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Fighter Fund Program
At The Bond Between, we take on the cases no one else can or will.
We make sure that animals who are victims of abuse, neglect, bad breeding, or accidents have a chance. A chance to get the veterinary and emotional help they need, and eventually find loving forever homes.
Every animal deserves a chance. The Fighter Fund Program means we can say YES.
Founded in 2014, our Fighter Fund Program was born out of a deep commitment to providing unwavering support to animals who have endured unimaginable hardships. We are steadfast in our mission to champion their resilience, offer them a renewed lease on life, and afford them the opportunity to overcome the odds stacked against them.
The Fighter Fund was initially established to provide support to animals facing extreme physical challenges, often as a consequence of abuse or neglect. Over the years, it has grown to become an integral part of our mission to provide the best possible chance for animals who have been victims of cruelty or have severe medical issues.
We've witnessed the transformation of countless Fighter Fund animals who have been given a new lease on life, all thanks to the generosity of people like you.
Our commitment to these animals comes at a price – we spend over $1,000,000 each year on the veterinary care of our animals. When you contribute to our program, you are offering a lifeline to the underdogs, those who might otherwise be denied a fighting chance at a better life. From puppies with broken bones to senior dogs with fading hope, we've seen the power of your support in action. Any donations received for a specific Fighter Fund animal that exceeds the cost of care for that animal will go towards the care and treatment of other Fighter Fund animals.
As we look ahead to the future of our Fighter Fund Program, we see endless possibilities for change, hope, and healing. Let's come together to ensure that every animal, regardless of their past suffering, can find a safe and loving home where they can thrive.
You can read about some of our animals below!
Click on their pictures to read their full story!
Tulane
Shot. Someone shot her.
Two bullets in her front leg.
Those words repeat over and over again in our heads. Who would do that? How could they do that? How can we help her? 😢
Our Fighter Fund program was created for situations just like this. We can help her. You can help her.
Together, we can help dogs and cats like Tulane who are fighting for their lives.
We don’t know how someone could pull the trigger on an animal. But what do we know? The resilience of animals is amazing… and we can help them heal and find people who will love and cherish them.
Tulane was shown pure hatred one day and the very next she was snuggling up with her foster and even getting along with their dogs, too. She received emergency veterinary care, undergoing surgery to remove her destroyed leg.
Our Fighter Fund program is so important, but also so expensive. Most of the cases we take cost thousands of dollars. We say yes to dozens of animals just like her every year because we know this community wants to help them heal. Wants to see them thrive.
Two bullets in her front leg.
Those words repeat over and over again in our heads. Who would do that? How could they do that? How can we help her? 😢
Our Fighter Fund program was created for situations just like this. We can help her. You can help her.
Together, we can help dogs and cats like Tulane who are fighting for their lives.
We don’t know how someone could pull the trigger on an animal. But what do we know? The resilience of animals is amazing… and we can help them heal and find people who will love and cherish them.
Tulane was shown pure hatred one day and the very next she was snuggling up with her foster and even getting along with their dogs, too. She received emergency veterinary care, undergoing surgery to remove her destroyed leg.
Our Fighter Fund program is so important, but also so expensive. Most of the cases we take cost thousands of dollars. We say yes to dozens of animals just like her every year because we know this community wants to help them heal. Wants to see them thrive.
Eagle
Eagle was covered in mange, a horrible skin condition that inflames the coat of dogs. He was treated at The BB Vet Center and is now living with his new adopted family.
Coco
Coco was starving and emaciated when we rescued her. She has multiple medical issues that were untreated until she arrived at The BB. Coco has been treated and her conditions are being managed! She is adoptable and can't wait to find her forever home!
Shamrock
Shamrock joined us from a local shelter. It's possible that she might be the most popular gal in the rescue right now. Everyone who's interacted with Shamrock -- from the volunteers to the vet staff -- have instantly fallen in love.
Shamrock is a very friendly older lady who adores people and never met a stranger. She is even friendly to the postman and maintenance folks that drop by the house, greeting everyone with a wagging tail. Shamrock does like to be close to her people. She follows her foster mom around the house and likes to be part of the action. While she lives in a single person household now, a previous foster stated that she has met and loved children of all ages. While on her walks, she does enjoy saying hi to the kids at the local playground and letting them pet her. Because she is an older lady with some sore spots on her body, she'd be best in a household with older, respectful, dog-savvy kids.
