Purple Heart Miracle Club

Caring for animals with special needs

Furry Friends Rescue's (FFR) "Miracle Club" transforms the lives of the neediest animals that we rescue from many animal shelters. FFR is often the last resort (before they are put to sleep) for hundreds of dogs and cats who are not only abandoned, but are sick, neglected, abused or injured, as well. These special animals need extensive vet care, surgery, hospitalization or boarding which costs FFR thousands of dollars to save them and bring them back to good health. The dog or cat then recovers and blossoms in their foster home with TLC until they find their forever adoptive family. Some seniors or animals with life-time medical illness become FFR Sanctuary pets where we take care of them for life.

Donations are needed so we can continue to save these furry kids and provide them with a "Miracle" for life! Thank you for your kindness.

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Blitzen & Rudolph

Chihuahua

Blitzen & Rudolph

Blitzen & Rudolph

Blitzen, Rudolph and their mom Snowflake were rescued from an overcrowded shelter on 12/24/10. The two pups had dry-eye that were not cared for prior to being left at the shelter. All are very affectionate and give lots of kisses. The pups are active and playful and both love to be held and give kisses. Blitzen was seen by an eye vet specialist. He's right eye was blind so it had to be removed which cost FFR over $3000. His left eye had Entropian surgery and currently only requires lubrication drop for dry eye so the lids from top and bottom don't rub his eye. He may grow out of it. Meanwhile, he and his brother are very playful and happy pups. He needs eye drops every 1-3 hours.

Blitzen good left eye needs drops of cyclosporine, 3 times per day. Eye is not producing tears to lubricate.

Poor Rudolph was diagnosed as Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) and required surgery. And brave little Rudolph had his surgery and now doing well. We are still trying to recover from the financial challenges with these expensive medical processor. We have Chipin account created so that we can accept donation especially for their cause. Many thanks for your continuous support.

You can see more details for Blitzen's story and Rudolph's story in our blog!

Cost for Blitzen ($4000) & Rudolph ($3000)

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Tinkerbell's Story

Chihuahua, 12 years old

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell

Tiny Tinkerbell came to FFR from the Hayward Shelter on July 2007. Tinker is only 4 pounds and was skin & bones. She may have been injured by a car and was on the mend. She had her teeth cleaned and she regain her health at her foster home. Tainty sweetheart.

Tinkerbell was adopted but returned back to us after many years. Upon her return, she needed lot's of vet care: dental extractions of rotten teeths (6 of them), had severe gum infection, needed full sr. blood panel test, had a low heart murmur (grade 3), and started proin to tighten her bladder muscle. Once all her vet care needs were completed, she blossomed at her foster home and regained her health with home cook meals (chicken & fresh food). She is very happy and enjoying her life with her loving committed family and dog friend. She thanks her forever guardians by giving them kisses everyday!

Cost: $2,200

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Pumpkin's Story

Domestic Short Hair

Pumpkin

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a sweet boy who wants human companionship and would do well in a family with older children, but no other pets. He was adopted from FFR in 2002 at 3 mos old...but his family moved out of the US so Pumpkin was returned to us. He has a gentle purr that starts as soon as he's picked up...he's looking for someone who will sit with him and pet him. He loves catnip toys and feathers. Will you be his forever home?

Update 3/2012: Pumpkin had ear polyp removal surgery and other needed vet care. Cost: $900. You can help by donating. Thank you!

Cost: $900

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Moochie & Pooty, Pirate Brothers' Story

Domestic Short Hair

Moochie & Pooty

Moochie & Pooty

Both Moochi and his brother, Pooty, suffered severe eye infections, forcing the removal of their left eyes. By the time we rescued them, it was too late to save their eyes. They went into emergency surgery at VCA Mission SJ, and they did a remarkable job. But what the boys lack in eye volume, they make up for in purring, licking, cuddling, and bumping. If you ask them, life is all about the loving--readily given and received. As Moochie and Pooty say, "Arr, matey . . . infection took my eye, but not my love for life." Moochie was adopted. Pooty is ready and waiting for his forever home.

Cost: $2,800 ($1,400 each)

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Hansel & Gretel's Story

Chihuahua mix

Hansel & gretel then and now

Hansel & Gretel

Hansel & Gretel were both rescued on 3/15/10 from TCAS from PTS day. Both were badly neglected, skinny and suffering from demodex mange. Both were scared and very timid, but we saw their innocent and harmless sweet personality.

Hansel was the braver one who learned to approach people with treats. Gretel was the shy one who followed Hansel. Together, they both like to run and play. After much vet care, weekly dips/medication and holistic healthy food/supplements, they both fully recovered. They blossomed with TLC at their foster home, grew shiny coats and became lovable adorable dogs. Both were adopted and now happy doggies.

