Merrie the Christmas Miracle Pup: Full Recovery Fund

On Christmas Eve day, the temperatures dipped into the low 20's on eastern Long Island. On this very same day, someone threw a tiny puppy into a dumpster. A Good Samaritan found the weeks-old pup and contacted North Fork Animal Welfare League. Covered in bite wounds and unable to walk, the League was the youngster's best chance at survival. Luckily, Gillian Wood Pultz, executive director, had room in her home for a special needs foster. The little tyke, dubbed Merrie, will never know how lucky she is - Gillian has rehabilitated hundreds of dogs and Merrie would need all her expertise. On December 26th, Dr. Dan Damato of North Fork Animal Hospital diagnosed Merrie with Swimmers Syndrome. It's called Swimmers Syndrome because the puppy's legs are splayed due to a flattened chest - appearing as if the dog is "swimming" as she struggles to walk. What causes this is uncertain, but getting proper nutrition, medical care, and physical therapy can 100% improve the condition. While Gillian has opened her heart and her home to Merrie, others have joined her foster team. Gillian's niece, Grace Maschinski is helping Merrie heal, along with Gabriella Garren and the folks at Sunrise Coach Lines.  Team Merrie consists of many people who want to see her thrive! But, Merrie's road to recovery is costly. You see, the North Fork Animal Welfare League holds the animal control contracts for two municipalities, and is quite familiar with going the extra mile for animals in need. But, funding her care was unforeseen. The care that holds her future. The League believes that our community wants to see puppies like Merrie rescued and not left for dead. And that pups with the will to live, like Merrie, deserve a second chance. Gillian is blown away by Merrie's indomitable spirit: "For a puppy who had so much going against her, she packs a ton of spunk into a few pounds of puppy! We want to provide Merrie with everything she needs to make a full recovery. Merrie is truly the Christmas Miracle Pup!" Your support will help Merrie march into her forever home as soon as possible! Follow Merrie's progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerrieTheMiraclePup/