Muggs Has an Urgent Problem
Hi, my name is Muggs. I’m a Shih Tzu. My Mom is a senior citizen who lives on Social Security. She adopted me from a local rescue three years ago.
Stricken with secondary glaucoma from an old eye injury I suffered when I was a pup. A few weeks ago, out of the blue, my left eye just started hurting and swelling and now I’ve got one heck of a headache.
The Animal Support Project paid for a specialist at Upstate Veterinary Specialties to examine my eye. He says it’s got to be removed ASAP. There’s no saving it and it’s blind now. That surgery is the only way to relieve my pain but it’s gonna cost over $3,000!
I’m in good shape otherwise but the bad news is, on her limited income, Mom doesn’t have the funds to pay for this surgery. She only had $400 in the bank and she used that to get me seen by our vet before we even went to the specialist. I’m taking pain meds and eye drops to help keep me comfortable but the pressure won’t go down. And I know just looking at this eye is scaring people. I used to be a handsome little guy that the kids loved but now they run from me cuz I look like a freak.
Mom went back to the rescue that sold me to her to ask them for help. But they said they’d only help me if she surrendered me back to them! How do ya like that? The vet says it would be cheaper to put me to sleep but Mom can’t bear the thought of that. For cryin’ out loud, we’ve been together three years and it’s been just magical for both of us! We love the same TV shows, the same snacks, the same movies…….We’re made for each other! Mom could take care of my regular needs just fine. Everything was wonderful. We never dreamed my eye would explode like this! It took nearly a lifetime to find each other. I hope it doesn’t have to end so soon. That would be a heart breaker for both of us.
The Animal Support Project isn’t giving up on us and neither is Mom. She’s calling and emailing everywhere to try and find more money for my surgery. And TASP is posting my story in the hope that others who read about us will maybe donate to help save me. They’re just a small organization and COVID has really hurt them financially just like everyone else. But they know the value of relationships, two-legged and four-legged. They don’t want to see Mom and me separated, especially with the holidays coming. If you can’t donate, would you please share my story so maybe someone who can donate will learn about Mom and me and help us? The time is ticking on this bomb of an eye so I hope we can raise the funds soon. Thanks from the heart for caring and God bless!
According to his Mom, “He’s doing wonderfully, he’s back to playing with his toys and is running around outside. He is enjoying his treats again, he’s full of life.”
Those of you who have been participating in our Fantasy Pet Photo Clinics at Benson’s in Pittsfield already know Erin O’Brien as the ever-smiling, ever-joking ever-competent photog and computer operator who turns even the most incorrigible pet model into an absolute work of art. One Sunday each month, Erin meets us at Benson’s ready to set up and shoot our fund-raising photos that draw folks from all over Berkshire County.
From our first meeting, Erin understood immediately what it was TASP was trying to accomplish with our mission to keep pets out of the local shelters through pet crisis intervention and mitigation. And by the time we handed her Zippy’s very first Fantasy photo, we were signing Erin up to be a TASP volunteer. Since then, TASP is stronger and so much better off for having Erin on our team.
But don’t take our word for it, take it from Erin: “
“I stumbled across a TASP photo clinic at the Pittsfield Benson’s a few years ago and was so impressed with how patient Steve was with my dogs and how friendly the gang working the clinic was, that I volunteered to help out at future events.
Before you know it I had learned a ton about PhotoShop, how to photograph wiggly dogs, and how to set up and tear down the photo clinic equipment. But more importantly, I had met some of the best people I’ve ever encountered in the TASP family of volunteers. You are all so dedicated, talented, and hardworking. I’m impressed at every event with how much everyone does for animals in their spare time and not-so-spare time…….And of course, I’ve gotten to know some of the cutest, nuttiest, and sweetest animals and their loving pet parents. The regulars at our events are the best for how supportive they are of TASP and it is obvious how much they love their fur babies.”
Not only is Erin a one-woman photo clinic, able to expertly handle every aspect of our process including setup, animal-handler, photographer, computer operator and admin; she is also an accomplished graphic artist with an absolutely joyful personalty that engages volunteers, pet owners and critters alike! Erin has been a volunteer with the outstanding Berkshire Humane Society for years and is a valuable resource to TASP and local residents who may need help navigating the animal welfare world on her side of the mountain.
A devoted pet mom and animal lover, Erin gives her whole self to her dogs: Gentleman Bud and Zippy the Wonderpup. And it’s clear they want nothing more than to be with their Mama, even when she’s not dressed up like one of them. Both dogs are so well trained by Erin they are even welcome at her workplace at Habitat for Humanity. Friends always look forward to seeing the latest facebook post from her about her dogs’ accomplishments and antics.
TASP’s appreciation for Erin just keeps on growing. Now that the COVID nightmare is under control in the Northeast, she’ll be managing our Fantasy Photo Events at local weddings, parties and other shindigs around her area. Stay tuned to our website and facebook page for more news about this expansion of our supporters’ favorite fund raiser that will earn more revenue for local pets in need.
Meantime, keep an eye out for Erin and her incredible smile in the Lenox-Pittsfield area. She’s the person every pet and every human wishes to be around……. and once you meet her, it’s a sure thing you’ll agree.
Hello, World! It’s me, Mabel! The friendliest little ball of muscle you ever could ask for.
I’m a mix of old fashioned Staffordshire Terrier and something else….not sure what. Been used strictly for makin’ babies for most of my 4 years of life but I’m a liberated woman, now. Got spayed so that breeding gig is over for good, thank God! Folks at The Animal Support Project finally came to my rescue when they recognized what a fine gal I really am and how my life was being trashed by the people who used to own me.
I’m still learning my manners and started informal obedience training so I can learn how to be welcome in genteel society. I am VERY affectionate, very athletic and very food motivated so training will be alot of fun for me and my peeps. I can’t wait to demonstrate what I can do with a little bit of encouragement and shaping.
I LOVE car rides and I’m nice on a leash but sometimes I read some dogs dissing me and that makes me want to put them in their place. When I walk I kinda waddle and I grunt a little. It makes folks smile! And instead of a bark, when I get excited, I let out a squeal just like a baby pig! Everyone knows when I’VE got something to say!
It’s time for me to start letting folks know I’m available for adoption, so hence my big splash on PetFinder. I’m hoping to match up with a home that is ready to live an active lifestyle. So far, I’ve missed out on all the hikes and car rides and visits to Tractor Supply so I’ve got alot of living to do. Got the worlds’ biggest tongue and alot of enthusiasm so my kisses will knock a small kiddo over……. probably I should go to a home where there are no little or frail ones for me to accidentally damage. It would break my heart if I disappointed you, y’know.
We’ll be adding more photos and updates soon, so stay tuned, ok? And if you want to learn more about me, just give a call: 518-727-8591. I’m always up for making new friends so let’s do lunch!