Shamrock is a perfect lady on a leash. Her walks are her favorite thing in the world, and she would fit best into a household that enjoys walking a few miles every day. She never pulls on her leash but enjoys a brisk pace and has the cutest little trot that always gets a lot of compliments. She shows zero leash aggression and is well behaved meeting other dogs on a leash. She does have a fenced yard in her foster home, but she prefers to get exercise by walking than by running around the yard. She is down to explore and enjoys going for walks in new places and parks.
Shamrock loves to go on outings. She rides great in the car and is excited to be included in whatever you're doing. So far, she's gone hiking in the state parks, hung out in local breweries, and sometimes joins her foster mom in the car to runs errands (she is well behaved while alone in the car and loves to people watch from the window!). When she's at home, she's very chill and spends most of her time napping. She is house trained and crate trained and will put herself into her crate for naps sometimes. However, her foster mom does not crate her overnight nor when leaving the house, since Shamrock is well behaved and does not get into any trouble. Shamrock is very quiet and never makes a noise in the house, other than a soft "woof to remind her mom that dinner time is coming up.
Shamrock is very friendly with other dogs on a leash and has done fine interacting with other dogs off leash (with slow introductions). It can be a bit much for her to meet a new dog immediately off leash, so slow introductions are best. She is the sole dog in the household right now, but she should get along fine living with other dogs, as long as they are calm and respectful. She has shown a lot of interest in outdoor cats on walks, so it's recommend she be in a household with no cats (if potential adopter has a dog-savvy cat, this could be explored more).
Since arriving at the rescue, Shamrock was diagnosed with arthritis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). She is on one (affordable) medication for her IBD which will likely be long term and 2 pain meds for her arthritis which we will look to taper over time if possible. You would not know she has IBD at this point; she has perfect poops and her condition is totally stable with this medication and high fiber kibble. The arthritis mainly impacts her ability to climb stairs and onto things such as couches. She still does her daily walks like a champion. She would do best in a home with minimal stairs or where her living area can be kept on the ground floor. She's figured out how to scramble into a car and onto a couches on her own, and her mobility is getting better every day as her foster mom works on her strength and conditioning. Shamrock's adopter should be prepared to monitor her condition with a primary veterinarian.
The only downside Shamrock's foster mom has seen so far is that she can only go about 6 hours through the night before needing to go out (senior problems!). Do you have a house with someone going late to bed and someone rising early? That would be perfect! Other than that, Shamrock is a pure joy. She loves meeting new people, going on walks, laying near you, and being a best buddy to dogs and people alike. She will nudge your hand for pets, does elaborate dances for her meals, and rolls on her back when content. She is a wonderful companion filled with so much love and looks forward to sharing it with her forever family!
Shamrock is a very friendly older lady who adores people and never met a stranger. She is even friendly to the postman and maintenance folks that drop by the house, greeting everyone with a wagging tail. Shamrock does like to be close to her people. She follows her foster mom around the house and likes to be part of the action. While she lives in a single person household now, a previous foster stated that she has met and loved children of all ages. While on her walks, she does enjoy saying hi to the kids at the local playground and letting them pet her. Because she is an older lady with some sore spots on her body, she'd be best in a household with older, respectful, dog-savvy kids.
Shamrock is a perfect lady on a leash. Her walks are her favorite thing in the world, and she would fit best into a household that enjoys walking a few miles every day. She never pulls on her leash but enjoys a brisk pace and has the cutest little trot that always gets a lot of compliments. She shows zero leash aggression and is well behaved meeting other dogs on a leash. She does have a fenced yard in her foster home, but she prefers to get exercise by walking than by running around the yard. She is down to explore and enjoys going for walks in new places and parks.
Shamrock loves to go on outings. She rides great in the car and is excited to be included in whatever you're doing. So far, she's gone hiking in the state parks, hung out in local breweries, and sometimes joins her foster mom in the car to runs errands (she is well behaved while alone in the car and loves to people watch from the window!). When she's at home, she's very chill and spends most of her time napping. She is house trained and crate trained and will put herself into her crate for naps sometimes. However, her foster mom does not crate her overnight nor when leaving the house, since Shamrock is well behaved and does not get into any trouble. Shamrock is very quiet and never makes a noise in the house, other than a soft "woof to remind her mom that dinner time is coming up.
