One undeniably universal experience for pet parents is shouting across the house, “WHAT ARE YOU EATING?!”

For Rugby and his family, his over-eager appetite did not do him any favors.

One morning, Rugby went outside to use the bathroom as he usually does. His mom was just steps away when she saw him pick something up from the yard. Before she had a chance to react, it was down the hatch – swallowed whole. At first, nothing seemed wrong, but when he stopped eating and going to the bathroom a couple of days later, Rugby’s mom knew there was an issue.

Rugby is his mom’s best friend. He’s a playful, toy-loving pup with a big personality (and unfortunately a big appetite). For so many community members, pets are family. And even when bills are hard to keep up with, or the mortgage is behind, pet families will do whatever they can to take care of their loved ones.

Rugby’s mom was in a tough spot. She was already stretching her food just to get by, and the expenses of an emergency veterinarian were so far out of reach. But when your best friend is in trouble, there isn’t really another choice.

So Rugby was brought to the emergency veterinarian, but they didn’t have great news. They initially tried minimally invasive treatment, but the next step would require X-rays and surgery – costly procedures. For too many families, the system simply isn’t built to make that kind of care accessible.

But that’s where the Connecticut Humane Society steps in. When Rugby’s mom called the pet resource center, they connected her with support designed exactly for moments like this. Instead of rushing Rugby straight to surgery, the partner veterinary team, who agreed to take their case, recommended supportive care to see if Rugby’s body could safely pass the object on its own. Everyone waited and waited, and finally, this little pet family caught a break. Rugby was going to be just fine.

And beyond connecting Rugby’s case with a partner who would reduce the cost of care, CHS’ Special Assistance Fund was also able to fund what his mom could not cover.

With medical care, patience, and a bit of good luck, Rugby was able to return home to the person who never stopped fighting for him – something that might not have been possible if it weren’t for kindhearted community members like you.

Pet parents know too well the terror that grips them when something traumatic happens to their pet. Fortunately, pet families here in Connecticut don’t have to do it all on their own.