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This is the story of the amazing sweet, adorable dog Thumper!
She was dumped at Shelton Animal Control. Nicole saw her post and showed me. We were immediately in love with her. With all the “I want her” comments, I assumed with all the interest we wouldn’t be needed but I called anyway to make sure. Not one of those 93 comments followed through. We were needed. We blew off the day and drove down to meet her. We didn’t have any fosters, so we got right to work blasting the word out that a foster was needed for her. Immediately, the perfect one appeared, and after a thorough check and a home visit meet and greet it was agreed this was a perfect situation for her. As soon as her mandatory stray hold was up, we went right back down there first thing in the morning to get her. The second we were outside, Thumper lit up. We actually wondered if she had ever been outside with how curious she was of the world. So we decided to take her for a small walk in the woods. She liked it but made it clear she’d rather be carried, so she was held in love and could see everything up higher. We had a vet appointment scheduled for her that afternoon. Getting her to eat was a challenge, and we hadn’t yet eaten breakfast, so we hit the drive thru. She scored a couple small pieces of plain cheeseburger. Cause, why not. It’s her Freedom Ride after all. After some sightseeing adventures, we went to the vet. She had bloodwork and an exam and a nail trim. She reeked, so we detoured home for a much needed bath. After that, we took her home to her foster and hung out there together for a while.
I’d never seen such happiness when we pulled up and the door flew open she was so excited to meet her. I don’t think Thumper would have been finding another home. It was true love right at the start. She loved watching tv, and would follow her foster mom everywhere around the house. She loved snuggling up with her every morning over coffee. She had the cutest little tippy toe prance. She loved looking at herself in the mirror and watching Nancy make her homemade food every day. She looked watching out her big picture window and sunbathing in her favorite sunspot. Nancy immediately bought her a wardrobe of very comfy sweaters that she loved. We named her Thumper because when she peed she raised up one back leg and that was so adorable. She loved snuggly blankets and had more than her share of those and beds. She never barked and we were hoping to hear her voice someday. She also never cried so we had hope. There was a lot of driving back over there trying different foods trying to find what she’d eat. It turns out she had kidney disease. Had the previous “family” turned over her records we could have known that and treated her faster. At this point we were waiting for her bloodwork results. Nancy was cooking homecooked meals for her. She went out of her way for our little one. Every day communication was so great to see Thumper so loved and happy! On Saturday during an event our worlds went upside down.
It’s now Labor Day weekend at noon with our vet only open until 1. That was impossible. So we began looking up emergency vets and asking everyone where to go with her. The answer was New Hampshire. There’s a real problem here with vet care that I’ll be advocating about. It was so clear at this point she had kidney disease. We begged if anyone had any for her fast. We were overwhelmed with so many who immediately responded to help. One of our partner rescues checked every single can she had to see without luck. 3 locals stepped right up and told us to come get it. We flew straight there and grabbed them fast with a stop at home then on to pick her up and head to New Hampshire. She was supposed to stay for a few days then go right to our vet when they opened on Tuesday. But Sunday morning after a one hour nap of being home that vet woke us up with a call to put her down. No that is unacceptable when we got there, I firmly told them that is not up for discussion and failure is not an option. We quickly loaded up and piled the dogs in and took off back to New Hampshire to go get her. She was clearly in rougher shape than when we had dropped her off the night before and to say I’m angry is an understatement. We work the best and expect the rest of our team no matter what the role to be exceptional also. This did not cut it.
That vet had failed her. We made it clear she needed to eat and to get a feeding tube in her which they did not do. We’re well aware that McDonald’s is not the answer for anyone. However if she was gonna eat anything that was the answer so we hightailed it right to the closest one. Nothing. Not even russling the wrapper for any reaction.
What did work was Nicole watering down her kidney food and slowly syringing it on her tongue. The girls did this over and over about every hour. Slowly she was getting food in her and we were seeing her improve. I truly had hope at this point.
We noticed that Maine was only 12 miles from where we were and Thumper thoroughly enjoyed nature so of course we drove up for an afternoon adventure. She loves the water so we found 3 parks for brief stops before heading home. The entire time both of us along with all the other dogs taking care of her along the way. She was showing signs of alertness and improvement. I promised her as soon as she got better we’d all go back to Maine on a real vacation. Not one that was rushed.
I truly believed that would happen.
We all fought so hard for her past the point of exhaustion believing we could save her. Had we known her medical we probably could have. Shame on those who dumped her. From the second we met Thumper she had real love from all of us. ALL of us. Including you reading this. It took all of us to join together for this sweet sweet girl. Though she didn’t have much time to enjoy her dream life that she should have had all along she did have it the second we drove off with her. We woke up to her foster telling us she didn’t make it. Our rescues usually do since we go above and beyond to ensure they get everything they need and more.
