefully and happily with us and continue helping to raise the foster kittens. |
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RUBY (07.26.08) This sweetheart of a pooch was picked up as a stray and found her way to Milagro. She's a gentle little frightened Corgi mix senior whose luck just improved dramatically. Ruby's temporary Milagro guardian is already head-over-heels in love with her. She has some of the pretty routine age-related issues, and we're making sure she gets the care she needs to make her comfortable so she can enjoy her twilight years. Milagro is interviewing to find a longterm guardian for Ruby. If you'd like to ask about Ruby, please reach us via the "Contact Us" link. |
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SONNIE. (11.21.07) Look at this face. Who could walk away from that? Sonnie was left at the Pima County Animal Shelter by his owner Thanksgiving week 2007. A very kind and caring couple, Amy and Derek, saw Sonnie and knew he didn't belong there, so they rescued him and cared for him till a permanent home could be found. Milagro was contacted, and we brought him to Phoenix to join the other seniors. Sonnie is 12yrs old and, in spite of his advanced age and an occasional epileptic seizure, he seems to be in very good health. We're managing the seizures well with medications. Sonnie has all the sweetness of the Labrador breed and is a wonderful addition to the Milagro family. Welcome, Sonnie. We're tickled to have you with us.
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MUFASA. Mufasa is a sweet butterball of a boy rescued by the Sheriff's Department from a breeder/hoarder. Mufasa's respiratory structure was severely compromised, likely due to inbreeding, so nasal re-section surgery was performed to open his breathing airway. He now enjoys breathing freely without struggling, and his energy level and capacity for play is substantially increased. Please consider making a donation to offset the cost of Mufasa's surgery (approx.$900).
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MADRIGAL. Madrigal is a loving treasure who also was rescued by the Sheriff's Department from a breeder/hoarder. Madrigal suffered an apparent head injury at some point in his life that undermined development of his left eye and alters his equilibrium. This balance deficit impacts certain of Madrigal's motor skills and sensory judgments, particularly jumping up, jumping down, turning quickly, following quick movements, being held - general kittie play. Madrigal's respiratory structure was severely compromised the same as Mufasa's, probably due to inbreeding, so nasal re-section surgery also was performed to open his breathing airway. He now enjoys breathing freely without struggling, and his energy level and capacity for play is substantially increased. Despite all the difficulties Madrigal lives with, he is a very happy, easygoing, loving little man. Please consider making a donation to offset the cost of Madrigal's surgery (approx.$900).
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PAULY (03.02.08) Little Pauly comes to Milagro by way of the Arizona Humane Society. AHS called us when Pauly was picked up as a stray. He's 12yrs old, has a collapsed trachea, a bad case of alopecia (hair loss possibly caused by faulty thyroid), a grade 4 heart murmur, and early stages of pulmonary and liver disease. Given such significant health problems, you'd think Pauly would be at death's door. But I guess he hasn't gotten the message. He's playful and happy and loving life! We've already fallen head over heels in love with him, and we'll make sure he's comfortable and loved and happy for whatever time he has left. He came into our home as tho he's always been part of the family. All the seniors - dogs and cats both - were immediately at ease with Pauly and Pauly with them. He is 100% sweetness in the cutest little package. |
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FRANKIE (07.28.08) This very handsome and debonair little man is Frankie, a 10yr old Boston Terrier whose family left him behind when they moved. Frankie has some health issues but isn't phased by them. Cataracts have stolen most of his vision, and he has a growth on his right shoulder that the vet said may be cancerous. Frankie is oblivious - he's playful and happy and spry anyway. Within an hour or two of arriving, he already had introduced himself to the other seniors and figured out his way around our home and yard without sight. We want very much to give Frankie all the care he needs, and it's going to be expensive. Please help Milagro build up our account so we can meet this challenge for him. Milagro is interviewing to find a longterm guardian for Frankie. If you'd like to be Frankie's friend and caregiver, please reach us via the "Contact Us" link. |
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BAILEY BOY. (07.21.06) Little Bailey Boy is an awesome little 11yr old Maltese. His previous owner was John, an elderly gentleman who was moving into a nursing home and couldn't take Bailey Boy with him. So John called the American Maltese Association in the hopes of finding little Bailey Boy a happy new home. The AMA knew just who to call - Milagro. Donna was already working closely with us here at Milagro, and she had been waiting to find a very special little friend of her own. And because Bailey Boy is oh so handsome and charming, Donna said yes to the adoption right away and she and Bailey Boy have been inseparable ever since. Bailey Boy recently was a featured participant in the 2006 AMA Rescue Parade in Phoenix, and his official parade photo will go to his old friend, John. Welcome, Bailey Boy.
