“He Never Lost His Spirit” – Reynolds’ Happy Tail

By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –

Ranging in age from 12 to 18, senior pets Callie, Oakley, Mr. Big, Lucky B, Daffodil, Dillard, and Luna kept Alissa and her husband’s hands full, but their hearts still had more love to give. The sweet boy they took a chance on would forever change their family.

“My husband and I provide a loving home for dogs and cats in need of hospice for terminal illnesses, or that are otherwise unadoptable from our local animal rescue. Reynolds represents exactly why I volunteer in animal rescue. We take in animals others might overlook, and we fight for them.”

Reynolds was unquestionably the baby of the family at 5 years old, but he had already lived a long, difficult life. Someone had cruelly left him for dead, not knowing how strong his will to live was. Being rescued was the first act of kindness he’d known, and years later it seemed his gratitude had never left.

“Reynolds is incredibly special to our family. When he was first found four years ago, he was unable to walk due to having been shot. The bullet lodged in his spine left him permanently paralyzed in his hind legs. He would drag himself across roads just to survive. Most dogs would not have made it, but Reynolds did, and he never lost his spirit. Reynolds has thrived and has lived a happy, active life. He has become a symbol of resilience and second chances for us. Despite his paralysis, he is happy, social, and full of life. He brings joy and a smile to everyone who is blessed enough to meet him.”

Even though every day Reynolds was a part of Alissa’s family was a good day, he suffered serious complications from his paralysis. When a life-threatening infection began in one of his hind legs and risked spreading throughout his body, the leg was amputated. The chances were high that the same infection would develop in his other paralyzed leg, and affording a second amputation surgery would not be so easy for Alissa and her husband.

“Seeing him now facing a life-threatening infection after everything he has already overcome is heartbreaking, but we are determined to give him the care he deserves. Geriatric care is expensive for our little misfit family, but we make sure nobody goes without anything they need. Helping Reynolds means preserving a life that has already beaten the odds and ensuring he can continue to live comfortably, safely, and surrounded by people who love him.”

Alissa worked in a bookstore part-time due to multiple health issues, while her husband was a teacher. The love they had to give may have been infinite, but their budget was not. After she applied for help from other sources and was declined, Alissa was disappointed but not discouraged. While Reynolds rested comfortably with all his siblings, she searched online for other opportunities. What she needed was someone who could understand how special Reynolds was and that he deserved many more years as part of a loving family. No one knows that better than our RedRover On-Call Angels.

After Alissa applied for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant, her application was matched with an On-Call Angel ready to fund Reynolds’ grant. His leg was amputated before another infection could develop. With one less complication to worry about, Alissa could help Reynolds adjust to having no hind legs, including getting him fitted for a new set of wheels. It was a freedom he had never known, and his fellow misfit siblings would have to keep up!

“I wanted to thank you again for your help with Reynolds’ surgery cost. He is recovering very well. I anticipate having many, many more wonderful years with him now that we don’t have to worry about losing him to infection in his damaged legs. Thank you again for giving him the second chance he so deserved!”

Second chances are what the RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant program is all about, and you make them possible every day. Thank you!