09/05/2026
💔 We lost Little River tonight.
As hard as we tried to save this tiny bottle baby, his little body simply couldn’t keep fighting.
River had a wonderful foster who cared for him, along with a whole team doing everything possible to give him a chance. He was seen by a veterinarian today, and when he needed additional help tonight, he was taken to Valor. We tried everything we could, but we just couldn’t save him.
In this photo, Little River is the brown puppy, and the little white puppy beside him is his sister, Willow. Tonight, Willow is without her brother, and we know she is grieving too. She is being watched closely, loved, comforted, and cared for as we help her through the loss of the little brother who had always been beside her.
For those who foster, you know this heartbreak. You open your home and your heart to these fragile little lives and fight for them with everything you have. This is the outcome every foster fears.
For those who rescue, you know it too. A rescue had already tagged Little River and was waiting for the day he would join them. They are heartbroken tonight, knowing that day will never come.
River will be cremated, and his remains will be returned to his foster, who has asked to have him back with her.
These tiny babies are incredibly fragile. Sometimes, despite the love, veterinary care, sleepless nights, and everyone fighting for them, their little bodies simply cannot overcome what they are facing.
Little River mattered. He was loved. He had a foster who fought for him, a rescue waiting for him, a team supporting him, and his little sister Willow beside him.
Now we will keep fighting for Willow.
Please keep River’s foster, his rescue, little Willow, and everyone who loved and fought for this baby in your prayers tonight.
Rest easy, Little River. You were loved every moment you were ours. 💔🐾🌈