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CHIFFON. This beautiful lovebug was retired from breeding because her hip structure was too shallow to deliver kittens, and she has a defective knee that slips out of socket, hindering normal movement and causing her pain. The hip likely will require surgery in the future to prevent degeneration. To top it all off, poor little Chiffon also has a small hole in her heart. Her veterinarian refers to Chiffon as a "genetic disaster." Poor little sweetheart. But beautiful Chiffon is welcome with us at Milagro, and she's a perfect match with all the other beloved misfits here. Please remember sweet Chiffon when you make a donation to Milagro.
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GINA LOLA. (07.04.06) Little Gina Lola came to Milagro blind in both eyes. In August 2006, surgery removed the right eye and replaced it with a prosthetic, and vision in the left eye was totally restored by removing the cataract. Gina Lola was now pain-free and could see her world again! Her sweet personality shone bright as she played and explored every wondrous new adventure! UPDATE April 2007: the optic nerve in Gina Lola's left eye died, and she is once again totally blind. This is a heartbreaking outcome for us. But Gina Lola is adjusting triumphantly, and we're very proud of her. UPDATE March 15, 2008: Gina Lola has developed glaucoma in her left eye and now it, too, must be removed. The costs of this little girl's surgeries, medications, pre-op and post-op care have been staggering, and Milagro is struggling to pay them. Please help us with a donation, and remember - your contribution is tax deductible. Thank you greatly for your kindness.
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PANDA. (06.01.08) This tiny bundle of joy is Panda, a senior Pomeranian who weighs only 5lbs and is having a very hard life. Her owners dumped her because her health is failing, and they didn't want to deal with it. When she needed them the most, they let her down. But that's why Milagro exists - to give these lost souls a safe haven full of love and all the care they need for their final days - to let them know their lives still matter. Panda has a collapsed trachea, but is not able to undergo corrective surgery because she also has a heart murmur. We'll make sure she's as comfortable and happy as possible. Please remember Panda in your prayers and with your gift to Milagro. |
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NEMO. (07.10.08) This little shining star is Nemo, a very entertaining Chihuahua/Beagle mix weighing only 6.5lbs. He comes to Milagro by way of the Humane Society after being picked up as a stray. Other than some fleas and ticks and being blind in his right eye, Nemo got a clean bill of health for a little old fellow his age, and he's now enjoying the good life with his new Milagro guardian and her resident Border Collie Dylan. We welcome you with open arms, little dude. |
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MAX. (11.22.07) Max joined Milagro on Thanksgiving Eve 2007. He came to us by way of the Arizona Humane Society, who contacted Milagro when Max was dropped off by his owner. Because of his senior age and his physical condition, Max was deemed not adoptable and would have been euthanized. But his Milagro foster is diligently bringing him back to good health and joyful living. Max is 12yrs old and thrilled with his new life. He had a nasty ear infection that's responding well to treatment, he loves his baths, and he double-loves his daily walks. We're truly happy to be giving this great little boy a new chance at a good life. We hope you'll remember Max and all the Milagro seniors in your prayers and with your donations. Many Thanks.
