At six years old and weighing in at 100 pounds, Lola is a gentle giant. And while some might be intimidated by a dog that size, her goofy grin makes everyone who meets her fall in love. This sweet girl had a tough start though. She’d come from a neglectful situation before finally finding the loving family she deserved. And when she did find them, life was really good for a while: she had a cozy spot at home, a new best friend in the family’s other dog, Gracie, and people who adored her.

But just weeks after getting home, Lola’s family discovered that she had not yet been spayed. They planned to schedule her surgery as soon as possible—but before that time came, Lola developed pyometra, a dangerous and life-threatening infection. Without immediate surgery, Lola wouldn’t survive.

Her family was devastated. They had just faced a major crisis with Gracie, who had recently sustained a serious injury requiring emergency surgery. That unexpected bill had drained their savings, and on top of that, a recent wave of layoffs left their family with no way to cover the cost of another emergency.

But thanks to support from KodiakCare and the Connecticut Humane Society, there was another path forward. All these caring hearts linked together to ensure Lola could get the surgery she urgently needed. Her family didn’t have to say goodbye to save her life.

CHS provided resources to make sure Lola could get the surgery she urgently needed, and with a billing agreement to cover the remaining balance, her family didn’t have to say goodbye.

Today, Lola is back at home, recovering from her surgery surrounded by the people who love her most. Her procedure was a success, and her prognosis is excellent. She’s back to sharing sloppy kisses with everyone she meets—and her family is beyond grateful that their beloved girl is safe and healthy.

For them, Lola isn’t simply a pet. She’s family. And thanks to CHS’ programs that keep pets and people together, they aren’t losing her. Instead, they’re looking forward to years of joy, laughter, and love with the dog who completed their home.

Thanks to supporters like you, the Connecticut Humane Society can care for more community pets, ensuring they never part from the families who love them. Click here to learn more about the resources available to keep pets and people together forever.