Dear John, 

Here in Chicago and across the nation, we are seeing a surge in pet homelessness, and a surge in euthanasia. Homeless and at-risk dogs and cats need us today. And now your dollars can make the biggest difference in the lives of Chicago’s most vulnerable pets, thanks to a $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge made possible through the generosity of the Seidensticker Family Foundation.

It was late in the day, around 6 p.m., when we got the call. A brutally starved, 5-year-old dog had been discarded—dumped—in the middle of a city street. Chicago Animal Care and Control, the city pound, said though she was alert, she was so emaciated that she didn't have the strength to lift her head. She was dying before their eyes and PAWS Chicago was her only hope.  

We rushed Dumpling’s frail body to the PAWS Chicago Medical Center where our veterinary team was waiting. She was the most emaciated dog our team had ever seen. They carefully administered a two-port IV, introducing fluids and medication to help level out Dumpling's struggling system without overwhelming it. Vital calories, nutrients, and medicine were gently introduced.  

Slowly but surely, Dumpling regained her strength. And just three days into treatment, she took her first wobbly steps right into the lap of her attending veterinarian, Dr. Emily Yacker.   

Even after all she’d been through, Dumpling’s willingness to love inspires everyone she meets, and every tail wag is an affirmation of the life she was meant to live. Our medical team saved Dumpling’s life. And so did you.