This morning, Howie couldn't stand on his own.

Just 48 hours earlier, this tiny 1–2-year-old scruffy stray had finally gotten his chance.

Texas shelters are beyond capacity, and even little dogs like Howie are running out of time. We had already said no because we simply didn't have a foster.

Then, at the last moment, someone stepped forward.

We were finally able to say yes to Howie.

The shelter drove Howie directly to his neuter appointment, where our volunteer picked him up and took him straight into foster care. During surgery, doctors discovered one of his testicles was retained inside his abdomen (cryptorchid), making his surgery more invasive than a routine neuter.

When we picked him up, we immediately noticed he was much thinner than we expected, and significant bruising began developing around his catheter site and surgical incision. We truly believed he was simply having a rough recovery from anesthesia after a more involved surgery.

Instead, he continued to decline.

This morning, he couldn't stand.

He is now hospitalized in intensive care at the Emergency Animal Hospital of Crystal Falls. Initial imaging has revealed free fluid in his abdomen, and bloodwork has shown anemia, concerning electrolyte abnormalities, and elevated liver values. Doctors are performing an abdominal ultrasound, clotting tests, and additional diagnostics to determine why he became so critically ill while providing the critical care he needs.

The truth is, we don't have all the answers yet.

We do know that Howie was reportedly active and eating while at the shelter just days ago. Whether he was already living with an underlying illness that had not yet been recognized, whether his body simply wasn't strong enough to recover from a more invasive surgery, or whether another medical condition is contributing to his rapid decline, we simply don't know.

What we do know is this: Howie needs us today.

We're trying to raise $2,000 immediately to cover his emergency hospitalization, diagnostics, medications, and critical care.

If you can help, please make a donation today. Every dollar gives this sweet little survivor another chance.

If you aren't able to donate, please consider sharing Howie's story. Your share could be the one that reaches the person who helps save his life.

Thank you for standing with Howie when he needs us most.

Howie is fighting for his life.

We just rushed Howie to the ER. Please help us save him.