Rescue Tails: Rio's Tail

As North Texas Giving Day approaches, we’re excited to share some incredible stories from NTASR’s journey. Since 2020, we’ve rescued and rehabilitated over 1,200 dogs. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Rio, one of our most remarkable rescue stories. His journey from crisis to a happy ending highlights the profound difference your support makes.

Rio’s TAIL of Transformation

Rio's Tail - Graphic

Rio’s Journey Begins

In March 2021, a 4-month-old puppy named Rio was found in dire condition. Rubber bands had been tightly wrapped around his tail, causing severe injury. His tail was swollen, dead, and barely hanging on, requiring urgent surgery to save his life. Rio was found with his brother Ryder. While Ryder was healthy and had his rubber bands removed without issue, Rio’s condition was critical.

The urgency of Rio’s situation couldn’t be overstated—without immediate surgery, he could have bled out and died. To make matters worse, Rio soon contracted PARVO, complicating his recovery. The total cost of his care was around $4,000. Thanks to the generous support from our community and dedicated volunteers, Rio received the life-saving treatment he needed.

Rio after Parvo

A Ripple Effect of Rescue

Shortly after the brothers came into rescue, we received a message from a supporter who was sure that they had one of Rio & Ryder’s siblings. From that one message, NTASR was able to contact the breeder to then remove their parents Sadie & Duke from a life of being bred for profit. What we didn’t know at the time was that Sadie would soon give birth to 12 puppies lovingly known as The Storm Litter.

Sadie and the Storm Litter

Sadie & The Storm Litter (12 puppies!)

Mavis

Ryder

A New Beginning

After three months with NTASR, Rio found his forever home in sunny California in May 2021. Affectionately known as the “million-dollar dog,” Rio has brought immense joy to his new family. He enjoys camping trips, road adventures, and playtime with his siblings, including his blood sibling rescued by his new family earlier. Rio is thriving and living the joyful life we always hoped for him. ❤️

Rio & Family

Rio

Rio & Brothers in California Home

Rio, Ryder, Sadie, Duke, Mavis and all 12 puppies from the Storm Litter also found their happy homes. Moreover, our connection with the breeder allowed us to help close down their breeding program, facilitating spaying and neutering for some of their dogs and rehoming 16 others. From Rio’s tragic beginning, NTASR has been able to save so many more dogs, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of every rescue.

As we approach North Texas Giving Day, your support is crucial in helping us continue our mission. The cost of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs like Rio underscores the importance of community involvement in our work. Your donations enable us to provide life-saving care and support for more animals in need.

Looking ahead to 2025, NTASR is committed to creating lasting change. We aim to advocate for stronger state legislation to prevent neglect and abuse, so that stories like Ryder's and Rio's become rare exceptions. Your support today will help turn this vision into reality, impacting generations of dogs to come.

Donate on North Texas Giving Day 9.19.24 or as early as September 1, and help us give every dog the chance they deserve.

In addition to donations, we're always in need of foster homes, especially for dogs who are deaf or visually impaired. Your involvement, whether through fostering or other forms of support, is crucial to our mission.

Thank you for following, supporting, sharing & adopting, not shopping!