Fundraiser being staged to help with vet bills for shot rescue dog
By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 17, 2023.
X-rays done in Lethbridge show a mixed pitbull dog rescued north of Calgary had been shot and at least one bullet is still inside him.On June 22, Foolio, a mixed dog believed to be part pit bull, was given by an anonymous organization to the Streetz Rescue Foundation of Calgary.
The dog has since been fostered in Lethbridge where a lump was discovered and an X-ray showed a bullet to be in one of his shoulders, said Streetz board member Chantal Campeau on Wednesday.
“The foster carer found a lump and recommended him to the vet. After X-raying, it was discovered he had a bullet in his shoulder. That said, when they go to remove, they will do X-rays. And they’ll probably find more. The foster found another lump in his leg that is quite similar to the lump that was on top. That also said, unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon for rescues, and they see it often. He is a very sweet boy. He appreciates everything you do for him. We call him in our rescue the unicorn of rescue,” said Campeau.
It is estimated Foolio is around two years old; he was rescued from a community north of Calgary and is currently in Lethbridge being fostered by Jenifer Radisic.
A barbecue fundraiser will be held for Foolio to raise funds for his undergo surgery to remove the bullet from his shoulder Saturday from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sublime Barber & Tattoo parking lot. The shop is located at 818 3 Ave. S.
Campeau expressed the misunderstanding people get with the varying pit bull breeds and the friends they have lost due to fear of the breed.
“Most of the bully breeds are so misunderstood. I’ve personally have fostered bully breeds for over 15 years. And even my kids, I started when they were two and three, they’ve lost friends. People are so scared to foster because of what media has said about them. And they don’t let them know that they’re actually a nanny dog. They were bred to take care of families.”
Foolio will be undergoing surgery to remove the bullet from his shoulder and he is up for adoption; interested families can send an application for adoption at https://www.streetzrescuefoundation.com/adoption-application/ or call 403-869-9523 for more information.
Campeau said there are varying types of pit bull breeds, such as the American Bully, American Pit bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Bulldog. She voiced the importance of recognizing the differentiating names of the breed.
“Then there actually, there is no real name of the pit bull – that’s astigmatism from the media. And it’s also astigmatism from people that put them in the fights. They’re American Staffordshire Terriers, or they’re American Terrier, that kind of thing. Like, we need to start using the proper term for these bullies.”
Radisic expressed the need for foster families here.
“We are looking for fosters, we’re in a desperate need for fosters.” She said Streetz Rescues is taking on dogs from California which are due to be put under if they are unable to be adopted.
The fundraiser on Saturday will also have dogs there which are up for adoption including Foolio. Radisic voiced how hard it will be for her to say goodbye to Foolio when he finds his new home.
“It’s going to be really hard for me to let him go when he gets home. But he will be going up for adoption when he’s all fixed up and better. And that’s what our fundraiser is actually for its for Foolio to get surgery to get that bullet removed. And I’m pretty sure I found one in his front leg but we’ll find out when we get him up there.”
To adoption at Streetz Rescue application can be found at https://www.streetzrescuefoundation.com/adoption-application/ or call 403-869-9523 for more information.
A fundraiser is being staged Saturday for Foolio’s surgery at Sublime Tattoo, 818 3 Ave.S. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A tattoo artist will be doing a flash sale with proceeds going toward the dog’s surgery and recovery.
From The Streetz, says its website,is “a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe haven and second chance for dogs in need. We are a community of dog lovers working to reduce euthanasia in local shelters and increase awareness of rescue dogs being wonderful pets. We are about making matches, teaching compassion, preventing and stopping cruelty, and building families who care about dogs. We are always buzzing with activity and you never know what you might find here. We celebrate new beginnings for homeless, abused and neglected animals.” 2
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