The Story of Puppernickel

Puppernickel joined the Ruff Start family last week, but little is known about his past, except that it was undoubtedly a rough one. Found as a stray, he was clearly neglected and in distress, suffering from a severe injury to his leg. The wound appears to be the result of a traumatic event, possibly a car accident, and looks to be a clean, deep cut – potentially a degloving injury.

When Puppernickel arrived at his foster home, it quickly became clear that his challenges went beyond his leg. He has multiple other wounds across his body, along with patches of missing fur, all signs of the hardship he’s endured. His paw has a concerning wound, possibly from excessive licking, and he’s dealing with a full-body skin infection, causing significant discomfort.

Despite all of this, Puppernickel’s spirit is unbroken. He’s a sweet, calm boy who craves affection. Even when he’s having his wounds cleaned, his tail wags, and he showers everyone with kisses. He’s been great with cats and is already potty pad trained. He’s also gained some weight and loves chewing on bones.

Puppernickel will undergo the amputation of his left front leg at Granite City today. The nerves in his leg were completely severed, and the lower part of his leg is no longer viable. This surgery is the best chance for him to heal and live a happy, healthy life.

Today is Give to the Max Day, our largest fundraiser of the year, and Puppernickel is the perfect example of why we do what we do. We save lives – and with your support, we can continue to do so. Please consider donating today in honor of Puppernickel and other animals like him who need a second chance.