RAYLA'S MEDICAL BILLS
Donation protected
This is a story of hope for anyone who has lost a pet.
After 16 months, Rayla is home.
Rayla, an English Mastiff, was a happy, pampered 2 1/2 year old girl in November 2016 when she was lost. Rayla’s owner, Linda Bryant, had to go out of town for medical reasons and Rayla went to stay with her fur sister until her owner could come home. Rayla slipped her lead when she got out of the car at her temporary home in rural Defuniak Springs, FL and took off into the woods. Hundreds of man hours were spent looking for her; thermal night vision cameras, game cams, receiving advice and support from the Mastiff Rescue of Florida and the local animal controls, shelters and rescue groups were notified. Both feet on the ground and online, everything that could be done was done. No signs of Rayla.
8 months later a family saw a very emaciated dog come out of the woods behind their house. It was scared, partially missing a leg, looked horrible and was too scared to go near anyone. They called Animal Control, but they were not able to catch her in the vast woods. They could not get close enough and did the best thing they could immediately do...they gave her refuge and food. Every day they fed her and she would come out of the woods to eat and then quickly go away.
Now we jump forward 8 months later to this past Thursday 2/22/2018. The family hadn't given up hope of trying to get the dog rescued and contacted Jennifer Allan Hagedorn of Saving With Soul Rescue. They hadn’t before because they assumed it had been dropped off or abandoned but gave it a shot. By a twist of fate, Jennifer happened to be one of the original contacts Diane Hoke had made trying to find Rayla and she remembered her story. Jennifer contacted her immediately, sent a photo and she knew that was Rayla. Rayla’s owner drove to the house and waited for her to come out of the woods. All she had to do was call her name and she came running into her owner's arms. Those involved in animal rescue know this is incredible as they go into survival mode and even the most bonded animals have to rebuild trust. It was the first time she had heard her name called, felt safe and had been able to relax in 16 months. Photos of when she was first spotted and a photo of their reunion and her freedom ride home are below. As you can imagine, she has some skin problems, infections, and most importantly, a missing leg which was a result of an unknown traumatic injury. Her leg will need possible amputation, but hopefully she is a candidate for a prosthesis. She is only 80 pounds (should be closer to 140) and has a long way to go, but she is safe at home. The unexpected medical bills for her treatments, possible surgery, prosthesis and medication will be in the thousands of dollars. We will know more as she begins to recover and sees specialists. If you can help her owner with these unexpected expenses, we thank you! https://www.gofundme.com/raylas-medical-bills )
This story is for everyone who has lost a pet and feels hopeless. Rayla miraculously survived on her own in the forest for 16 months having to find all food and shelter, drinking from water sources with water snakes and alligators, coexisting with wild animals like coyotes for two winters, two hunting seasons and a hot summer with a traumatically amputated leg. Unless you have confirmation that your pet is deceased, do not give up.
Remember Rayla's story, the power of prayer, how resourceful animals can be and the sheer power of the will to survive.
After 16 months, Rayla is home.
Rayla, an English Mastiff, was a happy, pampered 2 1/2 year old girl in November 2016 when she was lost. Rayla’s owner, Linda Bryant, had to go out of town for medical reasons and Rayla went to stay with her fur sister until her owner could come home. Rayla slipped her lead when she got out of the car at her temporary home in rural Defuniak Springs, FL and took off into the woods. Hundreds of man hours were spent looking for her; thermal night vision cameras, game cams, receiving advice and support from the Mastiff Rescue of Florida and the local animal controls, shelters and rescue groups were notified. Both feet on the ground and online, everything that could be done was done. No signs of Rayla.
8 months later a family saw a very emaciated dog come out of the woods behind their house. It was scared, partially missing a leg, looked horrible and was too scared to go near anyone. They called Animal Control, but they were not able to catch her in the vast woods. They could not get close enough and did the best thing they could immediately do...they gave her refuge and food. Every day they fed her and she would come out of the woods to eat and then quickly go away.
Now we jump forward 8 months later to this past Thursday 2/22/2018. The family hadn't given up hope of trying to get the dog rescued and contacted Jennifer Allan Hagedorn of Saving With Soul Rescue. They hadn’t before because they assumed it had been dropped off or abandoned but gave it a shot. By a twist of fate, Jennifer happened to be one of the original contacts Diane Hoke had made trying to find Rayla and she remembered her story. Jennifer contacted her immediately, sent a photo and she knew that was Rayla. Rayla’s owner drove to the house and waited for her to come out of the woods. All she had to do was call her name and she came running into her owner's arms. Those involved in animal rescue know this is incredible as they go into survival mode and even the most bonded animals have to rebuild trust. It was the first time she had heard her name called, felt safe and had been able to relax in 16 months. Photos of when she was first spotted and a photo of their reunion and her freedom ride home are below. As you can imagine, she has some skin problems, infections, and most importantly, a missing leg which was a result of an unknown traumatic injury. Her leg will need possible amputation, but hopefully she is a candidate for a prosthesis. She is only 80 pounds (should be closer to 140) and has a long way to go, but she is safe at home. The unexpected medical bills for her treatments, possible surgery, prosthesis and medication will be in the thousands of dollars. We will know more as she begins to recover and sees specialists. If you can help her owner with these unexpected expenses, we thank you! https://www.gofundme.com/raylas-medical-bills )
This story is for everyone who has lost a pet and feels hopeless. Rayla miraculously survived on her own in the forest for 16 months having to find all food and shelter, drinking from water sources with water snakes and alligators, coexisting with wild animals like coyotes for two winters, two hunting seasons and a hot summer with a traumatically amputated leg. Unless you have confirmation that your pet is deceased, do not give up.
Remember Rayla's story, the power of prayer, how resourceful animals can be and the sheer power of the will to survive.
Organizer
Diane Hoke
Organizer
Bascom, FL