Shamrock is very friendly with other dogs on a leash and has done fine interacting with other dogs off leash (with slow introductions). It can be a bit much for her to meet a new dog immediately off leash, so slow introductions are best. She is the sole dog in the household right now, but she should get along fine living with other dogs, as long as they are calm and respectful. She has shown a lot of interest in outdoor cats on walks, so it's recommend she be in a household with no cats (if potential adopter has a dog-savvy cat, this could be explored more).
Since arriving at the rescue, Shamrock was diagnosed with arthritis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). She is on one (affordable) medication for her IBD which will likely be long term and 2 pain meds for her arthritis which we will look to taper over time if possible. You would not know she has IBD at this point; she has perfect poops and her condition is totally stable with this medication and high fiber kibble. The arthritis mainly impacts her ability to climb stairs and onto things such as couches. She still does her daily walks like a champion. She would do best in a home with minimal stairs or where her living area can be kept on the ground floor. She's figured out how to scramble into a car and onto a couches on her own, and her mobility is getting better every day as her foster mom works on her strength and conditioning. Shamrock's adopter should be prepared to monitor her condition with a primary veterinarian.
The only downside Shamrock's foster mom has seen so far is that she can only go about 6 hours through the night before needing to go out (senior problems!). Do you have a house with someone going late to bed and someone rising early? That would be perfect! Other than that, Shamrock is a pure joy. She loves meeting new people, going on walks, laying near you, and being a best buddy to dogs and people alike. She will nudge your hand for pets, does elaborate dances for her meals, and rolls on her back when content. She is a wonderful companion filled with so much love and looks forward to sharing it with her forever family!
Moana
Hi! My name is Moana and I am an owner surrender.
This special needs beautiful little girl has made wonderful strides in the 2 months that I've had her. She's getting stronger bit by bit. She is personality plus! She loves to snuggle, loves to play and just gets sooo very excited when you talk to her, get down on the floor to play with her and if the big resident dogs are even just near her. She has a feisty side, too, and does not like to be left out of anything!! She is making great progress in potty training and she'll usually vocally alert you-day or night- when she has to go...but know that she'll still have some accidents. At this point, she doesn't have the coordination to be upright to eat on her own so I still hold her securely in my lap to feed her several small meals a day and also to keep her hydrated (I soak her kibble and still give her some soft food. She will not drink straight water so we are still working on that and by soaking her kibble, it flavors the water and she'll drink it to get to the kibble.)
She loves all people and dogs. She hasn't had contact with cats yet that I know of.
She'll need flat, safe surfaces when she's in her wheels. She does best on carpets or rugs or grass when upright in her harness to practice balance, strength and walking. She'll need to continue strengthening her muscles and working on her balance. At this point, she cannot get up from the floor on her own. Once she's on her side, she can only move around by scratching/shuffling. She does great for car rides. She sleeps nicely in her soft sided kennel at night, only alerting me by whimpering once or twice per night that she has to go out to potty.
She is one of the happiest pups that I've ever fostered and will give her forever family sooooo much love!!
From the vet team: Hello! I arrived at Secondhand Hounds as part of the Fighter Fund program due to my Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH) diagnosis. CH is a condition resulting from inadequate development of the cerebellum which causes lack of balance/coordination, ambulating, head bobbing, tremors, etc. The SHH Vet Team has provided my foster with physical therapy exercises to help gain strength but I will always have this condition. I have a wheel chair and a harness to help with movement but it is also recommended that my future adopter lay down rubber mats to help with my movement. My future adopter should understand my condition and monitor my health with a primary veterinarian. Also, I have an upcoming surgery with an opthamologist due to ablation of eyelashes which will freeze and kill the hair follicles to help prevent regrowth of these abnormal hairs. This surgery and eye recheck appointment will be covered by SHH as long as it is performed at Animal Eye Speciality Center/Bond Between Vet Center.
