How a Compassionate Care Fund Saved a Puppy’s Life — and More

When Maybelline, a tiny 6-month-old mixed breed puppy, arrived at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in February, her condition was dire. She was fighting for her life against the deadly parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, and her chances of survival were slim.

“Imagine the worst flu you've ever had in your life — that's parvo,” said Bobbi Conner, clinical associate professor of emergency and critical care. Maybelline’s case was severe. Her body was under attack from the virus, causing intense vomiting and diarrhea while robbing her of the ability to fight infections.

For five long days, the veterinary team worked tirelessly, administering IV fluids, feeding tubes, and constant monitoring. The staff was emotionally invested — there was something about Maybelline’s sweet face that kept them pushing forward.

However, as her condition began to improve, the shelter faced a heartbreaking dilemma. The funds spent on saving this one puppy could instead save multiple other animals in need. The reality of financial constraints loomed large, and the shelter and veterinary team were forced to consider euthanasia.

That’s when the Compassionate Care Fund stepped in. Created to provide critical care for pets like Maybelline who have no other options, the fund covered the cost of her continued treatment. Mariah Sands, a third-year veterinary student who helped coordinate Maybelline’s care, said, “She was like the definition of compassionate care because she had nobody.”

The fund’s support gave Maybelline the chance she needed to recover. As the days passed, her health steadily improved, and by Thursday, she was actively trying to escape during her examinations. Her remarkable transformation was a much-needed morale boost for the entire team.

Ashley Hutchison, an ICU veterinary technician, noted the emotional toll of cases like Maybelline’s, where financial constraints often mean that treatable animals are euthanized. “It would have been devastating to get a puppy through all of this only to have to stop treatment when we were so close,” she said.

Thanks to the Compassionate Care Fund, Maybelline is now well on her way to a full recovery. Her case exemplifies the power of collaboration, compassion, and support in veterinary care. She’s ready to find her forever home, carrying with her the love and healing of everyone who fought for her.