Cost: $2500

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Ivan's Story

Terrier Mix 2 years old

Ivan before and after

Ivan

Ivan was rescued on March 14th, 2010 from a crowded shelter. He was neglected, scared and in horrible condition. He was suffering from demodex mange. After many months of vet care and TLC from his foster home, he has recovered and his mange is almost completely gone.

He is friendly, sweet and good with other dogs. He is a little timid of new situations and people. When he looks for comfort, he likes sitting on our shoes, snuggling and enjoys being held. He is good on leash and well behaved. He needs to stay on holistic healthy foods to maintain his health.

PHOTO:
Top Image: Ivan when he was rescued with skin condition.
Bottom Image: Ivan now. His handsome-self!

Cost: $1000+

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Marilyn & Monroe's Story

Bichon Frise / Poodle Mix 4 years old

Marilyn & Monroe

Marilyn & Monroe

Marilyn & Monroe (sibling or buddy) were running in the streets for weeks. Starving and scared, they dodged many people trying to help them. A kind lady fed them until she was finally able to catch them and took them to the Tri-City Animal Shelter. Their time was up and they had no options left. Both were extremely scared, horribly neglected, dirty/matted, and covered with fleas. They probably lived their entire life in a backyard and then were dumped. Marilyn looks like she had puppies. Both are gentle souls and harmless. They show potential like the rest of the scared neglected dogs we've rescued, so we rescued them.

All they needed was grooming, training and some TLC in their foster home. After many months of care with Carol, they learned to walk on leash, got healthy and blossomed into friendly adorable dogs. Both are very bonded to each other and always clinged close to each other.

In end of Dec. 2010, they were adopted to their loving home for life. Both are now pampered and very happy doggies. They love their walks and even started training classes. Thanks to All About Pets Animal Care, Union City, for their grooming, vet care & boarding. Thanks to Carol for fostering them. Marilyn & Monroe got their miracle!

Cost: $1500

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Duke's Story

Cockapoo / Lhasa Apso Mix, 8 years old

Duke

Duke

Duke is very friendly, gentle and loves his walks. Great little doggy who loves his toys and piling them up. He will talk to you and beg for attention or treats. Simply adorable.

At his foster home, suddenly he lost use of his rear legs. We rushed him to the vet where he got x-rays and then he had to go to Bay Area Veterinary Specialists (BAVS) to see a neurologist and needed to be hospitalized.

Duke has a herniated disc and a tumor on his kidney. We are now awaiting results of his TruCut Biopsy of the tumor for cancer. Meanwhile, he has shown improvement and started to walk again.

Cost: $4000 as of 2/19/10

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Ashley's Story

Labrador Retriever / Pit Bull Mix, 10 months old

Ashley

Ashley

Ashley was rescued from a Tri-City Animal Shelter when her time was up on December 5, 2009. Ashley is a very friendly and loving dog with a wonderful temperament. She loves to cuddle and is great with other dogs and kids. She is quite affectionate.

She likes attention and the human touch especially a scratch on the head and a rub on the belly. Despite her pain in both her rear legs which need TPLO surgeries, she's a love to everyone. She is doing great from her first TPLO surgery on one of her rear legs on 1/13/10 at Veterinary Surgical Associates (VSA), Dublin. Recovery time is 8 weeks, and then she will have the second knee done in mid-March. The doctors say that she will return to full unrestricted activity and be able to run and play like a normal dog. This surgery reconstructs the knee and makes it strong enough to handle normal dog activities. We thank VSA and her wonderful foster home, Sondra.

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Cost: $3000

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Kellie's Story

Elkhound / Chow Chow mix, 8 years old

Kellie

Kellie

Kellie was rescued on 1/5/10 from a shelter where her time was up. She is friendly and a true sweetheart. She is wise and spunky. She is a mellow senior dog who is gentle and wants her to bond to her person for life. Affectionate and cuddly. She has a couple large fatty tumors on her chest and leg which will need to be removed by a veterinary surgeon.

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Cost: $1200+

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Butch & Sundance's Story

Orange Tabby, 3 years old

Butch & Sundance

Butch & Sundance

Butch & Sundance were both rescued from Fremont Shelter when their time was up on Jan. 2010. Both are super friendly, snugly, lovable and fun kittys. They both received all their vet care but from their x-ray, it showed they both have enlarged hearts which may shorten their life-span. For now, both are happy in their foster home who gives them much TLC. Nothing slows them down to live their second chance at life to the fullest.

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Cost: $1200

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Tommy's Story

Maine Coon mix, 4 years old

Tommy

Tommy

Beautiful Tommy was abandoned along with his siblings. He was adopted as a kitten but later returned to us a few years later as an adult. He is super friendly and lovable. Beautiful and very handsome. Tommy needed general vet care, dental surgery to remove decay teethes and teeth/gum cleaning.

