Support Tucker's Journey to a Happy Life

My name is Marie DeWitt. I am Founder and CEO of S.A.F.E. HAVEN (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) in Houston TX.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization.

I work closely with local animal shelters, and hundreds of other rescue groups near and far, as " we are all in this together".

August 23rd of last year I was approached by a man at my local dog park who had a 10-week-old Golden Retriever mix puppy who had a disability. The man told me he did not have the money to get the puppy the medical treatment he needed, to find out what was wrong. He asked if I would take the puppy and help him and make sure he found a wonderful home. The man said he had been to two previous dog parks that morning, and no one was willing to take the pup. The local SPCA and shelters had told him if they took the pup, they would euthanize him, as they were not in a position to get him the medical help he needed.

The man being very compassionate did not want him euthanized.

You see, the pup (now named Tucker) had been born with no back leg kneecaps, therefore the pup had to hop.

Not experiencing this type of situation with a dog I said I would take Tucker and get him the best care possible.

Tucker was taken to GCVS (Gulf Coast Veterinarian Specialists) for an assessment.

It was determined by GCVS, (and a team of specialists) Tuckers disability was not neurological, but was a birth defect, uncertain if the problem started when he was in the womb or during the birthing process

According to GCVS undergoing multiple surgeries (including hip and knee replacements) may not correct his disability and may make his mobility worse if he did not heal correctly after each surgery. GCVS recommended Tucker not have the surgeries, stating that since he is mobile and has adapted to his mobility issue since birth, is able to eat, drink, urinate and defecate he can live a healthy life of possibly 8-10 years.

He may have issues later in life that he would not have had because of his back legs and no hip mobility, but with age a plan would need to be put in place to manage any hip or back issues he may encounter.

Wanting to make sure I was getting a consistent diagnosis for Tucker; I then made an appointment with Texas A&M Veterinarian Clinic in College Station TX. (Highly respected for their diagnosis of sick, injured, or animals in need of specialized medical care) Tucker was seen.

The prognosis was similar to GCVS.

Although, they said they would perform the surgeries but the recovery of each would be a long process, and one wrong move could make his disability worse.

With these two professional opinions I have decided it is best to let Tucker live his life with his disability as he knows no difference and has adapted well, playing with other dogs and living a happy life.

Tucker is now almost 9 months old and is available for adoption (to the right person(s) or family) who will need to understand he will always have special needs.

Tucker is (and has been in foster care) since August 23, 2024 and will remain in foster care until the right home is offered to him.

In the meantime I have paid over $5,000.00 in vet bills, for Tucker that are now due.

Being a small animal rescue I do not have the consistent funds coming in that many larger rescues or organizations have.

Currently, I fund raise for each animal I commit to.

Your donations for this wonderful dog and his wellbeing are greatly appreciated.

Your donation is tax deductible, since I am a no profit rescue.

Thank you in advance for helping me help Tucker.