A look back at the scabby sores and itchy inflamed pink skin that needed help fast. You can’t see them in the photo because they were intentionally left out. Because that’s not the way this sweet guy would want to be remembered. There’s just no way he’d want everyone to know the agony he was in. So let’s give him that respect and instead focus on his sweet smooshy Beagle face. Because that, as you can see, is perfect!

Because this little 7 year-old Scooby doppelganger named Spud was such a happy boy. And he could also be a poster dog for The Pongo Fund. Such a strong reminder of the work we do and why we do it.

Because Spud’s Dad had a good job. But due to some other serious money emergencies involving other family members the dollars ran out and that meant everyone, including Spud, was living on nothing for another week. And for Spud and the agony he was in, that was really bad news. And it was breaking his parent’s heart.

Their call came late on a Saturday afternoon. A message left on our voicemail. The message was crystal clear, made even more clear by the distressed tone of the caller. A man that was scared, sad and running out of options as he was watched his beloved Spud suffering.

Luckily a local emergency animal hospital referred him to The Pongo Fund. And that’s when we went to work on Project Spud. Because thanks to people like Janet and Sara and Bev and Kris and a handful of others, The Pongo Fund has a small emergency veterinary care fund ready to help in emergencies.

There’s not a lot there. But luckily every time we’ve needed it there’s been enough to save a life. Like Spud.

A quick call back confirmed what was needed and that it was needed fast. The late Saturday afternoon time was working against us as was the anguish of the caller. Because while we are unable to diagnose we can certainly understand the urgency of the situation and certain key words tell us when things need attention right away. And this did.

Luckily this was the time that everything came together perfectly. The call to the veterinarian brought Spud what he needed in less than an hour. And after the vet visit Spud and his parent’s met our emergency kibble response team at The Pongo Fund for a special Saturday Pongo visit.

They left with a big bag of great food, along with the meds needed and a list of other items helpful to get this little guy back on the road to recovery.

People that have everything going for them and then, all at once, things change. It’s scary! And it could be anyone of us. The dollars are gone before the month is gone. And no matter how carefully we plan for emergencies, sometimes those emergencies can be more than any of us can prepare for.

It doesn’t matter how big they are. Because when the money is gone, even small emergencies get big fast.

This one didn’t. This one worked out ok. Because The Pongo Fund’s Emergency Veterinary Care Fund was there to help.

Bringing comfort to a little Beagle friend with great big ears named Spud and the family who loves him.

And this is why we Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. Go Spud! thepongofund.org