Help Heal a Survivor

They left him to die, but he chose to survive. 💔

When rescuers found Travis, he was barely clinging to life. His body told a story no one should ever have to live through: deep bite wounds covering his head, a ripped ear, multiple skull fractures, damaged eyes, and a body so thin it was clear he’d known hunger for far too long.

In August, The Retrievers had been called to help search for him after he went missing under troubling circumstances. Despite their efforts, Travis seemed to have vanished without a trace. Then, nearly two months later, a severely injured dog had been found in an alley, left for dead. Miraculously, it was him. Against all odds, Travis had survived.

We may never know exactly what happened during that time, but all signs point to one horrifying truth: he was likely used as a bait dog — forced into unimaginable cruelty, then discarded when he was no longer “useful.”

But somehow, despite everything, this brave boy never gave up. When help finally came, Travis didn’t growl or shy away. He wagged his tail. He leaned in for love. He showed everyone that his heart, against all odds, was still full of trust.

Now safe with Ruff Start Rescue, thanks to our partnership with The Retrievers and a local animal hospital, Travis is finally getting the care he so desperately needs. He’s on pain medication, antibiotics, and has a surgical consult tomorrow. Early exams show that both of his eyes are severely damaged, leaving him nearly blind, and both may need to be removed to end his pain. One of his ears will also require surgical repair, and his skull fractures are extensive, with several small bone fragments that may need to be removed to prevent further injury. It will take multiple surgeries to help Travis heal, starting with the most urgent: removing his painful eye.

In his foster home, Travis is proving that love truly transforms. He’s the sweetest dog, playful, affectionate, and endlessly resilient. He doesn’t let his loss of sight slow him down, racing around with joyful bursts of energy and curling up close when it’s time to rest. He’s smart, learning quickly to climb steps just by listening to gentle cues. Most of all, he wants to be near his people and dog friends, soaking up every ounce of affection he can get. It’s hard to believe that after all he’s endured, he still trusts humans so completely.

Travis is living proof of what compassion can do, and now he needs our help to keep fighting. His medical bills will be significant, but his life is worth every penny.

Please, if you’re able, donate today to help us give Travis the second chance he deserves. After everything he’s endured, this boy deserves to know only kindness for the rest of his days.