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BAILEY. (12.28.07) This tiny beauty is Bailey. She's 15 years old and has a level one heart murmur. She was turned in to the Arizona Humane Society by her owners in horrible condition - her entire body was matted down to the skin, causing her lots of pain. We shaved her completely and bathed her so she can feel fresh and beautiful again. Once all the matted fur was removed, we saw that little Bailey was very dehydrated, so we've been giving her sub-q fluids to make her comfortable. We're using all our best tricks to encourage her to eat, and she's coming back slowly. Because of Bailey's advanced age and the severe dehydration, we're watching her closely for kidney issues. Bailey's veterinary costs will be significant as we try to get her stabilized, so please think of this little one when you donate to Milagro. She's had a hard life, it seems, and we're doing our best to make what little she has left comfortable and happy. UPDATE Jan.18th: Bailey is already exploring the house and eating like a little horse. And she purrs . . . a lot. Yay! |
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ROSIE. (01.18.08) Rosie came to Milagro at the ripe little age of 14yrs. Isn't she exquisite - a velvet black beauty, and such a lady. It's obvious Rosie's been very well cared for and loved throughout her life. Sadly, tho, Rosie's owner has fallen on hard times and is no longer able to make a home for her family, so she had to make the heart-breaking decision to give Rosie up. She wanted to make sure Rosie went to a very special, safe place, and called Milagro. We're honored to have little Rosie with us, and we'll make sure she's happy and comfortable for the rest of her twilight years. Rosie suffers with skin allergies, and we're working to pinpoint the cause so we can get her some relief. Please think about contributing toward Rosie's veterinary costs. We're very grateful for your support. |
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SANTANA. (03.17.08) Little Santana came to Milagro today after her owner died and she ended up at the Arizona Humane Society. She's a senior with a grade 3/4 heart murmur, and no one wanted to adopt her, so AHS called Milagro, and we said yes! We're delighted to have Santana join us - all 4 pounds of her. She fits right in here at Milagro - the other seniors welcomed her with open hearts. If you would like to sponsor this little darling to help us give her the very best care and comfort for her remaining years, please send a donation to Milagro with Santana's name on the memo line.
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PAPA GUS. (04.18.08) Papa Gus came to Milagro by way of a lovely lady who had seen Gus wandering about her neighborhood and began feeding him. She was concerned about his future, however, when management required that the stray cats be removed. She knew Papa Gus was elderly, so she contacted Milagro. Once she was able to catch Papa Gus, she brought him to us, and he's now enjoying a wonderful new life here at Milagro. Milagro is searching for a permanent guardian to care for Papa Gus. Please fill out and submit the online Guardian Application, and we'll contact you right away about this wonderful opportunity. Thanks!
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ROCKY. (04.25.08) This itsy bitsy dollbaby is Rocky, a 13yr old Yorkie Poo that recently found himself sitting in a cell at the Humane Society. The good folks there called Milagro, and we went and picked him up. Rocky is now living blissfully with Milagro guardians Chris and Jeff and their furry brood. Welcome to Milagro, Rocky, we wish you all the best! |
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SHEBA. (04.27.08) How cute is this little one! Sheba is a 14yr old Miniature Schnauzer, partially blind, who just joined Milagro in a round-about way. She was originally Max's partner, the other senior Schnauzer at Milagro. Their owner had died last year, and they ended up together at the Humane Society. Max was rescued by Milagro, and Sheba was taken in by another rescuer. In an unfortunate turn of events last week, Sheba's rescuer had to give Sheba up. So she called Milagro, and now Sheba is happily back together with her old friend Max, at Milagro. We're tickled pink for such a happy ending for these two. |
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RANDY. (05.05.08) This last year has been busy for little Randy. He was rescued by a neighbor from a neglectful home. Now the neighbor who rescued him is moving to Hawaii, so Randy's on the move again. This time, tho, he got lucky - he found his way to Milagro. He'll have a peaceful, permanent home with us here for the rest of his senior years. Randy's a funny little man; and Suzanne, his Milagro guardian, is head-over-heels in love with him. He has some significant health issues that are being addressed to make sure he's comfortable and in the best health he can be at this stage of his life. Donations toward his care will be deeply appreciated.
