We talked about microchips, keeping pets from overheating, and how to safely approach dogs we don’t know, too. Her dog Tanner was on his best behavior and made his rounds around the room, sharing his story of needing to see a cardiologist regularly for the heart condition he was born with and educating the kids about the fact pets can see veterinary specialists, too. 

Thank you vet tech, Nicole Rudd, for bringing a snake and a guinea pig for the kids to pet and helping with the presentation!

We shared the mission of Frankie’s Friends and how we help families who can’t afford the cost of emergency and specialty veterinary care so they can keep their pets when faced with life-threatening illnesses and injuries. 

To wrap up a great visit, we all made pet first aid kits to take home and keep their pets safe in the event of an emergency, sponsored and provided by Frankie’s Friends. 🙂 #petsafety #forthepets 

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]]>Last week our Executive Director had the honor of presenting to the kiddos at Lutz Preparatory School during summer camp on behalf of Frankie's Friends!Carla CiuffoFri, 12 Apr 2024 22:04:25 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2024/4/fox-news-13-interview-frankies-friends-helps-to-pay-for-emergency-surgery-for-a-polk-county-dog-whose-bladder-was-filled-to-the-brim-with-bladder-stones53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:6619ae1c6e6c280395613367Watch Fox News 13 interview Danielle Martin, Executive Director of Frankie’s Friends, about Sugar, a Polk County dog, whose bladder was filled to the brim with bladder stones. Frankie’s Friends helped Sugar receive emergency, lifesaving surgery.

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]]>Danielle Martin Speaks on FOX13 news about how Frankie's Friends' helps pets facing medical emergenciesCarla CiuffoTue, 30 Nov 2021 17:41:22 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2021/11/fox13-tampa-bay-danielle-martin-talks-about-how-frankies-friends-helps-with-emergency-veterinary-care-for-pets-in-need53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:61a6618b6fd4da066c6210f7Giving Tuesday – November 30, 2021: Watch FOX13 as Danielle Martin, Executive Director of Frankie’s Friends, talks about how the organization steps in to help with emergency veterinary care for pets in need.

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]]>FOX13 Tampa Bay - Danielle Martin talks about how Frankie's Friends helps with emergency veterinary care for pets in need.Carla CiuffoThu, 11 Mar 2021 17:56:21 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2021/3/frankies-friends-20-years-of-saving-pets-lives53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:604a589411be7c237e789123Every day pets are faced with life-threatening emergencies and illnesses. These pets were given a second chance at life, because of the help from Frankie's Friends. Founded in 1999, Frankie's Friends is a nonprofit foundation celebrating 20 years of dedication to helping pets in need of emergency and specialty veterinary care, providing financial assistance when families can't afford the care needed to save their beloved pets' lives. Together we can help even more pets like these.

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]]>Frankie's Friends 20 Years of Saving Pets' Lives!Carla CiuffoTue, 03 Dec 2019 21:53:11 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2019/12/see-how-frankies-friends-helps-save-the-lives-of-tampa-bay-area-pets-on-fox-1353fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5de6d71718b97b7638d26a94Frankie's Friends' has helped save the lives of many Bay Area pets

If you're a pet owner, you may have had your dog, cat or ferret get into something that they shouldn't. Then, it's off to the emergency room, and you're told they can be saved but at a hefty price. That's where Frankie's Friends comes in. Learn more on FOX 13!

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]]>See How Frankie's Friends Helps Save the Lives of Tampa Bay Area Pets on FOX 13Carla CiuffoTue, 01 Oct 2019 15:27:42 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2019/10/gnarley-received-life-saving-care-after-sustaining-injuries-while-protecting-his-owner53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5d936f82e50d0c18c3cee63dGNARLEY, A 7 YEAR OLD DOG IN KENTUCKY, WhO UNDERWENT LIFESAVING SURGERY TO REPAIR A SKULL FRACTURE HE SUSTAINED FROM A MACHETE THAT CUT HIS HEAD OPEN WHILE PROTECTING HIS OWNER.

