Wendell
UPDATE April 28 2024:
We are devastated to share that our little Wendell did not make it.
When we shared his medical plea on Thursday, we knew that his condition was urgent. Despite best efforts from our Franky Fund veterinary partners, Wendell developed pneumonia yesterday afternoon—while still in critical condition. The veterinarians fought hard to save him, but his frail body was too weak and they could not reduce his pain. Together with BARCS veterinarians and the Franky Fund team, the decision was made to allow Wendell to pass peacefully this afternoon and end his suffering.
Wendell’s life was short, but it was important—all of you made it important. His story touched thousands of people. You gave Wendell the most significant four days of his life. In the hands of various medical teams, he was introduced to and felt love. We wish he could have found that life sooner, but we must find peace in knowing that he made it just long enough to see the beautiful side of this world.
Thank you to everyone who donated to his care and shared his story. We know that so many of you are heartbroken alongside us. All donations received for Wendell will be used to help save other emergency cases. We hope that his story raises awareness and that we can prevent other animals from this same fate.
You’ll always be a part of the BARCS family, Wendell.
April 25, 2024
Baltimore City Animal Control responded to a call about pets who were being starved and living in unsafe conditions, along with a deceased dog in a home. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chilling scene. In the basement of the home, they found a deceased dog, an underweight cat (who is safe in our care), and Wendell, an extremely emaciated dog who was laying in a pile of trash and feces.
Just skin and bones and far too weak to stand or move, Wendell was rushed straight to BARCS. Though he looked like he was too far gone, Wendell showed us that he still had hope as he blinked, looked up at our veterinarian and gave the smallest tail wag when she cupped his face in her hands.
Wendell was only at our shelter briefly before he was emergency transported to a partner Franky Fund hospital, where he is currently fighting for his life. Beyond the visible emaciation, Wendell also has severely depleted muscle mass, multiple pressure sores, and dried feces and urine all over his body. His skin is peeling off in sections and he is covered in fleas. Wendell is on heat support, IV fluids and antibiotics and is being monitored around-the-clock.
His prognosis at this time is still critical and we are cautiously optimistic that he will make it… but we must try.
Wendell is about a year old. He only weighs 12 pounds, but for his size he should be between 30-40 pounds. He has already endured a great amount of abuse and neglect, but we are going to make sure that he will have the happy and healthy life he should have had all along.
Donate now and give the gift of health and life. BARCS’ Franky Fund cares for nearly 900 animals each year with extraordinary medical needs. The costs to save their lives is outside of our annual budget, and so the Franky Fund relies completely on private donations. 100% of your gift today will help the animals listed below and others like them.
If you have more questions about the Franky Fund or donating, please email give@BARCS.org.