Our March-April fundraising partner is Paws Without Borders, a 501c3 dog rescue based in Tucson. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs throughout the desert southwest and northern Mexico (Sonora). They are completely volunteer based, which means that 100% of every donation goes straight into the care of their animals.
Rusty’s story is one that could have ended in tragedy if Good Samaritans hadn’t found him and Paws Without Borders hadn’t intervened. Now this sweet boy is living his best life, with the very people who originally found him! Late in 2024, Rusty was found wandering in a very rural area of Arizona. He wouldn’t let people get close but neighbors were putting out food and trying to lure him in as they could tell even from a distance that he needed help, and quickly. After a few weeks, Rusty’s body gave out, and he collapsed in the front yard of two Samaritans.He was a sweet boy, accepting their kindness, but they quickly realized the extent of his injuries were more than they were able to care for. They rushed him two hours to a veterinarian in Phoenix who noted that he would require extensive diagnostics and surgery. Unable to afford this, they surrendered him to Arizona Humane Society, who put out a plea for rescue help. Paws Without Borders saw the post and reached out to better understanding the extent of the injuries and to see if we might be able to help. We put out a plea for fosters, and a miracle happened…the couple who originally found Rusty reached out and said that they would love to Foster him!
From there, the long process of diagnosing and treating Rusty’s injuries began. We worked with several facilities in the Phoenix area where we learned that Rusty had been attacked with a crowbar and his eye was found deep in the crevice of his skull, requiring removal. His jaw bone was damaged and needed to be partially removed. Rusty underwent harrowing hours long surgery in January 2025 and within about a month he was fully recovered. It was then his fosters knew they couldn’t possibly let the sweet boy go, and made him officially part of their forever family! Rusty’s journey cost Paws Without Borders about $13,000, and it was worth every penny.
Today Rusty is living his best life, spending time between Phoenix and a cabin in the Arizona mountains chasing squirrels and lounging in the sun. You can help Paws Without Borders continue to save deserving animals like Rusty by purchasing one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Beading Divas bracelets.
Cost per bracelet is $20. Bracelets make great gifts any time of year!The best selection is online via Etsy but in Tucson you can also buy bracelets at Fuchsia Spa in La Encantada Shopping Center, Bark’n Berry Dog Ice Cream Parlor, and Silver Sea Jewelry in the historic 4th Avenue Shopping District (Silver Sea is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon-6pm.)