UPDATE! Gnarley received the surgery and is home recovering, thanks to your donations! 

You can Watch WHAS coverage of Gnarley here.

Thanks to everyone that donated to Frankie's Friends, Gnarley, a 7 y.o. dog in Kentucky, received lifesaving surgery for injuries sustained from a machete that cut his head open while protecting his owner.

His medical team advised that Gnarley will need a recheck in a few days to see how he's doing and to assess any follow up care. Due to the swelling around his eye, they're not sure if it was also damaged in the altercation, but they do think he's able to visualize out of it for now.

Fortunately the skull wasn't completely fractured during the altercation, but there was a chip in it that was also addressed during surgery. There is no question that Gnarley's injuries could have been so much worse, and he's truly lucky that he not only survived, but is expected to make a full recovery.

He exemplifies the definition of courage and loyalty. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the cost of his lifesaving emergency veterinary care. If you would like to donate to contribute to the cost of Gnarley's care, click here.

Please help save Gnarley by donating to help pay for the cost of the surgery needed to save this incredible dog’s life.

DONATE

Gnarley, a 7 year old dog in Kentucky, is currently undergoing lifesaving surgery to repair a skull fracture he sustained from a machete that cut his head open while protecting his owner. Please help save Gnarley by donating to help pay for the cost of the surgery needed to save this incredible dog’s life.

Gnarley’s owner, Mr. Young works for a telecommunications company, hanging fiber. On his current assignment in Kentucky, he shares a house with his colleagues. According to Mr. Young, one of the men he works and shares the house with had fallen on hard times and was in desperate need for money. 

After continually asking Mr. Young to borrow money, the man became irate. He went into his bedroom, ripped the door off the hinges, and came running towards Mr. Young with a machete, threatening to “cut his head off.” The man lunged towards Mr. Young when Gnarley leapt into action to protect his owner and jumped between the two men. Unfortunately, Gnarley was struck in the head with the machete, suffering a fractured skull and life-threatening lacerations.   

The assailant immediately fled the house while Gnarley’s owner rushed him to an emergency room for treatment. Mr. Young indicated “they initially couldn’t get the bleeding to stop,” but they finally did and were able to sedate Gnarley to help him rest and provide pain management until he could be prepped for surgery.

Gnarley is undergoing surgery today (July 26, 2019) for the skull fracture and laceration repair, but the cost of this unexpected emergency is more than his owner can afford. Frankie’s Friends is asking for your help to cover the cost of the surgery needed to save Gnarley’s life. 

Gnarley is expected to recover from the horrific incident, but it is unknown at this time if there will be any long term effects from his injuries. The police have since been contacted.  

According to Gnarley’s dad, he was born on October 3, 2011 in North Carolina. Mr. Young was there when he was born when his friend told him he could pick whichever dog he wanted out of the litter, as a gift. Mr. Young said, “he was born third and as soon as I saw him, I knew he was mine. He’s been loyal ever since.” They’re the best of friends, traveling the country together for Mr. Young’s work. He was named Gnarles Barkley after Mr. Young’s great adventure from Tennessee, to northern California. “He's been a little bit of everywhere, Salt Lake City, all up and down the west coast, and Texas… he's my travel buddy,” said Mr. Young. 

According to Mr. Young, Gnarley is “loveable, loves attention and walks, he’s of bubbly. “ He continued that Gnarley, “has a little bit of separation anxiety so I always pays for a dog sitter while I’m at work so he’s not alone. He's that loyal, he wants to be by my side all the time.” 

It’s evident that the bond between Gnarley and Mr. Young is unbreakable, and one that Gnarley literally risked his life for. Mr. Young said, “he’s my son…not many people would take a machete head on for you, but Gnarley did.” 

