On Friday, August 22, our team received a desperate call from one of our Waco shelter partners. A small dog had been found terrified and alone in the middle of I-35, pressed up against a concrete barrier. His tiny body was covered in severe burns down his entire back.

We named him Butterfinger — and he’s now in the fight of his life.

The shelter did everything they could, but his condition was too critical. We stepped in, and a heroic foster opened their home without hesitation. But the moment we laid eyes on him, we knew he needed emergency care. Fast.

At the vet, things took an even darker turn.

Butterfinger’s hematocrit was just 10% — normal is 35–55%. That means his blood volume was dangerously low, leaving his body unable to heal or even get enough oxygen. He was too unstable for sedation, yet desperately needed help. A blood transfusion was his only hope.

He’s now hospitalized, receiving round-the-clock care, and fighting to stay alive.

To make matters worse, his skin is already infected, and with burns this severe, he’s at high risk for life-threatening infections. His condition is guarded, and the next few days are absolutely critical.

💔 We are doing everything we can, but we can’t do it without you.

Please donate if you're able — every single dollar matters. Butterfinger is a sweet, innocent soul who didn’t deserve this pain. Together, we can give him a chance at the life he’s never known — safe, loved, and pain-free.

🐾 PUPDATE 🐾

Wednesday, August 29

Unfortunately, the oral antibiotics weren’t strong enough, so Butterfinger had to be hospitalized again and restarted on IV fluids and IV antibiotics.

The good news is that he’s still in great spirits—loving, gentle, and resilient despite everything he’s endured. He had his first wound debridement on August 28. The injury is severe enough that his spine is exposed through the damaged skin (TRIGGER WARNING BEFORE YOU LOOK THROUGH PHOTOS).

Because the burn is isolated to a specific area and there are no other injuries, the vet suspects it was caused intentionally—either by someone setting him on fire or pouring a caustic chemical on him.

The team at Summit Veterinary Hospital has been incredible. He’s receiving around-the-clock care, including laser therapy, PRP treatments, manuka honey applications, and a continuous IV pain relief regimen. He is also on a high protein diet to help with his healing.

Butterfinger has a long and costly road ahead, but we are committed to seeing him through his recovery. Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated and has inquired about him!

***any funds received that exceed the amount required for Butterfinger will be used to help the other senior and medical needs animals in our program - you can view our adoptable animals HERE***

Help Burned Butterfinger