10/30/2025
Help Give Ray a Bright Future! 🌞
Ray found himself in a terrifying situation when he left his owner's property — an accident that would change everything for him. Somewhere along his journey, Ray was shot, and the severity of the injury left his front leg badly broken. A Good Samaritan found him and rushed him to Wakulla Animal Services.
Ray's prior owner has an extensive history of not providing a safe environment for his dogs — continually letting them roam and get into unsafe situations like Ray’s. It’s frustrating for Wakulla Animal Control who want to provide better for the animals in their community, but whose hands are tied when an owner is meeting the minimum basic care required by law. When faced with the cost of providing medical care to Ray, his owner was given the opportunity to do right by Ray but made the decision to surrender him and let him down one last time.
Wakulla Animal Services sought treatment for the heart-stealing pup with Dr. Marsh at Crawfordville Animal Hospital. Ultimately, the injury would require an external metal splint to stabilize his leg, but due to a quickly developing infection, efforts were made to gain control of the infection prior to surgical repair. For several days, Dr. Marsh treated Ray through daily bandage changes, a painful treatment that could have caused any dog to act out toward those providing care. Ray knew those tending to him were there to help and his demeanor was remarkable.
Dr. Marsh contacted LCHS Dog Coordinator, Amy Raddar, describing Ray's situation and explaining that Ray would require more specialized care if he was going to survive this injury. For the first time in their professional relationship, roles were reversed and Dr. Marsh was calling upon Amy to help save a dog. Even in moments when Dr. Marsh knew Ray was in excruciating pain, Ray never raised a lip or growled, he just allowed what needed to be done with a brave face and a sense of understanding. He’s simply special.
Amy became deeply invested in Ray’s wellbeing after hearing his heartbreaking story. Ray was transferred into the care of LCHS, and Amy immediately contacted Capital Veterinary Specialists - Tallahassee to explore options. The vet staff at CVS were quickly smitten with Ray and his gentle giant demeanor. Due to his size and the potential for future complications if he loses this weight bearing limb, it's of utmost importance to do everything possible to save Ray's leg. While providing care to Ray, Dr. Drygas of CVS recognized this situation could not only save Ray's life but also serve as a valuable teaching opportunity for veterinary interns. The cost of surgery would be hefty, but it was generously discounted for LCHS to $3,000.
The original plan was for Ray to undergo surgery this week, but the infection in Ray's leg had worsened. In order to give this surgery the best possible chance of success, Dr. Drygas and his team opted to postpone surgery and continue Ray's hospitalization and daily wound care under sedation into next week. Hospitalization itself may very well end up costing more than Ray's surgery itself. This is the point where LCHS staff are faced with difficult decisions to make. Ray has an army of people rooting for him — basically every person he meets. It’s unquestionable that he is deserving of the very best, however, the countless number of requests to save dogs never ceases. We must be mindful when making decisions of other dogs in need of help and stretch every dollar entrusted to us by our donors.
LCHS staff, especially Amy, often work to keep expenses down by providing care at home and transporting sick or injured animals to and from our participating vets. In Ray's case, Amy was told this was not an option. Our Executive Director visited CVS to brainstorm and meet the gentle giant, Ray, herself. He is indeed a very special kind of wonderful. In a large clinic the size of CVS, it was extraordinary for every staff member from the front desk to the Veterinarians and everyone in between to light up when they heard Ray's name.
After hearing our valid concerns regarding Ray's mounting expenses, Dr. Drygas's surgical resident came into the room to provide an update and explain the need for extensive daily care and presurgical hospitalization. She also delivered the message from Dr. Drygas that the cost for Ray's surgery AND hospitalization would be capped at $3,000! This is a HUGE blessing to both Ray and LCHS. We're able to see Ray through this trial while continuing to say YES to saving others without interruption.
The community of people working collectively to save Ray should not be overlooked. Within just over a week's time, this special dog has touched hearts over two counties, two vet clinics, Wakulla Animal Services, and LCHS! Now we need you to join his team of supporters.
Ray has already endured so much, but with your help, he can have the chance to heal and find a loving family.
When you donate to help Ray, you’re not just helping one dog. You’re helping us continue providing lifesaving medical care to every animal who needs it. You’re helping us make decisions that change their lives for the better.
Together, we can make sure animals like Ray get the second chances they deserve.
