Happy Holidays from Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue + Tito's Handmade Vodka

December is normally a time of reflection here at Badass, a quiet time to feel gratitude for all the amazing work our volunteers, fosters, and donors have done together. We can celebrate all the dogs we have saved, think about those we could not reach, and remember all the human lives that have been touched by the love of a rescue dog. And, we work together to ensure that all of our adoptable dogs are settled into their foster homes to enjoy the holidays.

But, this year was a bit different. This year we had our own version of a Holiday miracle. Meet Joan Jett.

The Badass team met Joan Jett on our last Rescue Mission in Selma, AL. She was a shy puppy who opened up once she was able to run free with other young dogs. Joan left the shelter and went to live with our southern foster partner until we could bring her to Brooklyn. We quickly learned she was a bundle of joy who just loved running around with her foster siblings! And running she did!

Unfortunately, she may have been having a little too much fun and she pulled her ACL! As Badass does, we were ready to get her the necessary surgery once she arrived in New York. Joan saw a specialist and had a date on the books for the surgery. The day before the surgery, she developed a sudden abscess on her abdomen. Her foster ran Joan to the vet and x-rays showed a buildup of fluid in her abdomen. She was transferred to VERG where they confirmed she was septic and was rushed into surgery. Her amazing surgical team was able to remove most of the large mass infection, along with her spleen. She was in recovery at the ICU for 5 days - with the best of care - as septic comes with a high risk of organ failure. Many dogs do not survive the surgery. It was a scary few days for everyone.

Joan was just a year old and otherwise healthy. Her sudden life-threatening illness was a shock to us all, but we never turn our backs on a Badass! We knew we had to do all we could to save her life. Joan’s case was a rare one and we learned she is a real fighter, and the ultimate Badass. Joan came home on the 6th day, back into the care of her dedicated fosters. She is resting up and will be ready to find her forever very soon.

The cause of the infection remains a mystery. What we do know is that Joan Jett is one lucky, strong dog and our Badass Holiday Miracle.

We hope you'll consider a year-end gift so Badass can continue to do the life-saving work that we do! We often have to make these tough decisions and there is no time to worry about money when a life is at stake.

Our friends at Tito's Homemade Vodka are joining forces with us this holiday season–to help celebrate Joan and the next group of Badasses to join the pack!

For every dollar you give, Tito's will match! So your gift is worth twice the love!

And, for everyone that donates now through December 31, you'll have a chance to win a Tito's care package!

Thank you for considering Badass this holiday season.

Sincerely,

The Badass Team

#BadassLovesTitos #TitosIsBadass