Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Starving Stray Wanders To Rescue To Find Help

| Published on March 22, 2023

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable programs. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings like the one below are made possible.

Taco was in poor shape when he went looking for help at Free to Live Animal Sanctuary in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

“We spotted Taco when he timidly came up through the front gates. He was scared of us and ran away – normal behavior for a guy out on his own for a while.

“Taco trotted up our rural driveway emaciated, with ulcerated skin, and scared of anyone who would try to come near him. He desperately needed consistent nutrition to turn his life around.”

How long must a dog be lost before he approaches someone for help? How long must he starve before his ribs poke out the way Taco’s did? Rescuers at Free to Live couldn’t be sure how long this sweet, sad boy had been suffering, but they knew that the moment they saw him, his suffering had come to an end.

It’s tough for rescues to turn away pets in need, but many do because they don’t have the resources to go around. Greater Good Charities’ GOODS program allows rescues like Free To Live to take in more pets that other shelters might turn away. By providing rescues with essentials like food, they allow these organizations to make the most of their limited funds. For Free to Live, some of these funds were able to be used for healthcare and recovery for Taco.

We were able to get him in a trap and started the routine to get him well. Bloodwork, wormers and food, and more food. We have to feed him small meals throughout the day and into the evening.”

Taco needed lots of care, and lots and lots of love. Maybe he knew he’d be in good hands when he walked through the front gate at Free to Live. These experienced rescuers knew exactly what to do to help Taco get on his feet again.

<“We wish we could say we had never done this routine before, but sadly we know this process well. Thankful he made his way to us in time. He is a happy, friendly boy and we can’t wait to get him well and ready for the forever home he deserves.

“Today he is slowly gaining weight and his skin is starting to clear. He has hope for a better life for the first time in his seven years.”

You’re helping Free to Live Animal Sanctuary make a difference for Taco and other pets like him. When you purchase items through the iHeartDogs store like the ones below, a portion of the proceeds goes to Greater Good Charities, which supports animal rescue through organizations like Free to Live.

“Having access to consistent and nutritious food has made all the difference in the lives of our residents. We have 300 cats and dogs on 20 acres. Oftentimes we have to rely on food donations to keep going. Being able to buy a pallet of the same food, helps our animals experience less stomach discomfort and the consistency they need to heal.”

Shop & Give Back!

The following products provide quality dog food for shelters and rescues, helping them reserve more of their precious funds for medical expenses, supplies, and spreading the word about their adoptable pups. Learn more.

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog