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From our grantees at @wetlandswildlifecarecenter

Patient highlight from the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center:

This Brown Pelican was brought in on the 4th of July when onlookers thought it was strange that it was letting people come up and pet it. Upon further examination our technicians found a fishing hook and line lodged in its throat. After successfully removing the hook and taking X-rays to rule out anything else amiss, they identified 4 other fishing hooks deeper within.

The next day our veterinarian Dr. Wood, along with our technicians attempted to remove the remaining fishing hooks but the pelican wasn’t stable enough and started to decline (it even actually stopped breathing). The procedure was stopped immediately and luckily, it woke up and recovered.

The team let a few more days pass for it to stabilize, and last week the removal was attempted again. The team retrieved 3 of the 4 hooks using an unusual method that works only with some large animals involving physically reaching all the way down to grab them (do not try this at home!). The 5th and final hook was safely removed days later during surgery which revealed it fully wrapped around the jugular vein.

Currently, the pelican is recovering well and has put on weight, and we hope it will be cleared for release in the coming weeks. All of this requires medication, food, supplies, equipment, and many labor hours- things made possible through donations and grants- so thank you to the Doris Day Animal Foundation for helping save wildlife!

#dorisdayanimalfoundation #ddaf #wetlandswildlifecarecenter

From our grantees at @friendsofmaccnashville

Pawssanova came to us as a stray in heartbreaking condition. He was severely underweight and suffering from painful stomatitis that made eating nearly impossible. Every bite caused him to cry out in pain. Thanks to the generosity of the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Pawssanova was able to receive the specialized dental care he desperately needed at a local veterinary practice. Today, he can eat comfortably, has regained his quality of life, and found his forever home through adoption on July 12.

#dorisdayanimalfoundation #ddaf #friendsofmaccnashville

From our grantees at @hoohaven

In January 2024, Hoo Haven shared an incredible story of survival with the DDAF. It began with a very young American Bald Eagle named "Frost Bite"—affectionately known as "Frosty." When Frosty arrived at Hoo Haven, she was likely only a few months old and an inexperienced hunter.

During a severe polar vortex, temperatures plummeted into the negative 30-to-40-degree range. Driven by hunger, Frosty was tempted by fresh, raw meat left on the ground. Tragically, the meat was bait concealing an illegal double-leg claw trap. When Frosty landed, she was instantly caught by her feet and talons. We can only imagine how long she suffered in the bitter cold, desperately trying to free herself. By the time she was rescued, she was severely dehydrated, and her feet were ravaged by extreme frostbite. To save her life, veterinarians had to amputate several of her toes.

After nearly a year of intensive, daily medical treatments, Frosty recovered. Though healthy, her injuries left her permanently unable to hunt in the wild. Because of her youth and naturally calm demeanor, she began training to become a permanent Hoo Haven Wildlife Ambassador.

Today, Frosty is a stunningly beautiful eagle, sporting the classic brown body, striking white head, and white tail feathers of her species. She has become an absolute crowd favorite during educational programs, both in our new amphitheater at Hoo Haven and out in the community, particularly at local schools. Each year, Frosty connects with approximately 2,000 people of all ages, teaching them about the profound impact—both intentional and unintentional—that humans can have on wildlife.

More than anything, Frosty is living proof of the sheer will to survive. She is a testament to how human compassion, love, and dedicated care can save lives when we choose to act. Above all, she stands as a powerful symbol of the American Bald Eagle`s enduring legacy—a reminder of a species we must continue to protect and fight for.

#dorisdayanimalfoundation #ddaf #hoohaven

From our grantees at @rez.vet

In June, in the course of three days Rez Vet was able to accomplish the following after hosting two separate clinics on two separate reservations:

Total pets treated: 520

Life-saving vaccines administered: 958

Preventative medicines administered: 995

Door to door/home visits: 73

Urgent Care cases: 96

Dr. Lizzy was our team MVP, treated 96 sick and injured pets- the most we’ve ever seen in one clinic! Although we only treat dogs and cats, we made an exception for an urgent care case involving a very hurt little lamb, who was rushed into our clinic bleeding heavily after cutting himself on a gate. Dr. Lizzy and Jess were able to fix him right up and also treat his best friend, his sheepdog puppy, Vhagar, who had an upper respiratory infection. We’re happy to report that both of these boys are well on the road to recovery.

Two special pup siblings we were able to care for as well were Harley and Konnor. Harley got into something she was allergic to while hiking with her family and her eye swelled up, while her brother Konnor was attacked by a pack of rez dogs and had several wounds that required medical attention. Thankfully, we were in the right place at the right time to help both of these sweet dogs. 

We are grateful to you today and every day for helping to make Native American reservation communities safer, healthier places for the people and pets who call them home.

#dorisdayanimalfoundation #ddaf #rezvet

From our grantees at @nehumanesociety

A sweet puppy, just 5-months-old, came to the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) this spring with an injured leg. Radiographs confirmed a femur fracture of her right hind leg. A local veterinary clinic specializing in orthopedics performed the surgery on the puppy’s (now Ghost) leg. Following surgery, Ghost went to an NHS foster parent’s home to heal. After 6 weeks of recuperation, Ghost was adopted into a home where she is loved and the center of attention.

The Doris Day & Terry Melcher Foundation’s incredible grant paid for Ghost’s surgery and medical treatments, which totaled $4,258. Ghost can now frolic and run and be a puppy. What a wonderful gift! From Ghost and all of us here at NHS – THANK YOU!!!

#dorisdayanimalfoundation #ddaf #nebraskahumanesociety #nebraskahumane