MEET ZOEY.
December 23rd. CalWEAR received a CODE RED message from Riverside County Animal Shelter in the evening for a “Weimaraner” who was mauled by the dogs she lived with. She was found by Animal Control alone and abandoned under a car after neighbors reported a dog fight and then howling and crying. When owners were confronted they said they could not get her medical care and that she would be ok. Due to visible wounds and emaciated condition of the dog, Animal Control told them to get care for her or surrender her.
So, really she ended up being seized by AC. Her name is Zoey, 7 years old and mauled by her brother. Zoey’s mother is a Weimaraner and father unknown. After Vet exam at shelter it was found that Zoey has a right front leg snapped in half, toes broken on left foot and multiple bite wounds, both new and OLD on her body. Shelter staff took immediate action to get her out and into care by a Rescue.
December 24th. CalWEAR Director Deb Thompson picked Zoey up early in the day and got her to an emergency vet. Her estimated bill is staggering. Initial exam shows leg should be amputated. Of course, it is Christmas, so we have to keep her stable until a surgeon becomes available on Monday! We NEED you! Her estimated charges just for this initial care with sedated wound care and bandage changes comes to a whopping $8,000!! Vet estimate attached. Zoey is worth it to us to try to save her. She may not be “grey” (we were surprised on pick up) but she is the sweetest most lovable dog ever. So much so that Animal Control Staff gathered to say goodbye and wish her well when we picked her up! She even gave transporter grateful tiny butterfly kisses while being rushed to ER. 
So this is bottom line, if we can get help and save her life so far, WITHOUT THE SURGERY, her fee is $8,000. On Monday when we decide on which surgery to do, amputation or repair, it will escalate many more thousands of dollars. We know it is Covid and many are struggling, but if you can help with just a few dollars we know it will add up. Zoey is worth it. Isn’t she?
December 25th AM POST. Zoey may have had the misfortune of being owned by a monster who left her outside to die, but it’s Christmas, and #teamCalWEAR is one thousand percent committed to taking her in and getting her well.
ZOEY…MEDICAL EMERGENCY! 12/23 late evening we got a code red call from RivCO Animal Shelter of a “Weimaraner” who was mauled by dogs on the property. She was found by AC alone and abandoned under a car after neighbors reported a dog fight and then howling and crying. When owners were confronted they said they could not get her medical care and that she would be ok. Due to visible wounds and emaciated condition of the dog, Animal Control told them to get care for her or surrender her.
NOTE: Later during surgery the Surgeon determined injury was caused by a beating with blunt object such as tire iron or baseball bat and NOT dog bites! THERE IS A PENDING CRUELTY INVESTIGATION.
- Deborah/Team CalWEAR
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December 25th PM POST. Zoey may have had the misfortune of being owned by a monster who left her outside to die, but it’s Christmas, and #teamCalWEAR is one thousand percent committed to taking her in and getting her well.
An anonymous donor just came forward this morning to match dollar for dollar what we are able to raise for Zoey by tomorrow evening. This includes all donations we’ve received in the last 24 hours, so please consider that for every dollar you are able to donate, Zoey will get TWO.
- With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR
December 25th PM POST. ZOEY MATCH ends in one hour. We are currently north of $10,000. Let’s do this, FOR ZOEY!!!!!!!!
December 28th. Monday day 7 update! 
sad news. We all were so hopeful that Miss Zoey would go home today, however bandage change is showing some additional oozing with necrotic tissue. They need to keep her until Wednesday… maybe removing a staple that might be contributing to the discharge. Please.. say a prayer! This is a little set back but we want a good surgical result so feel we have to be careful and follow Vets advice. There is a photo of the leg today during bandage change that is not for the faint of heart. Ck photos below. In spite of it all Zoey is in good spirits and finally getting assisted out for little potty breaks. She’s a trooper!!
Post Op Day 7 Monday 1/4/21 WE ARE GOING HOME!!!!! Zoey has actually been up and out for potty walks. Going to pick her up in an hour or so. Her wound still infected but seems managed. She will have to return for bandage changes but now she gets to go experience a REAL family and some REAL love! Foster Desiree get ready..here we come!! Watch fro freedom pictures later today! WE LOVE OUR FANS!! This is all possible because of YOU!
Post Op Day 6 Sunday 1/3/21 It has been a tiring, horrific journey for Zoey. Unfortunately her right leg is experiencing some fluid discharge from infected wounds and is needing extra care and bandage changes. Her left leg seems to be healing a little better. Good news is that cultures finally came back after Holiday backlog and the bacteria is being treated with the right antibiotics, which was a worry. Yesterday she was actually pretty alert and getting restless wanting to get up. She is eating and drinking really well. Today we are waiting for the bandage change on both legs to determine if she can go home to foster tomorrow. All paws crossed that the oozing is at a minimal and show infection finally healing. We DO have a foster standing by to take her in so a huge thank you goes out to Desiree and her family for stepping up and opening their home to her.