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]]>Gnarley Received Life Saving Care After Sustaining Injuries While Protecting His OwnerCarla CiuffoWed, 31 Jul 2019 17:40:23 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2019/7/ian-somerhalder-teamed-up-with-royal-canin-for-frankies-friends53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5d41d173dd8d190001f29ea6Ian Somerhalder teamed up with Royal Canin for Frankie's Friends! ]]>Ian Somerhalder teamed up with Royal Canin for Frankie's Friends!Carla CiuffoWed, 31 Jul 2019 17:34:18 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2019/7/read-about-frankie-and-mr-d-of-the-debartolo-family53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5d41d0c90e9a6e0001e44c8fRead About Frankie and Mr. D of the DeBartolo Family

Frankie was a beautiful greyhound, cherished by the DeBartolo family of Tampa, Florida. In addition to endowing the foundation with Frankie DeBartolo’s name, the foundation is endowed with her boundless spirit and vitality. Frankie died at the age of eleven in 2007.

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]]>Read About Frankie and Mr. D of the DeBartolo FamilyCarla CiuffoFri, 05 Oct 2018 14:49:23 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2018/10/h3-foundation-and-frankies-friends-partner-to-save-pet-lives-and-support-families-in-need-of-financial-assistance53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5bb77810f4e1fc3b610ef4f6

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help pets in need of lifesaving emergency and specialty veterinary care, global animal philanthropy H/3 Foundation Inc. has partnered with Frankie's Friends, a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures and saving pets with life-threatening conditions.  H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends share a deep conviction that any person willing to provide a caring home for an animal should have access to the highest-quality veterinary services, regardless of their financial means.  H/3 Foundation is excited to work with Frankie's Friends and its affiliated partner, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, to find ways to provide more communities with access to comprehensive specialty and emergency veterinary care. 

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/h3-foundation-and-frankies-friends-partner-to-save-pet-lives-and-support-families-in-need-of-financial-assistance-300724154.html

KXXV-TV News Channel 25

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

FOX 40 WICZ TV

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

AP (Hosted)

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanc eveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

DMN Newswire!

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

HealthTechnologyNet

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

WTOL.com

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

WFMJ TV-21

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

KULR-8

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

Rfd-Tv

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

The Valley's CW

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

KRGV.com

H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives and Support Families in Need of Financial Assistanceveterinary care to families who otherwise could not afford it," said Darryl Shaw, CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. "The support of H/3Darryl Shaw

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]]>H/3 Foundation and Frankie's Friends Partner to Save Pet Lives!Carla CiuffoThu, 03 May 2018 20:33:31 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2018/5/marvel-strike-force-and-dave-bautista-team-up-for-frankies-friends53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5aeb70d5aa4a99600ebdab45APRIL 2018
Marvel Strike Force teamed up with Dave Bautista, a Frankie's Friends Ambassador, to give an opportunity to raise money for pets in need!]]>Marvel Strike Force and Dave Bautista Team Up for Frankie’s Friends!Carla CiuffoThu, 17 Aug 2017 19:39:44 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/8/msn-news-hero-pit-bulls-save-kids-from-venomous-copperhead-snake53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5995f00e46c3c4400ffcd08a

Hero pit bulls save kids from venomous copperhead snake

Melissa Butt was enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon outside with her two grandchildren when she heard an alarming bark coming from two of her dogs.

The pit bulls were standing in front of her 4-year-old grandson and 1-year-old granddaughter, staring at a patch of grass three feet away from Butt's front door.

"The dogs started acting a little funny," Butt told CBS News. "They were barking and barking."

So the grandmother from Thonotosassa, Florida, ran over to find out what was causing the commotion, and that's when she saw it — a giant snake, which was later identified as a copperhead, wriggling around just inches from her dogs' snouts. She yelled for her daughter, who quickly scooped up the kids and brought them inside.

Her 9-month-old red nosed pit bull named Paco was the first to spot the snake, but his older "brother," a 3-year-old pit bull named Slayer, quickly stepped in to help.

"My Slayer takes over all of those situations," Butt explained. "He's ultra protective of the family."