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ASHLEIGH. (05.11.08) Ashleigh is a beautiful dilute Calico lady that was picked up by the Humane Society as a stray. She's about 12yrs old, elegant, well-mannered, and a peaceful little sweet soul. In the strangest and most chaotic of surroundings at the shelter, she just purred and relaxed in her kennel. Ashleigh is now resting happily in her new foster home with Abby and a houseful of other little rescued critters.
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IZZY. (05.16.08) Izzy is the coolest little old man. Hard to believe someone turned him in to the Humane Society. He had some pretty rotten teeth so we got a dental done right away; beyond that, Izzy's in great condition for his age, and has a happy energy level that makes him an awesome companion for his new Milagro family. We're tickled he's joined us and we'll make sure he's safe and happy here for the rest of his life. |
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DORY. (05.28.08) Precious Dory came to Milagro the same way many of our seniors do - by way of the Arizona Humane Society. Dory was abandoned by her owners and rescued by the neighbors, who brought her to the AHS. Dory has some health problems and was not adoptable, so AHS called Milagro. Dory is now enjoying her new life with the other seniors, and is happy as a clam. We named her after Dory in the movie "Nemo" because she has that same quirky personality - always happy and oblivious to the ills of the world. Dory was a mess when we got her - nasty infections in both ears and both eyes, grossly overweight because of a faulty thyroid, plus a neurologic deficit. Her motor skills are clumsy and awkward, and her little head bobbles about. She falls a lot because of the neurologic disorder, and since she's so overweight, it's hard for her to get up again. She's like a tiny bull in a china shop. We're working hard to get all these issues in check for her. In spite of all her physical challenges, Dory is full of joy and a sweet, sweet soul. We just love her to pieces and then some!
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JACKSON. (12.11.07) Jackson is an adorable little 11yr old Pekingese found wandering aimlessly in Mesa just before Christmas. When Jackson came to Milagro, he looked and acted like he'd been left to fend for himself alone most of his life. He was completely matted and didn't even know what a pet bed is. But lots of grooming and patience has solved those issues! Jackson is deaf. He also has limited vision, most likely from lack of care. We're hoping to save what little vision he has left, and we could sure use your help. The veterinary eye specialist can help, but the cost is steep. Please donate so we can give Jackson the care and comfort he deserves.
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ALBERT. (07.04.08) Meet Albert, a spunky little 10yr old Pomeranian who joined Milagro today. How fitting that his new life begins on Independence Day. Little Albert has some typical senior issues - bad teeth, heart murmur, hair loss. He also has some fear issues that tell us he may have been mistreated somewhere in his past. But he's safe and sound here at Milagro, and we'll make sure he enjoys a peaceful happy life with the other seniors. UPDATE (07.20.08): Albert is blossoming! His guardian, Abby, says he twirls and dances and sings and has cast away all memory of the past! You go, little guy! |
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MINNIE. (07.10.08) Beautiful Minnie is a 12yr old Min Pin, turned in to the Humane Society because her owner could no longer afford her medical care. Minnie has diabetes and needs insulin shots twice a day for the rest of her life, and an overall higher level of care. We welcome this lovely girl to Milagro, and we'll make sure her final days are full of love and comfort. UPDATE (07.11.08): Minnie died the day after joining us, of diabetic crisis. Her organs shut down, and there was nothing we could do to save her. Nonethless, even after only one day with us, Minnie is still a Milagro senior, and we acknowledge and embrace her as one of our own. Godspeed, sweet and precious gift. |
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SUGAR (08.11.08) Welcome Sweet Sugar! Darling little Sugar joined Milagro today after we rescued her from certain death. She was picked up by the Humane Society as a stray, and being a senior, she wasn't considered adoptable. Of course, here we are, waiting in the wings for just such a sweetheart. Sugar has ear infections and eye infections, and is pretty much an overall mess. But she's in the best of hands with her new Milagro guardian, and already knows what a lucky little girl she is to have this new chance for a happy healthy life. Please donate to help offset Sugar's veterinary costs and help us ensure this little soul gets everything she needs and deserves. |
"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."
~ Phillips Brooks
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