We also have to sincerely thank you ALL for your support in her care. Much much more to come but without you, our extended family and team. we could not have gotten her this far. She deserves this!!
Post Op Day 4 New Years Day Zoey is starting out the New Year with a much better prognosis! Surgeon says she is healing a tiny tiny bit every day. Yesterday under sedation they debrided her left leg and sutured up the bite wounds as well as they could with skin available. Today’s bandage changes showed normal discharge from her left leg but right had quite a bit of infected discharge, more than expected for one day of bandaging. They will continue with daily sedated bandage changes through her planned discharge on Sunday evening or Monday morning. The plus is that even a TINY bit of healing is much better than none…the right direction. It is still a bit too early to tell if she can keep the right leg but Surgeon is hopeful. What they DO know is that Zoey has endured many more attacks than when AC picked her up…wounds very old and very new on all four limbs. See cuddly fund on timeline for Vet impression statement for AC. Without your help none of this was possible. Thank you for helping Zoey get the care she finally deserves!! Due to Holiday Staffing we don’t have updated photos but will get some soon.
Post Op day 1 PM. Zoey has bandage change today and repair incision looks good. A little less swollen and she is awake and alert. Tomorrow she will be put under yet again to address wounds on left leg that are gaping. They will be seen shut as much as possible and re-evaluated. New splint will be in place. For now we will let her rest. New update tomorrow.
Post Op day 1
Zoey woke up bright and alert and even ate small breakfast. A tiny setback in the night when a fever spiked but thankfully went down in a few hours. Blood work looks good. Scheduled for bandage change later today…which is a big deal and done daily. AND GREAT NEWS…we have had a wonderful local family step up to medically foster when Zoey gets released hopefully Monday! God is being good right now…but keep the prayers coming that the infection goes away and she can keep her leg! We’ve added a few post op photos below. PRAY!! Just after I posted this I got word that Zoey stood up! We are like a newborn family waiting for each new life event! Such a huge step in the right direction!
Surgical update…. Surgeon called CalWear many hours after surgery started telling us the sad news that Zoey’s broken leg was the worse he’s ever seen. Fragmented bones inside necrotic infected tissue. The most heartbreaking revelation was that the fracture was much older than a week or even 2 weeks old!!! This means this poor girl suffered without her owners care much longer than the fight the day before Christmas Eve. He said there are old bite wounds all over all four of her legs… old and new. That the fracture did not look like a bite fracture and was ”Suspicious”. The fracture WAS repaired with a plate and 12 screws. The surgeon is mostly worried about the infection that he said has also been there awhile. If they can’t clear up infection it’s still possible that leg will have to be amputated. We are devastated to learn that this sweetheart of a girl has suffered so much at hands of owner. So prayer warriors… lift Zoey up tonight and pray she heals. The fracture itself is the lesser of two worries. Thank you all for helping us to help her.
We know you are all wondering about little Zoey and how she’s doing. She is being prepped for surgery right now, this minute to TRY TO SAVE HER LEG!! This is awesome news for us…a little more expensive due to implanted hardware…but also made possible by all of your wonderful donations. She rested over the weekend with IV antibiotics/pain management and had her surgical consult this morning. PLEASE keep her in your prayers for a good result. She will then have a cast on her right leg and a splint on her left for the healing broken toes. As you can see from the photos, she is in great care and staff at VCA Vet LOVE her! We will soon need a medical foster to help with her rehab. It will take a special person to help her through this. Could it be you? If interested please let us know by email at hello@calwear.org. You must have a foster application filled out to be approved. You can find it at www.calwear.org
December 30th. Notes from Dr. Arnold:
Zoey presented to the surgery service for wound management of both forelimbs and fracture repair on the right forearm.
Surgical exploration of the right antebrachium revealed, multiple deep necrotic lacerations all over the antebrachium. Numerous smaller lacerations all over the distal portion of the limb.
Dr. Arnold
January 5th. We need a prayer chain!
We’ve gotten an update on little Zoey and things aren’t looking too good. We’re trying to stay positive and hopeful but this poor girl’s body is not cooperating right now. During bandage changes today the Surgeon found the wound had opened even more exposing the reconstructive plate. There is more necrotic tissue that had to be cut away. (GRAPHIC PICTURES BELOW.) Tendons are exposed. They are going to consult with other Specialty Surgeons to formulate a new plan. Bottom line… it will be extensive wound management with possible “wound vac” which involves several WEEKS of treatment and hospitalization. They think it might still lead to amputation but our problem is she also has fractures in left leg making it non weight bearing. Healing prayers are desperately needed!!!
