Big ol' boy Hugo came to us from a public animal shelter, where he would have lost his life if we hadn't rescued him. At just three years old, he has a huge frame and should weigh around 100 pounds, but Hugo arrived underweight at 80 pounds.

He was with us for only 2 days when we received an emergency call from our boarding kennel: Hugo was vomitting blood! After a late night rush transport to the emergency vet and several diagnostic tests, we learned the cause of Hugo's distress: He had a large needle stuck in his stomach!

He required emergency surgery to remove it and we had to make a life or death decision right then. We had no idea where or how he ingested the needle--we just knew that we had two choices: Remove it, or put Hugo to sleep right then and there.

When we heard the estimate for the surgery, we had to gulp. The surgery and hospitalization alone would be $2500, which didn't include follow up care, further xrays or medication. With the recent rash of serious medical cases that we have faced, this amount was very daunting. But one look at Hugo's photo with his big, boyish grin and we knew we had to give him a chance to have a full life. We gave the go ahead and Hugo went in for the surgery within minutes of our decision.

After a couple of hard days in recovery, Hugo is finally feeling better. He has been released from the hospital, but he still doesn't have a foster home to recuperate in. Unfortunately, he is still in our boarding kennel, awaiting adoption or a foster family.

He has to take it easy for now as he has many staples at his surgery site--the incision was 5 inches long! Hugo is out of the hospital, but his bill stayed behind.

We are scrambling to find the funds to repay the wonderful surgeon who saved Hugo's life. We need your help in order to settle Hugo's account! Can you pledge a gift in any amount to help Hugo?

He is a very special dog with a lifetime of fun and playfulness ahead of him. Your tax-deductible gift allows us to save dogs like Hugo when these unforeseen situations arise--they really make the difference between sparing a dog's life and losing a beautiful spirit.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support GSROC's fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone you know who may wish to help Hugo as well!