Bianca is a petite, young shepherd mix, who lived her life on a short chain, fed in scarce amounts, and unable to escape being impregnated every time she went into heat.  She gave everything she had to her babies, and was starved and near death by the time A Pathway to Hope learned of her dire situation.  

An amazing rescuer contacted us about a family of dogs, and a horse, living on chains and starving, eating garbage and scraps of food.  The owners have 8 children, no running water and no money for food.  They were willing to sell their starving horse, Dreamer, and give up several of their dogs, but not all, as they loved some of the dogs too much to give them up, even after begging, pleading and bribing on our parts.  

Bianca was lucky that she wasn’t loved.  Bianca and 5 of her puppies found rescue, while the father husky and three puppies remain, despite our efforts.  Dreamer (horse) also found rescue, love and a happy life, even if just for a short time.  Long term starvation took Dreamer’s life less than a month after her rescue.  We believe that she had what she needed in life, and went peacefully, thanks to the love and support of so many. 

Bianca was found to have heartworms and a severe heart murmur, which we initially believed to be from the heartworms.  She appeared to recover quickly.  She gained weight, her coat was shining, and we were hopeful her condition had improved.  But, we soon learned that Bianca’s condition was far more grave (PDA and pulmonic stenosis), and without surgery, we would lose her.  There was no choice or alternative for us.  We scheduled Bianca for surgery on April 4th, not knowing exactly how we would cover the cost, but knowing that we were going to give her a chance at the beautiful life that she so deserves.    

Diagnostics for Bianca’s condition have totaled near $1,000.  Her surgery was estimated at $6,000, but the cardiologist and specialty hospital is working with our rescue to discount this rate to $3,000.  Bianca’s heartworm treatment to follow surgery is estimated at $250.  

Bianca has no idea she is sick.  She loves her foster family, dogs and humans alike, and wants to run, jump and play like the other dogs. Bianca is content to have a full belly, warm home and a special place on the couch to sleep and snuggle.  

We ask Dreamer to watch over Bianca and to give her the chance that Dreamer didn’t have.  And, we ask you to help us help Bianca.  All funds raised will go directly towards Bianca’s medical care, and any extra funds will go directly to helping her family members that are still out there, that we are still fighting for.  Donations can be made online by clicking the donate link below or to A Pathway to Hope, PO Box 165, Hawthorne, NJ 07507.