This special needs beautiful little girl has made wonderful strides in the 2 months that I've had her. She's getting stronger bit by bit. She is personality plus! She loves to snuggle, loves to play and just gets sooo very excited when you talk to her, get down on the floor to play with her and if the big resident dogs are even just near her. She has a feisty side, too, and does not like to be left out of anything!! She is making great progress in potty training and she'll usually vocally alert you-day or night- when she has to go...but know that she'll still have some accidents. At this point, she doesn't have the coordination to be upright to eat on her own so I still hold her securely in my lap to feed her several small meals a day and also to keep her hydrated (I soak her kibble and still give her some soft food. She will not drink straight water so we are still working on that and by soaking her kibble, it flavors the water and she'll drink it to get to the kibble.)
She loves all people and dogs. She hasn't had contact with cats yet that I know of.
She'll need flat, safe surfaces when she's in her wheels. She does best on carpets or rugs or grass when upright in her harness to practice balance, strength and walking. She'll need to continue strengthening her muscles and working on her balance. At this point, she cannot get up from the floor on her own. Once she's on her side, she can only move around by scratching/shuffling. She does great for car rides. She sleeps nicely in her soft sided kennel at night, only alerting me by whimpering once or twice per night that she has to go out to potty.
She is one of the happiest pups that I've ever fostered and will give her forever family sooooo much love!!
From the vet team: Hello! I arrived at Secondhand Hounds as part of the Fighter Fund program due to my Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH) diagnosis. CH is a condition resulting from inadequate development of the cerebellum which causes lack of balance/coordination, ambulating, head bobbing, tremors, etc. The SHH Vet Team has provided my foster with physical therapy exercises to help gain strength but I will always have this condition. I have a wheel chair and a harness to help with movement but it is also recommended that my future adopter lay down rubber mats to help with my movement. My future adopter should understand my condition and monitor my health with a primary veterinarian. Also, I have an upcoming surgery with an opthamologist due to ablation of eyelashes which will freeze and kill the hair follicles to help prevent regrowth of these abnormal hairs. This surgery and eye recheck appointment will be covered by SHH as long as it is performed at Animal Eye Speciality Center/Bond Between Vet Center.
Stella
Hi, my name is Stella. I came to Secondhand Hounds from a shelter in Alabama. According to my foster parents, I am the best girl in the world. I love long walks and playing with furry friends and human friends. I am an active girl so I need a family that will make sure I get all the exercise I need. I would love to have another dog in my family who would play with me. Right now I live with two chihuahuas who I love and I get to play with a bigger dog in the neighborhood so I get along with all dogs! If you don't have another dog, that's ok! Just know I will need lots of attention and exercise! I also have a fenced in yard. I would probably live out there if my foster parents let me. So if you have a fenced in yard that would be best for me! I have some minor skills I need to work but I am very smart and will catch on very fast. I love all humans. I have been around babies and elderly people and I love them all equally. I am very patient with the younger humans so I would love to be buddies with the littlest humans in your family.
Medical Bio:
Hi My name is Stella and after a long and mysterious medical journey I am finally ready to be posted for adoption! When I came to SHH I had previously been diagnosed with a tick borne illness called hepatozoonosis, however when tested this diagnosis was not confirmed on a PCR screen for the disease, but did test positive for Ehrlichia. I did however show that there was inflammation in my body somewhere based on bloodwork so the vet team was hard at work to figure that out. I underwent a bone marrow biopsy as well as abdominal exploratory surgery to test for and look for signs of infection. These signs were present in the results, but we still couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had been experiencing some GI symptoms, but nothing major overall. Since then, my symptoms and blood work have stabilized and the Internal Medicine Specialist that was consulted during my care at SHH determined that a severe "crash" that would be expected with these tick borne diseases will likely not occur given that I have now been treated properly and it has not happened in the 6 months or so that I have been in rescue. I'm such a sweet girl and finally ready to meet lots of new people and hopefully my forever family!