Our CalWear fans are her army! Please help her fight! Share her story. Vet says Zoey is so sweet and so humble that she is very thankful for all of us giving this sweetheart a chance.
So many of you have already helped with donations we are so thankful for. She would not be here if not for you. Here are easy ways to donate for friends and family if she pulls at their heart strings. Her full story is in our news feed.
PayPal: donate@CalWEAR.org
Venmo: @CalWEAR
Zelle: 949-278-2981
Facebook: https://cuddly.com/donate/4528548/zoey
Snail mail: CalWEAR, PO Box 49, Gorman, CA 93243
- With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR
January 6th. WE GOT TO VISIT!! Today was huge for us. We got to visit with Zoey and take her fosters to meet her. They have been patiently standing by waiting for Zoey to be discharged.
Good news is, fosters fell in love with her! Bad news is that the news is not good. Her wounds are still wide open so now is big decision making time. We have had several recommendations none of which has a guarantee of working. Her Specialty Surgeon who knows her case is now out ill…so here we are with BIG things to think about. Things that will cost double what we’ve spent already with no promises of working. An amputation with no guarantee her other leg will be viable enough to help her stand. Ideally she would simply start to heal with the plate intact so we’ve opted for another culture to be sure current antibiotics are the correct ones.
We’ve added some photos of Zoey enjoying a visit with us today. We are trying to look ahead in a positive way. Say some more prayers!
January 8th. As we move through Zoey’s horrific journey started by a monster who mistreated her…she remains unchanged in that her fractured leg is NOT healing. Coupled with the fact that her Specialty Surgeon from VCA went out ill we are now forced to transfer her care to the VCA Vet in Monterey Bay, CA. Honestly, a few Veterinarians have taken an interest in her case so we remain hopeful that she will keep the limb. Her current charges through Sunday are huge. We plan on a transporting her from SoCal to Monterey on Sunday sometime and these fees are what will be due. We are so appreciative in all of the support Zoey has been getting from her fans! It is so heartwarming to see how many people care about her. She deserves it..even in her pain and discomfort the Vet has had to wrap the tip of her natural tail because she wags it SO much that she developed a sore on it from it banging on things! She is SO HAPPY!!!
# As an update…..animal control will be going forward with her cruelty case on January 11. It is going to take a lot of time and red tape but we pray the previous owners get what they deserve.
January 10th. As of 10:00 am Zoey has been discharged from VCA Murietta and on her way to Monterey . She is in really good hands and will continue her care with VCA Monterey who’s Vet actually drove the entire way to pick her up! We are blessed to have her in Zoey’s life! NOTHING with her wound has changed as of last nights bandage changes and we are praying things get better for her. When she gets in and settled we will give you information as we get it. Zoey is a LUCKY little girl. See new exit photos.
January 11th. We know you all are so anxious to hear how Zoey is now. Right?! She made it to Monterey without a hitch. She got settled in and they decided to let her rest yesterday..so today was a huge day for her. The dreaded exam!! As for the troubled right leg we actually got a bit of hopeful news. Plate is in place and bone looks healthy and healing. Wound is large but doesn’t appear infected. So plan is to have light bandaging with several daily cleanings and debridement wrapping overnight until healed. The current Vet found a few foxtails in her left ear and removed and is running head to toe tests on her! Zoey is one lucky girl to have gotten the attention of this wonderful Veterinarian who is caring for her. Going to upload new photos and, again, I warn you they are graphic so not for the squeamish.
January 14th. Quick update..Zoey is still needing lots of prayers ..she is getting bandage changes several times a day. Still trying to get things under control so it will be several WEEKS before we know much new. On a high note…Zoey received a beautiful gift yesterday from Fur Angel Blessing Blanketeers. It is a Christian Organization that makes blankets for the ill and injured and fills the blanket with blessings and prayers…just what is needed for her now. When Zoey receives the blanket (has to be shipped to her) we will get a new photo of her with it. Her right leg is about the same..the bone is still alive so treatments will continue as long as it is still viable. That’s where your prayers come in!
January 17th. ZOEY enjoying some of the many donations all of her well wishers have been sending her. The beautiful blanket was made especially for her by Fur Angel Blessing Blanketeers. Many toys and treats are arriving making her jail time more tolerable. As you can see her left leg swelling has gone down considerably. The right is looking no worse and is healing by the millimeter….better than not, right?
Anything in the positive direction for her is a plus! Her nose, you ask? Because I know you will! lol She developed a little ringworm so it is the medication you see. Still need the prayers and support of all of you! Don’t forget about her!
