It's been a tough week for us here at the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Heigl Hound of Hope Vanilla. Rescuing animals is not easy. If love were all it takes to heal a dog, you can bet none of our rescues would ever die. Vanilla was a very special dog and she will be greatly missed.
Vanilla was rescued from a high-skill shelter in desperate need of medical care. Emaciated from a chronic illness which prevented her jaw from opening and with tumors on her abdomen, she was clinging to life. 7 weeks later she has gained 10lbs, but for all the progress made, unfortunately her tumors have gotten worse and require surgery. However, Vanilla is a dog simply not willing to give up!
When Keaton, a young Shepard mix, initially came into the shelter, he was unable to use his front limb. The shelter staff assumed he had been hit by a car, but shockingly x-rays revealed that Keaton had been shot and the bullet was still in his body. The bullet has shattered the bone and surgeons are now fighting to try and save his leg from amputation.