Medical Bio:
Hi My name is Stella and after a long and mysterious medical journey I am finally ready to be posted for adoption! When I came to SHH I had previously been diagnosed with a tick borne illness called hepatozoonosis, however when tested this diagnosis was not confirmed on a PCR screen for the disease, but did test positive for Ehrlichia. I did however show that there was inflammation in my body somewhere based on bloodwork so the vet team was hard at work to figure that out. I underwent a bone marrow biopsy as well as abdominal exploratory surgery to test for and look for signs of infection. These signs were present in the results, but we still couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had been experiencing some GI symptoms, but nothing major overall. Since then, my symptoms and blood work have stabilized and the Internal Medicine Specialist that was consulted during my care at SHH determined that a severe "crash" that would be expected with these tick borne diseases will likely not occur given that I have now been treated properly and it has not happened in the 6 months or so that I have been in rescue. I'm such a sweet girl and finally ready to meet lots of new people and hopefully my forever family!
Goldie
Hi I'm Goldie! Let's get the obvious out of the way first...if you adopt me, you not only get a super snuggly pup but also my amazing chariot. In lots of ways, I'm your typical pup...or maybe even an exceptional one! I love to snuggle and get pets & belly rubs. Sometimes my foster mom will boost me up on the sofa for even better snuggling & then I'm in heaven! I keep her company and take my afternoon nap close by in her office. I love to hang out on our deck in good weather and I love my 'up time' in my chariot when I run around the backyard, play with the other pups, chase balls or play tug of war. If I can get out of the house & yard, I am a very happy girl! I love going for walks and love, love, love car rides! If you are a runner or a biker, I'm a bit of a speed demon in my chariot and can keep up with you if you want some company on your walk or ride! And I love my toys...I have a set of four, including my favorite Hamburger that go out on the deck with me and then keep my company when I go to bed. Once a week, my foster mom gets me a delicious bone! If I have that or the chew toys, I don't chew on things I shouldn't! So some other things you need to know about me & my chariot: I stay quietly in my room overnight and in the morning my foster mom helps hold me up so I can pee on a puppy pad. I can't poop while she's holding me, so I have one spot in the house I tend to head to do that business if I can't get outside. Foster mom says it's really easy to clean up...very contained & solid. In the house, I tend to not use my chariot & just scoot. While diapers work if I'm in the chariot, they don't stay on well when I scoot. If I want you to come pet me, I may give a bark or two...its easier to get you to come than to have to scoot too far. I will also help let you know if someone is at the door. While I love my foster dad, I am initially more comfortable with women. Maybe because one of them shot me, men need to go slowly to make me know I can trust them. I'm learning to be a bit less nervous about some loud things like motorcycles, lawn mowers, & fireworks, although I feel pretty safe in the house now...they worry me more outside. My foster mom wanted to add this: Goldie has some exercises she can do that will continue to help strengthen her legs, but it isn't clear how much more improvement she will make But Goldie is the sweetest thing in the house and if you sit on the floor, she'll climb in your lap for all the pets & snuggles she can get. So if you'd like to come meet 'the sweetest thing in the world' and give me some snuggles & pets, fill out the application! I'd love to show you how lovable & snuggly I am! From the vet team: Hello! I arrived at Secondhand Hounds with a bullet wound that resulted in a spine injury and bilateral hip dysplasia. This injury has prevented me from being able to use my back limbs (nonambulatory paraparesis). I have been working with a physical therapist and I received x-rays during my care with the SHH vet team. It is important for my future adopters to know that there is a risk for my hip joint to become dislocated . Since I am not walking on my rear limbs this may never be a concern but depending on the weight that is placed on my rear limbs this is a possibility. My future adopter will be financially responsible for possible future orthopedic surgery or medical management needs.
Carmen San Diego
Hi I'm Carmen and I'm from a local shelter. I entered rescue with the deadly Parvovirus, but with the support of the BB team I was able to recover! As so puppies should I love toys, playing and generally being a goof ball. I am very food motivated and will be ready to train. I've already learned sit (for those yummy treats!).
I am learning to go potty outside and am doing quite well on a two hour schedule. You need to be patient though, there is so much to look at in the big world outside, it can be quite distracting.
I love all humans and dogs.
Once I get my energy out, I am very content to get all the scratches and watch TV with you.
I am learning to go potty outside and am doing quite well on a two hour schedule. You need to be patient though, there is so much to look at in the big world outside, it can be quite distracting.
I love all humans and dogs.
Once I get my energy out, I am very content to get all the scratches and watch TV with you.
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