Opalite is tiny — just 4 pounds — and estimated to be around 4 years old. She was found as a stray, but one thing is clear the moment you meet her: she was loved once. She’s well-groomed, gentle, and clearly used to being cared for. Somewhere, there may be a family looking for her.

But right now, Opalite is hurting.

When she arrived at CARE STL, our medical team discovered that Opalite was suffering from painful corneal ulcers in her eyes. A corneal ulcer is essentially an open wound on the surface of the eye. It causes intense pain, squinting, tearing, and sensitivity to light — and if it deepens or ruptures, it can threaten the eye itself.

Opalite’s ulcers are severe enough that surgery is needed to protect her vision and relieve her pain. She is currently receiving pain medication, but this is only a temporary measure. Without surgical intervention, her condition could worsen, possibly leading to the loss of an eye.

As if that weren’t enough, Opalite is also suffering from severe dental disease. Her baby teeth never fell out, leaving her mouth overcrowded and inflamed. Dental disease is not just uncomfortable — it is extremely painful and can affect an animal’s ability to eat, sleep, and feel safe. Some of Opalite’s teeth will need to be extracted, and she will require a full dental surgery and cleaning to finally give her relief.

The cost of Opalite’s care adds up quickly:

Eye surgery: estimated at $600

Dental surgery and cleaning: estimated at $800

That’s $1,400 — for a dog who weighs less than a bag of sugar.

CARE STL is doing everything we can to keep Opalite comfortable and safe. But stories like hers are a reminder of the reality we face every day: animals arrive with urgent medical needs, and they can’t wait.

Opalite didn’t choose to be in pain.
She didn’t choose to be lost.
She didn’t choose to need surgery.

But we can choose to help her.

If you’re able, please consider making a gift today to help cover Opalite’s medical care. Your donation will go directly toward relieving her pain, protecting her eyesight, and giving her a chance at a healthy, happy future — whether that includes being reunited with her family or starting a brand-new chapter.

Every dollar matters.
Every act of compassion counts.
And for Opalite, your kindness could mean everything.

Please give if you can.

Thank you for standing with animals like Opalite when they need us most. 💙

Tiny Dog. Big Pain. A Chance for Healing.