January 22nd. Is anyone wondering about Zoey?? Well, we have really good news!! The Vet up in Monterey did a little research because of Zoey’s horrific wound and how it kept getting larger. She found a relatively new treatment using “fish skin bandages”. She immediately called the company last Friday and ordered some to be shipped expedited. (FAST!) Not realizing Monday was Holiday MLK Day, she anxiously waited with baited breath (pun intended!) praying it would come anyway. IT DID! She rushed Zoey into the clinic and applied the skins. So today we got news that the wound is slightly closing! It is doing a tiny bit better which is better than a tiny bit worse.. The Vet is cautiously optimistic that this just might work! Please keep sending prayers and positive thoughts her way.
WITH ALL OF OUR LOVE AND GRATITUDE! We posted a couple videos to show how HAPPY she is!
- Team CalWEAR
February 1st. TODAY IS February 7, 2021. Zoey was first taken in by CalWear on Christmas Eve…count it…45 days!!! That is a very long time…yet very short to have gone through several surgeries, fish skin bandaging and now bone grafts. She is hanging in there and has been put on a new antibiotic after new cultures came back. Vet is still very cautious at promises but optimistic. So, to MAKE YOUR DAY….Zoey is a thief! YES! Believe it! She actually got up off the bed from the floor, got onto the couch and ate our wonderful Vets Bagel!!!! SHE IS A WEIM AFTER ALL!!! LOL She still needs our prayers and will for probably many more months so please don’t forget about her! She needs loads of positive vibes!! Scroll though photos for one dated today.
It’s a brand new month and we have good news and bad news and good to prayers needed type news. We got a report from Zoeys Vet and the very good news is that the wound is healing! Barely any metal or bone is showing so they are getting prepared for closure! The dreaded and need REAL prayers news is that the actual bone FX is not healed, or is extremely slow or stubbornly not healing at all. The prayers are needed as she will go in on Wednesday for yet another surgery to do some bone grafts that might promote healing. PLEASE PLEASE say a few prayers for her. She is desperately in need of your healing power! As always, her photos are disturbing but it shows the improvement in the wound at least.
February 16th. NEVER FEAR a Zoey UPDATE is here! 
Do we sound excited? Yes, because the wound is healing….gradually. Slowly. At an infinitely snail pace. But any tiny bit of tissue appearing each day is a step in the right direction! The downside is that we don’t know yet how the bone inside is doing. It will be a few more weeks of PRAYING for Zoey to see if she can keep the leg…YES after all this there is still that chance. Here are a couple progression photos from her attending Veterinarian who has so selflessly taken her into her home to treat.
News from her Vet…Zoey is in great spirits. She is exploring a little more and is even acting in true Weim velcro fashion and stealing a spot on the bed! How many Weims do you know that get to sleep with their Vet? lol
PRAYERS PRAYERS PRAYERS that the inside is healing as well as the outside!
February 28th. With new dogs in need every day we have not forgotten Zoey! She is STILL in treatment and unsure of the fate of her leg. It is a trying time for her, resting and undergoing therapy while we move on to other dogs that need our help. Things are healing, still on the outside. Waiting for the inside bone to catch up. She has become quite the character challenging her Vet caretaker…Weim antics are starting to evolve. So the good news is she is definitely a Weim…the bad news is that we are still unsure she will keep that leg. There is still a tiny spot on the top of the wound that is oozing and resistant to antibiotics. A new xray will be done this week and if all looks good she still will need the plate removed and a final course of antibiotics. A prayer rally needed. Let’s pray she is on the downside of this and keeps the leg….and HOPEFULLY her Vet has fallen in love and maybe she can keep this spot on this huge (expensive) dog bed that Zoey has decided is hers!
Cota
Robin Nenninger
Hi, saw this beautiful girl with such a sad story before you rescued. You guys are heroes. I am a Lab girl myself but I want to help!!! How short are you for this surgery? I see that you have a donor that will match. Just give me some details. Thank you!
Paulina Fluehr
Hello, I saw this story on Facebook asking for a donation for Zoey’s wishlist. I want to make sure that this is a legitimate request. Here is the link: https://bit.ly/3rJcQ7R
Please let me know. Thank you.
Reagan
Thank you for coming to her rescue. Is there a way to put this “family” on a “no adopt” list?? And what about animal cruelty charges?
Carol Brandt
I first read about Zoey on Cuddly. I was horrified, but so heartened by your updates. What really struck me is you were not afraid to ask for prayers from prayer warriors.
I get my SSA check in a couple weeks, and will give what I can. I can get behind someone who relies not only on the professionals, but God as well.
Keep up the great work with darling Zoey.
Kim
Thank you Carol. Bless you! - With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR