06/03/2026
Ava’s Second Chance: The Little Dog That Could
In April, The Arrow Fund received a heartbreaking alert about a tiny dog in desperate need. When we first picked Ava up, the sight was jarring: she looked like a bodybuilder in the front, but her back half was completely emaciated, with her backbone and ribs sharply protruding.
We soon learned her tragic history. Ava’s previous owner kept her locked in a crate for 20 hours a day, feeding her barely a cup of food. The owner stubbornly believed this was enough and couldn’t be convinced otherwise. She also claimed Ava was just two years old, but a veterinary exam revealed she is actually over five.
This age difference explained so much. Ava wasn’t just starving; she had been forced to use her front legs almost exclusively to get around. The tragic result? Both of her back knee joints are completely bone-on-bone—severe arthritis typically seen in elderly dogs, even though Ava isn't even a senior yet.
Despite a lifetime of neglect, Ava’s spirit was never broken. The moment she arrived at her foster home with Stacey D., she ran around the house, bursting with the joy of finally being free. She is incredibly resilient, loves other dogs, and absolutely adores people.
But Ava’s fight isn’t over, and she needs our help.
She recently underwent her first major knee surgery. Sadly, after a few weeks, the surgical site became infected, requiring intense, ongoing medical care. Once we beat this infection and her first knee heals, she still faces a second major operation.
Giving this deserving girl the second chance she was always denied is incredibly costly. If you want to help Ava heal and finally live the pain-free life she deserves, please consider making a life-saving donation today to: https://thearrowfund-bloom.kindful.com/