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Cost: $1200

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Docker's Story

Dachshund / Spaniel Mix, 7 1/2 years old - Sanctuary Dog

Docker

Docker

Darling, sweet Docker came to us on May 5th, 2004 from the Tracy Shelter. Docker is perhaps one of the most remarkable & amazing dogs we have ever met. He is precious and loves everyone. Docker's spine however, never developed normally and as a result, he is has no control or feeling of when he goes potty or urinates. His foster family has to diaper him as you would an infant and Docker is fine with that. He is always happy and very loved at his sanctuary home. Docker continues to see our vets for various medical conditions or needs to insure he is comfortable with his lower GI issues.

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Cost: $1500+

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Maya and her 11 puppies' Story

German Shepherd/Lab mix, 3 years old

Maya

Maya

Maya and her 11 puppies were rescued from TCAS on December 5th, 2009 the day before her time was up. She was found hiding in a bush caring for her 11 two week old puppies. Skinny, cold and hungry, but she never left her pups. We were lucky we saw her in a cage when we were there to evaluate another dog. She and her puppies thrived at their foster home. Maya was a great mom to her puppies. She is a sweetheart, gentle and very loving. It was fate for us to find her so we were able to save her and her puppies.

Cost: $500

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Joey's Story

German Shepherd Dog, 8 months old

Joey

Joey

Joey was rescued from the Hayward Shelter on 6/12/08 when he was 8 months old. He was out of time and left behind since he had swollen joints from a bone rapid growth. FFR took the chance and rescued him. With regular vet care, medication and low protein diet, he over came his condition.

He blossomed from an awkward teenager into a handsome young dog with a heart of gold with a family who love him dearly.

Cost: $700

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Snuggle's Story

Labrador Retriever / Catahoula Cur Mix, 2 years old

Snuggle

Snuggle

Handsome Snuggle is one lucky and special dog! He was a shelter favorite, and big time snuggle-bug, but he was out of time and was already tranquilized on a table to be put to sleep, when a volunteer stopped the procedure and saved him. FFR took him in and cared for him for 9 months (foster home and boarding) until he found his forever home with another dog to play with!

Cost: $2000

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Nathaniel's Story

Chihuahua / Dachshund Mix, 2 months

Nathaniel

Nathaniel

As a couple walked by a Hayward dumpster this past October they heard a weak whimper for help. They peeked inside and were shocked to find a tiny, emaciated, almost hairless and dying puppy. They took him to the Hayward Shelter, which saved his life by providing the sweet four-pound Chihuahua-Dachshund Mix with vet care and feeding him multiple meals per day to bring him back to stable health. After two weeks at the shelter, Furry Friends Rescue (FFR) was notified, and took Nathaniel in.

He was then up to six pounds but still very skinny and suffering from Demodex. Lisa, an FFR volunteer, fostered him at her home in San Jose, gave him plenty of TLC, and continued with his weekly visits with our vet. About a month later we met a very special and experienced family - Thierry, Julie, their kids, and dog, Frances. They all fell in love with Nathaniel's sweet and friendly personality, despite his unattractive skin condition that needed more treatment. Despite terrible odds, brave little Nathaniel, abused and dumped to die, found a wonderful home where he is adored and will be cherished for life.

Cost: $1500

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Alfie's Story

Cocker Spaniel, deaf dog with heart, 8 years and 11 months

Alfie

Alfie

Alfie was rescued 3/25/05 from Pinole Shelter. He was badly neglected and he had chronic ear infections that caused him a lot of pain and ear drum damage. After several vet deep ear canal cleanings and antibiotics, it did not help relieve the pain so he had to have surgery to remove both ear drums due to decaying membranes.

He is a brave trooper despite all he has been through. He is very sweet, loves to snuggle on your lap and is well behaved. Alfie is courageous and wants to be your best friend for life...all heart and joy. He loves treats and will bounce over to you to greet you for treats.

He was adopted 6/19/05, but sadly, he was returned to us 2009 due a toddler in the family. Alfie was now a senior dog and also deaf who preferred to be the only dog in the household. After many months of searching and boarding care, Alfie finally found his guardian angels in December who fell in love with him. He is now their cherish furry kid and best friend.

Cost: $6000

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Joni, Jessie, Jason and Jordie's Story

Chihuahua Mix, 7 weeks old

Joni, Jessie, Jason and Jordie

Joni, Jessie, Jason and Jordie

Joni, Jessie, Jason and Jordie came to FFR after they were abandoned in the Night Drop at the Hayward Animal Shelter 1/25/06.

These 4 pups were woefully neglected. How can anyone do this? They were all very skinny, sick, scared and badly infected with mange which caused them to loose most of their fur. With lot's of TLC and good food at their loving foster home along with weekly vet care, they over-came the mange and thrived into healthy happy sweet puppies! Each were adopted into loving homes who adore them for life.