When the snake struck Paco, biting him in the elbow, Slayer attacked. The pit bull picked the snake up with his mouth, killing it.

"He almost bit him in half," Butt recalled.

Unfortunately, Slayer didn't escape scratch-free. The snake bit the 80-pound dog twice in the face, causing his snout to swell to almost twice its size within 30 minutes. 

Both Paco and Slayer were rushed to an emergency vet, where they were given injections of antivenin, intravenous pain medication and anti-nausea meds. 

"I know my dogs are heroes and without a doubt saved the lives of my grandchildren," Butt said. "They are too small to have fought something off like that. If they had gotten bit I'm 100 percent sure they wouldn't have survived."

At first, Butt wasn't sure if Slayer would make it. Fortunately, with donations from a local non-profit called Frankie's Friends, Slayer was able to get the treatment he needed to survive.

"Pit bulls are nanny dogs. That's actually why they were originally bred — to care and protect children," Butt said. "And our Slayer has always been that way."

Butt said Slayer is getting released from the vet on Wednesday, and hopefully, everything will return to normal. But first, Butt added, the family is going to try make sure their home, including their yard, is snake-proof.

"We knew when we moved here there would be the risk of alligators, bob cats, hawks, field mice and things of that nature. None of my research told me about venomous snakes," Butt said. "My husband and I are both big researchers, do it yourselfers. Our boys are our boys and we've already started the process to make our yard a little less snake friendly."

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]]>MSN NEWS: Hero pit bulls save kids from venomous copperhead snakeCarla CiuffoThu, 17 Aug 2017 19:34:01 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/8/inside-edition-dogs-save-womans-grandchildren-from-venomous-snake-attack-slayers-my-boy53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5995ee70cf81e0cbb83f6e7d

A pair of hero dogs helped protect a Florida woman’s grandchildren from being bitten by a venomous snake on Tuesday.

The snake, which was lurking in the front yard of Melissa Butt’s home, went unseen until her 9-month-old puppy, Paco, started barking at it. That’s when her other dog, Slayer, a 3-year-old pit bull-mix, jumped into action, killing the reptile.

Butt’s grandchildren, 1-year-old Mallory and 3-year-old Zayden, were inches from the snake, and were not harmed, thanks to the quick action of her dogs. The canines, however, both suffered venomous bites.

“I think it would have been much worse had that snake gotten my grandkids instead of my big dog,” Butt told InsideEdition.com. “Mallory is less than 2 years old and had she been bitten I think it would have been a completely different story we’d be telling.”

The family put the snake, later identified as a copperhead, in a bag just in case. It turns out they did the right thing.

Thirty minutes after Slayer killed the snake, his entire face swelled up. The snake bit Paco on the leg.

Butt took both dogs to the veterinary hospital where they received anti-venom. Paco was released the same day while Slayer was kept until Wednesday after having to receive a second dose of anti-venom to reduce his swelling.

A local organization, Frank’s Friends, helped the family pay the nearly $10,000 bill for their treatment.

“Paco is 100 percent healed. He is right back to being a puppy,” Butt said. “Slayer comes home today. He is eating and happy and healthy again.”

She is thankful that Slayer lived up to his name, adding that the pup is usually extremely protective.

“That’s what he does. He will put himself in the front like whenever he thinks the family is in danger,” Butt said.

“I do feel as small as my grandkids are, it could have been life-threatening for my grandbabies," she added. "Slayer’s my boy."

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]]>INSIDE EDITION: Dogs Save Woman's Grandchildren From Venomous Snake Attack: 'Slayer's My Boy'Carla CiuffoThu, 17 Aug 2017 19:28:04 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/8/cbs-news-hero-pit-bulls-save-kids-from-venomous-copperhead-snake53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5995ee15579fb38e437cbc14Hero pit bulls save kids from venomous copperhead snake

Melissa Butt was enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon outside with her two grandchildren when she heard an alarming bark coming from two of her dogs.