So I had to find a crematorium. A challenge to find one open with great reviews. We chose Aquamation for our girl who loves the water. It’s a natural water based option. We are very heartbroken. Thumper was the sweetest most special girl and we wish we could have met her sooner so we had a chance to save her.
We saved a dying dog and we tried so hard. She died on her own surrounded by love.
We love you so much, sweet Thumper! Your life mattered!
Queso has been very busy meeting new friends and hosting special events! He was even on TV! What he needs now is surgery for his liver shunt. If you check our EVENT page, you will see upcoming events and fun!
If you would like to donate directly to his vet, here is the information.
Tufts University
Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Mention Case #622776 Queso is under
Cubby's Crusade/Queso Paige
(508)839-5395
Queso PupDates!
Queso continues to grow stronger and more independent every day! His playful personality is shining brighter, his favorite things are being tucked in and snuggled up at bedtime, or laying in the sun.
While Queso patiently waits for his surgery, he continues to thrive thanks to the love and support of our incredible community. Every donation and every share brings him one step closer to the care he needs.
Please consider making a donation or sharing Queso's story with your family and friends. Your kindness gives him hope for a healthier, happier future.
Thank you for being part of Queso's journey—we couldn't do it without you!
QUESO PUPDATE:
Queso had his neck surgery on December 31st, and it was a success — made possible because of you. He spent six days healing under the attentive care of his neurologist and is now continuing his recovery at home with physical therapy to rebuild his strength.
As you can see in the video, Queso is already starting to stand and take a few steps on his own (with us right beside him, of course). He’s trying so hard and getting stronger every day. In a couple of days, he’ll return to the vet for follow-up blood work to ensure his medications aren’t affecting his organs.
Queso has also been thoroughly enjoying his “luxury crate rest,” so we’re gently working on helping him regain a bit of independence — like transitioning from hand-feeding back to eating on his own. We are working toward raising funds for his liver shunt surgery.
PUPDATE for Queso!
We’re excited to share a little more about Queso’s progress as we prepare for his big surgery day. The plan is to schedule his procedure for early January, we are getting close to raising the funds for his first step.
This week will be his final bandage change, and we’re secretly hoping it gets a festive Santa theme! His current bandage has the cutest Christmas tree with presents underneath. Queso is incredibly loved by his veterinary team—they always surprise us with creative cast decorations.
Next week, his bandage will come off, and he’ll begin wearing a Balto Collar while continuing his physical therapy to get as strong as possible before surgery.
Queso’s neurologist is currently in Germany for classes, and we want to ensure he is present during Queso’s procedure. With the holidays approaching and many staff away, early January is the perfect time for his surgery.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone supporting Queso and sharing his story. A special thank you to his amazing medical team and to all who have donated items, contributed to his fundraiser, and to the stores allowing us to set up tables.
Please visit Queso’s GoFundMe for more updates, pictures, and to see his adventures!
Cubby’s Crusade, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 national animal rescue. Founded in March of 2019, we are dedicated to saving homeless, abandoned and neglected animals; then nurturing, rehabilitating and emotionally reviving those animals. We strive to place all of our rescued animals with loving families, following a comprehensive adoption process. All of our intakes are spayed/neutered and receive all appropriate veterinary care before going to their permanent homes. We assist animals in need without regard to age, breed or ease of placement, to the extent our finances allow. Our rescue remains interested in, and committed to, the welfare of the animal beyond the adoption process.
WAYS TO HELP OUR CAUSE
VOLUNTEER
Make A True Change
This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We are a 100% Volunteer based Rescue and in order to do we need animal lovers just like yourself to open your house to a foster dog in need or donate your time to help at events, with administrative duties, as well as transport to and from vet visits etc. These are just some of the many ways of contributing to the life changing work we do here at Cubby's Crusade.
Contact us now to learn more.
MAKE A DONATION
Want to help our cause but not sure where to start?
Make a Donation and take advantage of this life changing opportunity to lend your support for the many abandoned and forgotten dogs and cats in need. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause and every little bit counts towards helping change these animals lives. Cubby's Crusade is a 100% Volunteer based rescue so this means that 100% of our donations are used to care for and vet the dogs and cats we save.
"The sadness I feel looking in to the cages is nothing compared to how it must feel looking out."
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Kiwi’s Big Adventure
CONTACT CUBBY'S CRUSADE
Get in touch with Cubby's Crusade to learn more about our work and how you to can get involved.
P.O. Box 491
Colchester, CT 06415
