Vicki and her sister, Abby, knew they hit the jackpot with their doting human. They frequented playdates, explored the neighborhood on daily walks, socialized with new iggy friends, and snuggled up with their mom every night. And then the unthinkable happened—their human died. But no one knew. Vicki and Abby did their best to survive, but little Abby didn’t make it, and Vicki was on the verge of crossing the rainbow bridge herself.

Finally, a friend came to check because she hadn’t been able to reach anyone and found what had happened—many, many days later. Vicki was so weak—she wouldn’t eat and was very fragile--so the kind friend called Italian Greyhound Rescue to report what had happened. Quick-acting IGRF volunteers rushed Vicki to emergency care.

It was touch and go for a couple of weeks or so, but slowly Vicki began to eat and gain strength. A rescue foster family begged to take over caring for her. They knew they’d fall in love with Vicki and were willing to risk heartbreak if she didn’t make it. But she did…

Vicki is thriving in her foster home with a couple of iggy pals. The little pack welcomed her and now she is right at home. She also has 2 humans that she adores and who think she is pretty special.

We are so grateful that we were called in time to save little Vicki and give her a chance to find a second loving home. Without our supporters, we wouldn't have the funds to cover her veterinary care, or to assist the amazing foster home who welcomed her and nursed her back to health. Vicki's story is a story of luck, love and generosity of spirit -- because of you, this little fighter has her happy ending!

IGRF began as the Rescue arm of the Italian Greyhound Club of America (the AKC parent club for Italian Greyhounds) and later separated into a nonprofit organization to better serve our mission. Our goal is to provide education and support to current owners, and to be a resource for purebred Italian Greyhounds in need of rehoming.

All our dogs are vaccinated and spayed/neutered before placement with new families. We also provide necessary veterinary care for both emergencies and long-term needs of our foster dogs, as well as beginning training so the foster gets a good start on becoming a beloved family member. Our dogs range from seniors that have lost an owner to death or serious illness, to puppies that broke a leg their owners can't afford to repair, to dogs sent to us by local animal control after being seized from puppy mill operations. Every dog lives as a pet in our network of foster homes. There are no shelter facilities -- just a group of representatives and volunteers all over the country who open their homes and hearts to dogs in need.

We ask for financial assistance because the cost of vet care has skyrocketed in the last five years. We have no paid employees in our organization and except for a few minor administrative costs (insurance, postage, governmental filing fees, etc.), all donations go towards providing vet care and medications for the dogs.

A girl on the brink

Vicki almost loses everything -- saved in the nick of time!