22/12/2025
This little 4-lb Aussiepom was relinquished to a vet by his breeder after being treated with eyedrops for 4-5 days for an eye infection that kept getting worse. We were told his eyelids were swollen and his eyes were nasty. The fear we felt was immediate and real – that this tiny Aussiepom, whom we have named Joseph, might lose his vision before he ever had a chance to truly see the world.
One of our awesome team members put everything else aside to go get him and we got him in to see our compassionate care team at Northgate Small Animal Hospital. We were so relieved to hear that Joseph’s eyes are okay and his vision is good. But it was obvious by his cries that this sweet boy was hurting. What we were told was an eye infection turned out to be one of the worst ear infections we’ve seen — painful, deep, and clearly something he’s been struggling with far too long. He’s now on several medications, wrapped in gentle care, and finally on a path toward relief. You can see he just doesn’t feel good but you can also see something else — that spark of trust and quiet bravery while he allows us to care for him.
If Joseph’s touches your heart, we invite you to contribute to our Giving Season Fundraiser. Your support helps us say “yes” when we get calls like his — the urgent, unexpected, heartbreaking ones. Every donation, big or small, helps us provide medical care, comfort, and a safe place for pups who need us most. Joseph is one of many, and together, we can make sure each one gets the chance to heal.
If you’d like to donate, you can do so here, or click here to give thru our portal: https://speakrescue.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/40942?fbclid=IwY2xjawO1exRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEdUMyaXFTNnRtYmJjcGthc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl9azqkHktb5W9cxpIF0uFYRvnEojzDBxvwJKmKF7LbvplXXhEjIgGfD5rM__aem_DE_eII0NSo5LEISDuwZaaQ . You can also send a gift via Venmo , or mail a check to:
Speak! Rescue and Sanctuary
P.O. Box 318
Troy, IL 62294
