💙 TOM & JERRY'S JOURNEY

Five 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.

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. A CT scan provided his surgical team with an even more detailed view of his spine and revealed that his deformity is more severe than originally believed. Jerry weighs less than 12 pounds, and each of his vertebrae is only about one centimeter in size. The vertebral implants normally used for this type of procedure are not made small enough for him.

UF is now consulting with its 3D printing team to explore whether custom components can be created specifically for Jerry’s tiny spine. His final surgical plan is still being developed, but the procedure is expected to require much more than simply relieving pressure on his spinal cord. It may include bone grafts and custom vertebral implants to reconstruct and stabilize the affected area.

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.

AND NOW, TOM NEEDS US TOO.

When the brothers first entered rescue, Tom appeared to be the lucky one. Although early imaging showed a curve in his spine, his condition appeared much milder than Jerry’s, and we hoped it might never significantly affect him.

As Tom continued to grow, however, his foster home began noticing changes in his mobility and strength. Because they were paying close attention, those changes were caught early and Tom was scheduled for an MRI with Specialists in Companion Animal Neurology. The MRI confirmed that Tom also has a congenital vertebral malformation and kyphosis that are affecting his spinal cord.

His condition is milder than Jerry’s, and his neurologist does not recommend surgery at this time. Instead, Tom will be medically managed with a low dose of prednisone every day while we closely monitor his mobility, strength, comfort, and response to treatment. This does not mean Tom’s medical journey is over. His condition may change as he continues to grow, and his treatment plan may need to change with it.

Two brothers. The same type of congenital spinal condition. Two different medical journeys that could require specialized care for years to come.

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

WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING

Thanks to an incredible community, Operation Zoomies reached and exceeded its original $15,000 fundraising goal. That milestone gave Jerry access to advanced imaging, specialty care, and surgical planning that would not have been possible otherwise. The money raised is already being used for Jerry’s MRI, CT scan, specialist appointments, medical bills, monthly medications, special food, and supplies.

Jerry’s medical bills have now exceeded $8,000, and his spinal surgery is still expected to cost approximately $12,000. His care will not end with surgery. He may also need hospitalization, medications, follow-up imaging, specialist appointments, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and mobility support throughout his recovery.

The campaign is also helping us respond to Tom’s changing medical needs, including his MRI, neurology care, medication, and continued monitoring. Tom’s medical bills have already exceeded $5,000, and he will continue to need medication, specialist care, rechecks, and ongoing monitoring.

Funds that have not yet been spent are being reserved for the extensive care still ahead for both brothers.

OPERATION ZOOMIES IS NOW A TWO PUG MISSION

Operation Zoomies began as our mission to give Jerry every possible chance at surgery. As Tom’s condition has evolved, that mission has grown to include both brothers.

We are fighting for the lives still ahead of them.

Tom and Jerry deserve the chance to grow up with more comfort, freedom, and independence. They deserve years filled with toys, adventures, companionship, and all the ordinary joys that should belong to every dog. They have spent their short lives adapting to challenges they never should have faced. Now they need a community willing to keep fighting for their futures.

How You Can Help

Donate
Every gift helps provide the advanced imaging, specialist care, medication, surgery, rehabilitation, and long term support Tom and Jerry need. No amount is too small to become part of their 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. Name your team, set a goal, share the brothers’ story, and rally your people around two very determined little pugs. A few donations from many people can add up to life changing care.
Share Their 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 learns about Tom & Jerry helps us continue providing the care they need.
Attend an Operation Zoomies Event: Meet Tom & Jerry in Person!
Follow us on Social Media for updates on Meet & Greets with Tom & 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
Read Tom’s full story: https://pugrescueflga.com/current-dogs/f/tom
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we routinely feature Tom & Jerry: @pugrescueflga

Tom and Jerry have adapted to every challenge placed in front of them. But they should not have to face the years ahead without access to the specialized care that could protect their mobility, comfort, and independence.

Please donate, create a fundraising team, or share Operation Zoomies today.
Help us keep fighting for Tom and Jerry. Help us give both brothers the futures they deserve.

Operation Zoomies: Keep Tom Running. Help Jerry Run Again.

Two Brothers. One Mission. Every Chance for the Future They Deserve.

Team Members