Raisin the Donkey
Raisin, a baby Mammoth donkey, was brought to the U's Veterinary Medical Center by Save the Brays Donkey Rescue of Milaca, Minnesota. She had an infection, kidney issues, and severely contracted tendons in her front legs.
Rescue animal Elise
Elise, a kitten surrendered to The Rescue Pack, was diagnosed with a heart valve disorder that required urgent intervention. Thanks to the VMC Shelter and Rescue Animal Fund, Elise was able to receive a balloon valvuloplasty—a minimally invasive procedure to relieve the obstruction of blood flow. This crucial surgery has allowed Elise to regain her energy and vitality. She is now fully recovered and being loved by a foster family.
Rescue animal Paco
Paco is a sweet English bulldog who was under the care of Last Hope Animal Rescue. He had been living in constant pain because his eyelids rolled inward, scratching his eyes when he blinked. Paco was diagnosed with entropion, an abnormality causing contraction of the eyelid muscle. After receiving corrective surgery from the VMC’s ophthalmology service, Paco is doing well. His forever family describes him as a couch potato who loves to watch movies with his dad.
Rescue animal Poppy
Poppy While under the care of Midwest Animal Rescue and Services, Poppy came to the VMC needing treatment for parvovirus, a highly infectious disease that attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. Dogs with severe infections need immediate, intensive treatment and 24/7 monitoring, which often involves several days of hospitalization. Olivia and Nathan, Poppy’s forever family, say the VMC did an amazing job of treating her with compassion. Today, Poppy is back to full health. Olivia, a first-year veterinary student, plans to bring Poppy to school, where she can contribute to the future of veterinary medicine by giving students the chance to practice physical exams.
Rescue animal Frank
Frankie is a loving 2-year-old dog that had severe breathing issues. When he was taken in by Camp Kitten Rescue, his condition was critical, marked by constant gasping and low energy. Frankie received soft palate resection surgery at the VMC. The life-changing procedure allowed him to breathe easily, sleep soundly, and regain his playful energy. He was adopted by a family whose young children consider Frankie a beloved companion.
Rescue animal Lucky
Lucky is a young blue heeler under the care of New Leash Rescue in Farmington, Minnesota. Lucky was diagnosed with subvalvular aortic stenosis, a common congenital heart disease in dogs. Lucky underwent a minimally invasive aortic “cutting balloon” procedure to correct the deformity. She is now back to full health and living with her forever family.
Rescue animal Smokey
Smokey is a darling mixed-breed dog who was in the care of The Bond Between Pet Rescue when he came to VMC’s cardiology service needing a heartworm extraction procedure. This social dog, who is fiercely protective of his people, is now taking heartworm medication and regaining his energy.
Who can resist that face?
Meet a group of shelter and rescue animals that have received life-changing medical treatment, thanks to the generosity of donors

Deb Haak won’t ever forget Raisin. Raisin, a Mammoth donkey, was just 36 hours old when she was brought to the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) by Save the Brays Donkey Rescue of Milaca, Minnesota, with an infection, kidney issues, and severely contracted tendons in her front legs.

“She was a very rare breed that was created by George Washington and is known to be intelligent and have a sweet disposition,” says Haak, patient/client advocate for the VMC. According to the Livestock Breeds Conservancy, only 2,000 are believed to exist.

As is the case with many animal rescue organizations, Save the Brays couldn’t afford the complex care needed to fix Raisin’s legs and other medical issues. But a grant from the VMC’s Shelter and Rescue Animal Fund gave Raisin a chance.

Raisin is just one of the animals that has been helped by the fund, which was established in 2012 after a group of donors approached the VMC about making sure that animals in rescues can get the specialized care they need.

“The need has become even greater in the last several years,” Haak says. “The number of animals being served by these rescues has increased to numbers we haven’t seen prior to the pandemic. We want animals that we could medically help have a chance to find a home.”

Most of the shelter fund clients have complicated cases—limb deformities, heart defects, and other congenital conditions. Surgery for patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect in puppies, for example, can cost $5,000 to $6,000. “A lot of rescues don’t have a lot of money to put into one pet,” Haak says. “The smaller the rescue you are, the smaller the budget you likely have for medical expenses.”

In 2023, the fund helped eight animals. Between January and September 2024, it helped six.

“The fun part of the shelter fund is following up with the rescue when the animal goes home,” she says. “I really appreciate the hard work they’re doing and of the donors who trust us to find patients who are good candidates for their money and passion.”

Make a gift to support animals like Raisin by donating to the VMC’s Shelter and Rescue Animal Fund.

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