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Stray to PlayRescue

Urgent cases

Dogs who need extra help right now

Some of our rescues arrive needing intensive medical care or training before they're ready for adoption. These campaigns fund their road to recovery.

Remi, a rescue dog awaiting lifesaving surgery
Medical / training hold

Remi

Goal: Lifesaving surgery

When Remi first came to us, she was little more than skin and bones.

Her family had been deported, and instead of leaving with them, Remi was left behind. For months, she waited faithfully on the front porch of the only home she had ever known, hoping the people she loved would come back for her. They never did.

A kind neighbor noticed her growing weaker by the day. She was starving, covered in fleas, ticks, burrs, and stickers, and barely hanging on. Knowing she wouldn't survive much longer, they reached out to Stray to Play Rescue.

We rushed Remi straight to our veterinary team, hoping all she needed was food, love, and time to recover.

Instead, we discovered her battle had only just begun.

X-rays revealed that Remi had likely been hit by a car sometime in the past and never received medical care. She was living with a fractured pelvis, a broken canine tooth with an exposed root, and most critically, a diaphragmatic hernia — a devastating injury that had pushed many of her abdominal organs into her chest cavity, compressing her heart and lungs.

Without surgery, Remi's condition is life-threatening.

Despite everything she has endured, Remi has never stopped wagging her tail. She still greets everyone she meets with gentle eyes, quiet affection, and a heart that somehow still believes people are good.

Now it's our turn to show her she was right.

Her surgery will give her the chance to breathe comfortably, eat normally, live without pain, and finally experience the happy life she's waited so patiently for.

Will you help us save Remi?

Every donation — no matter the size — goes directly toward her lifesaving medical care and recovery. If you're unable to donate, sharing Remi's story helps us reach more people who can.

Together, we can give Remi the future she's been waiting for.

Donate today and help Remi go from surviving to truly living.

Walter, a pug, recovering after knee surgery
Medical / training hold

Walter

Pug

Goal: ~$1,900 — second knee surgery

Walter is a lovable little pug with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Despite everything he's been through, Walter greets every day with a wagging tail, a happy snort, and a determination to keep moving forward.

Unfortunately, Walter suffers from severe bilateral medial patellar luxation (MPL), a painful orthopedic condition that causes his kneecaps to slip out of place. Earlier this year, Walter underwent surgery on one of his legs, and the results have been life-changing. He is now able to move more comfortably, play, explore, and enjoy life without the constant pain he once experienced.

But Walter's journey isn't over.

His second leg still requires surgery, and without it, he will continue to experience discomfort and limited mobility. The procedure is expected to cost approximately $1,900, and as a small rescue, we simply cannot do it alone.

Walter has already overcome so much. He deserves the chance to run, play, and live the happy, pain-free life every dog should have. With your support, we can give him that opportunity.

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings Walter one step closer to the surgery he needs. If you're unable to donate, sharing Walter's story can make a tremendous difference.

Together, we can help Walter take his next steps toward a brighter future.

Giselle, a white rescue dog recovering from demodectic mange
Medical / training hold

Giselle

When Giselle first came to us, she was in heartbreaking condition.

This sweet girl was suffering from severe demodectic mange, a condition that had left her with extensive hair loss, painful skin infections, and a weakened immune system. On top of that, Giselle was dangerously anemic and in desperate need of medical care. It was clear she had been suffering for a very long time.

Despite everything she had endured, Giselle never stopped being kind. From the very beginning, she greeted everyone she met with a gentle spirit and a hopeful heart.

Over the past several months, Giselle has made incredible progress thanks to the dedication of our veterinary team and the support of people like you. Her skin is healing, her coat is beginning to grow back, and her anemia has improved significantly. For the first time in a long time, Giselle is getting the chance to feel healthy, comfortable, and loved.

But her recovery isn't over yet.

