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His name is The Mayor Augustus May Who of Whoville, aka Augustus, Auggie, Gus or Mr. Mayor.  Yes, I’m talking about the poster dog for this year’s GiveBIG campaign. The Mayor is one of more than 300 Old Dog Haven dogs you’ll be helping if you participate in GiveBIG on Wednesday May 10. Here’s more about this charming little dignitary.

When ODH was asked to find a Final Refuge home for The Mayor he was almost hairless, and his skin was stinky, greasy, yeasty, and VERY itchy. He had severe dry eye, which has left him visually impaired. His ears were both badly infected, he was underweight and his teeth were so awful his breath would sink a battleship. He is quite arthritic and has an odd gait; his front legs are badly bowed and when he walks, his back legs don’t bend much.

Thanks to Old Dog Haven’s donors, The Mayor is well on his way to becoming the best version of himself. He’s seen an animal dermatologist: he gets weekly medicated baths, medication to help with his itching, and a good quality diet. The Mayor has also seen an animal ophthalmologist. He will need prescription compounded eye drops twice a day for the rest of his life in addition to the over the counter eye lubricant drops he receives three times a day. Next up will be his mouth: he’ll need a dental, likely with a dental specialist. He’s slowly gaining weight, he is no longer smelly nor itchy, his eyes look comfortable and it is really wonderful to see him feeling so much better. The Mayor’s foster family describe him as “a real joy to have around.”

Long-time neglect combined perhaps with bad breeding has created a dog that will be high maintenance for the rest of his days, but The Mayor is worth every bit of whatever maintenance is required to keep him healthy and happy. The Mayor is a dog that no doubt suffered silently for a long time and now he actually dances when’s he’s excited.

None of what has been done to help The Mayor and what still needs to be done for him could happen without Old Dog Haven’s supporters. Are you interested in joining The Mayor’s support club? Here’s how you can help:

Now more than ever you can make an impact. Thanks to the Seattle Foundation, GiveBIG is a day when people come together to support the community and causes they love.

GiveBIG is Old Dog Haven’s largest fundraiser of the year, raising an invaluable source of income for the dogs. Currently Old Dog Haven has over 300 dogs in permanent foster care and vet bills are approximately $80,000 per month. Help us reach our goal of raising $80,000 during GiveBIG so we can cover one month of veterinary care.

We’d like to thank a generous donor for their matching gift of $5,000 for GiveBIG. The first $5,000 in donations during GiveBIG will be matched by this generous donor.

This year you can opt to pay your credit card fee. If everyone who “Gives Big” covers their fees we can raise thousands of dollars more for the dogs.

You can schedule your GiveBIG donation now. Just click here and your donation will be processed on Wednesday, May 10.
Click here to watch a touching slide slow and video about Old Dog Haven and some of the dogs you’ll be helping by donating on May 10.

Thank you from The Mayor and the rest of his friends at ODH!