Cost: $3000

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Josie's Story

German Shepherd

Joesie

Josie

Josie was rescued from Hayward Shelter on 11/7/08. She had no options left since she had a large swollen growth (salivery gland) near her jaw. Since she is very friendly, gentle and so sweet, we rescued her and took care of her vet needs. She was great with other dogs, horses and cats. Everyone loved her! She's a perfect sweetheart. She had a saliva gland injury that kept filling up with fluid. Our vets drained the gland several time, but the gland would not heal, so Josie had to have her Salivary gland surgery. She fully recovered, and now a super happy family member! She is perfect, beautiful, smart, and graceful.

Vet Care/Surgery cost: $3000

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Abby's Story

Chihuahua / Dachshund Mix, 1 year old

Abby

Abby

Sweet and charming Abby was rescued on 11/22/09 from Los Banos Animal Shelter when she was out of time. She had an injured right front leg which was hanging limp. We took her to a orthopedic surgeon who x-rayed her shoulder and leg. Abby's right front leg had to be amputated because her front right leg had no tendons nor nerve connections to her shoulder to her spine. Her surgery was successful and she is doing great as a tri-pod dog. Abby was adopted to her forever loving home where she loves to go for walks and playing with other dog buddies.

Cost: $2800

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Gracie's Story

Chihuahua / Dachshund Mix, 5 months old

Gracie

Gracie

Gracie was rescued on 7/9/10 from a shelter. At the shelter she was scared and shut down. No one came thru for her, so we took her in to give her a chance in life which she truly deserves. She suffered so much in her young life already.

She has been severely neglected and starved. She has horrible demodex mange, skin infection and very skinny. She needs some TLC and healthy food to thrive again. She is timid, gentle but can be handled/sweet. Did well with car ride and crawled to the driver to snuggle next to her lap. She did well at her vet exam. Everything is new to her. More info. to come as we learn about her from her foster home.

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Clover's Story

Beagle Mix, 5 years old

Clover

Clover

Clover was rescued on 7/6/10 from a shelter. She was a little nervous at the shelter, and their vet confirmed she is deaf. She looks like she recently fed puppies. She is friendly and sweet. Once she knows you, she pays attention. Good with other dogs. She was ok with vet office cat. She needs a experienced guardian who understands the needs and training of a deaf dog. Another dog in the household to be her ears, will help her.

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Kahlua, Perfect Sweetheart Golden Dog's Story

Shar Pei / Labrador Retriever, 9 years old

Kahlua

Kahlua

Kahlua was rescued on 7/7/10 from a shelter where she was out of time with no options left. She was adopted many years ago and returned to shelter due to move. She has been a happy loving indoor companion dog throughout her life. Very well behaved, loves her walks, spunky and friendly.

She knows to sit and shake for treats. This smiling gal loves children, other dogs and most cats too! She is a great example of why adopting a mature dog has so many benefits. She's very responsive and already knows her basics and adorable. Kahlua has an unlimited capacity for love and wants to be your best-friend. She truly deserves to spend the rest of her years in another loving home. She is a true sweet-heart! She is moderate active (like a 4 year old dog). Children 10 years+. Kahlua is a golden girl with a heart of gold!

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Duffy's Story

Duffy, Norfolk Terrier mix, 2 years old

Duffy

Duffy

Duffy was rescued on 7/7/10 from a shelter. He was scared at the shelter but harmless. He was out of time and options due to his need for his eye surgery for cherry eyes and baby tooth removal. Once we took him out, he was a little timid, but very sweet. Within minutes, once he was comfortable with us, he was very friendly.

He loves sitting on our lap and giving us kisses. Enjoys tummy rubs and play with other dogs. We took care of his cherry eye surgery, baby tooth removal and all his vet care needs. He blossomed at his foster home and was adopted to his forever family. Duffy is so adorable!

Cost: $500+

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About Furry Friends Rescue

Furry Friends Rescue (FFR) is an all-volunteer non-profit Bay Area companion animal rescue organization, comprised entirely of experienced volunteers who collectively have rescued hundreds of companion animals and placed them in loving homes.

Since November 1998, we have saved over 12,000 animals and the numbers are growing every day—along with 6000+ Guardian, Shelter & Rescue Assists! Our volunteer home foster about 120 dogs and cats...Read More

Interested in Helping?

We can always use your help! If you are interesting in volunteering, see what volunteer positions are available! If you are interested in fostering, visit Foster Home Network page and fill out the application.

Twitter @ FurryFriends

Meet our new rescue dog, Dante! Amer. Eskimo, male, 16 lbs. He was timid at the shelter, but now super happy!... http://t.co/HPVe6Lfn

Meet our new rescue dog, Dante! Amer. Eskimo, male, 16 lbs. He was timid at the shelter, but now super happy!... http://t.co/p78IxJ1i

Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/FurryFriends