💙 JERRY'S JOURNEY

Three months ago, Jerry and his brother, Tom, were surrendered to Pug Rescue of Florida & Georgia by their breeder. We were told that one puppy had suffered an injury. Then we were told it was hip dysplasia. But when one of our volunteers arrived to pick them up, it was immediately clear that something far more serious was happening.

Jerry could not walk very far without stumbling and falling. While Tom kept moving, Jerry struggled just to stand and keep up. Neither explanation matched what our volunteer was seeing.

We did not know what was wrong. We did not know why it was happening. We only knew one thing: Jerry deserved answers.

After months of veterinary visits, specialist appointments, neurological evaluations, and diagnostic testing, an MRI finally revealed the truth.

Jerry was born with a severe congenital spinal deformity. Several vertebrae in his upper back did not form normally, creating an extreme curve in his spine that is compressing and flattening his spinal cord. Without intervention, the compression on his spinal cord will continue to threaten his mobility, independence, and long-term quality of life.

Yes. The content is strong, but there are a few places where the same idea is repeated, especially around “more than walking.” I’d tighten it so the progression is clearer: hope → surgery → consequences of doing nothing → cost → what Operation Zoomies is fighting for.

Now, Jerry has hope.

After an extensive evaluation at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital, Jerry was identified as a candidate for complex spinal surgery. His medical team is developing a surgical plan that will require much more than simply relieving the pressure on his spinal cord. The procedure is expected to include bone grafts and vertebral implants to stabilize and reconstruct the affected area of his spine. This will be an extensive surgery followed by a long recovery, and there are no guarantees with a procedure this complicated.

But we also know what happens if we do nothing: Jerry will continue to decline.
As his condition progresses, Jerry faces eventual complete paralysis and the loss of his ability to urinate or defecate on his own. His bladder and bowels would need to be manually emptied multiple times every day for the rest of his life. The loss of normal bladder and bowel function can also bring additional medical complications, including recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney infections, chronic constipation, skin problems, and other ongoing health issues. For Jerry, this surgery is about far more than whether he will walk or run again. It is about protecting his independence, his health, and his quality of life for all the years ahead.

Jerry’s medical bills have already exceeded $6,000, and his spinal surgery is expected to cost approximately $12,000. Before surgery, he will also need a CT scan at the University of Florida, estimated at approximately $2,000, to provide the detailed imaging his surgical team needs to finalize their plan. And his care will not end with surgery. Jerry will also need hospitalization, medications, follow up imaging and specialist appointments, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and mobility support throughout his recovery.

Operation Zoomies is our mission to give Jerry every chance possible.

We are fighting for the life still ahead of him. Jerry deserves the chance to grow up with more comfort, more freedom, and more independence. He deserves years filled with toys, adventures, companionship, and all the ordinary joys that should belong to every dog.

He has spent his short life adapting to challenges he never should have faced. Now he needs a community willing to fight as hard for his future as he does every single day.

How You Can Help

Donate
Every gift moves Jerry closer to surgery. No amount is too small to become part of his story.
Start a Fundraising Team
Create your own Operation Zoomies fundraising page and invite your friends, family, coworkers, customers, neighbors, or fellow dog lovers to join you. You can fundraise individually or build a team and compete to see who can raise the most for Jerry. Name your team, set a goal, share Jerry’s story, and rally your people around one very determined little pug. A few donations from many people can add up to something life changing.
Share Jerry’s Story
Share this campaign. Send it to a friend. Post it in a community group. Ask your employer whether donations are eligible for workplace matching. Every new person who hears Jerry's story brings us closer to reaching our goal.
Attend an Operation Zoomies Event: Meet Jerry in Person!
Want to meet the little pug behind Operation Zoomies?
Meet Jerry in St. Pete! Come see us on Sunday, August 30th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Mutts & Martinis, 2900 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg.

You do not need to bring a dog to attend, and it’s free if you’re coming without one. If you are bringing your pup, please register them with Mutts & Martinis in advance. Dog admission is $8.
Dog registration: https://muttsandmartinisoncentral.com

Follow us on Social Media for updates on Meet & Greets with Jerry.
Facebook and Instagram: @pugrescueflga
Event details will also be posted here: https://pugrescueflga.com/community-events
Learn More About Jerry
Read Jerry’s full story: https://pugrescueflga.com/current-dogs/f/jerry
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we routinely feature Jerry (and Tom!): @pugrescueflga

Jerry has adapted to every challenge placed in front of him.
But he should not have to spend the rest of his life losing more mobility and independence when there may be a way to help.

Please donate, create a fundraising team, or share Operation Zoomies today.

Help Jerry run again. Help us give him the future he deserves.

Operation Zoomies: Help Jerry Run Again

One Surgery. A Lifetime of Possibilities.

Team Members