Giselle continues to require ongoing medical treatment, prescription medications, specialized skin care, follow-up veterinary visits, and nutritional support as she works toward a full recovery. These expenses add up quickly, and we need your help to ensure she receives everything she needs to continue healing.

Giselle has fought so hard to get where she is today. She deserves the opportunity to finish her journey and find the loving forever home she's always deserved.

Every donation helps provide the medical care, medications, and support that are giving Giselle a second chance at life. If you're unable to donate, sharing her story can help us reach others who can.

Together, we can help Giselle leave her painful past behind and look forward to a bright, healthy future.

Stevie, a Belgian Malinois, resting with her puppies
Medical / training hold

Stevie

Belgian Malinois

Stevie's story began on the streets.

This beautiful Belgian Malinois was found pregnant, alone, and struggling to survive. Day after day, she searched for food, shelter, and safety while carrying her unborn puppies. Despite the uncertainty she faced, Stevie never gave up.

When she came into our care, we knew time was running short. Our team rushed to get her the veterinary care, nutrition, and safe environment she desperately needed before her puppies arrived.

Not long after, Stevie gave birth to 10 beautiful puppies.

Thanks to the incredible care of our veterinary team, Stevie and all ten babies are healthy, growing, and thriving. For the first time in their lives, they are safe. They have warm beds, full bellies, and people who love them.

But caring for a family of eleven is no small task.

Every day brings new expenses: puppy food, formula supplements, vaccinations, deworming, microchips, medical care, supplies, and eventually spay and neuter surgeries. As the puppies continue to grow, so do the costs associated with giving them the healthy start they deserve.

Stevie has been an incredible mother, lovingly caring for her babies and doing everything she can to help them thrive. Now it's our turn to help her.

Your donation will directly support Stevie and her puppies as they continue their journey from survival to a bright future. Every dollar helps provide food, medical care, and the resources needed to prepare these puppies for loving forever homes.

If you're unable to donate, sharing their story can make a tremendous difference.

Together, we can ensure that Stevie's puppies never have to experience the hardships their mother endured and that this little family gets the happy ending they deserve.

Shyla, a gray pit bull, nursing her puppies
Medical / training hold

Shyla

Pit Bull

When Shyla was found, she was running out of time.

This sweet gray pit bull had been abandoned and left to fend for herself on the streets of Wilmer. Heavily pregnant and just days away from giving birth, Shyla was struggling to survive in the Texas heat with no food, no clean water, and no shelter. To make matters worse, she was covered in fleas and ticks, suffering from mange, and severely underweight.

Not only was Shyla fighting for her own survival — she was fighting for the lives of her unborn puppies.

Thankfully, we were able to get her to safety before it was too late.

Shyla was welcomed into an incredible foster home where she finally had a soft place to rest, nutritious meals, and the medical care she desperately needed. Surrounded by love and safety, she was able to do what every mother deserves the chance to do: bring her babies into the world without fear.

Soon after arriving in foster care, Shyla delivered six beautiful, healthy puppies.

Watching Shyla care for her babies has been nothing short of amazing. Despite everything she endured, she has been a devoted and loving mother, showering her puppies with affection and giving them the best possible start in life.

But the journey is far from over.

Shyla is still recovering from the neglect she suffered on the streets and requires ongoing medical treatment for her skin, nutrition to regain a healthy weight, and veterinary care to ensure she continues healing. Her puppies will also need vaccinations, deworming, microchips, and routine medical care as they grow and prepare for their forever homes.

Caring for a family of seven is a significant commitment, and we need your help to give them the future they deserve.

Every donation helps provide food, medical care, and supplies for Shyla and her puppies. If you're unable to donate, sharing their story can help us reach others who want to make a difference.

Because of your support, Shyla's story didn't end on the streets. Together, we can make sure this brave mama and her six babies have the happy future they've always deserved.

Gifts are processed securely and go directly toward each dog's care.

Every bit helps

Can't sponsor a case? You can still help.

A general donation funds care for every dog in our program — including the ones still waiting for their turn.