The pit bulls were standing in front of her 4-year-old grandson and 1-year-old granddaughter, staring at a patch of grass three feet away from Butt's front door.

"The dogs started acting a little funny," Butt told CBS News. "They were barking and barking."

The snake was identified by veterinarians as a copperhead.

So the grandmother from Thonotosassa, Florida, ran over to find out what was causing the commotion, and that's when she saw it — a giant snake, which was later identified as a copperhead, wriggling around just inches from her dogs' snouts. She yelled for her daughter, who quickly scooped up the kids and brought them inside.

Her 9-month-old red nosed pit bull named Paco was the first to spot the snake, but his older "brother," a 3-year-old pit bull named Slayer, quickly stepped in to help.

"My Slayer takes over all of those situations," Butt explained. "He's ultra protective of the family."

When the snake struck Paco, biting him in the elbow, Slayer attacked. The pit bull picked the snake up with his mouth, killing it.

"He almost bit him in half," Butt recalled.

Unfortunately, Slayer didn't escape scratch-free. The snake bit the 80-pound dog twice in the face, causing his snout to swell to almost twice its size within 30 minutes. 

Both Paco and Slayer were rushed to an emergency vet, where they were given injections of antivenin, intravenous pain medication and anti-nausea meds. 

Slayer's snout swelled up to nearly twice his size after he was bitten by a copperhead snake in Florida.

"I know my dogs are heroes and without a doubt saved the lives of my grandchildren," Butt said. "They are too small to have fought something off like that. If they had gotten bit I'm 100 percent sure they wouldn't have survived."

At first, Butt wasn't sure if Slayer would make it. Fortunately, with donations from a local non-profit called Frankie's Friends, Slayer was able to get the treatment he needed to survive.

"Pit bulls are nanny dogs. That's actually why they were originally bred — to care and protect children," Butt said. "And our Slayer has always been that way."

Butt said Slayer is getting released from the vet on Wednesday, and hopefully, everything will return to normal. But first, Butt added, the family is going to try make sure their home, including their yard, is snake-proof.

"We knew when we moved here there would be the risk of alligators, bob cats, hawks, field mice and things of that nature. None of my research told me about venomous snakes," Butt said. "My husband and I are both big researchers, do it yourselfers. Our boys are our boys and we've already started the process to make our yard a little less snake friendly."

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]]>CBS NEWS: Hero pit bulls save kids from venomous copperhead snakeCarla CiuffoWed, 16 Aug 2017 17:47:38 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/8/meet-slayer-and-paco-two-heroes-whose-lives-were-saved-with-the-help-of-frankies-friends-and-now-their-story-has-gone-viral53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:59948136e4fcb5d90b6d36d0UPDATE ON CBS NEWS: Hero pit bulls save kids from venomous copperhead snake

UPDATE ON 10NEWS - Hero dog returns home after snake attack

UPDATE on FOX13 - SLAYER IS REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY

“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude to Blue Pearl and Frankie’s Friends. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them,” Butt said through tears.

These four-legged heroes can’t wait to be reunited soon.

They’ll go back to defending their home, their garden and the grandchildren who depended on their love and loyalty during a harrowing, and ultimately heartwarming, life-saving moment.

BRANDON, Fla. (WFLA) – Being a hero is often about timing – being in the right place at the right time. It is about knowing when to act, what to do and how to save the day without hesitation.

Just ask this grandmother from Brandon, and she’ll tell you.

Her grandchildren, 4-year-old Zayden and 1-year-old Mallory, are alive because her two beloved canines stepped in at the right time.

It was a very familiar moment outside of the family’s Brandon home. The grandchildren were playing in the garden, blissfully unaware that a predator was lurking nearby.

A highly poisonous snake was just inches away, and no one ever knew it.

That is, until two loyal, highly dependable four-legged good Samaritans intervened.

“They are my boys, my protectors,” Melissa Butt told News Channel 8.

The family dogs are what kept the children alive.

Slayer and Paco knew something was wrong when they saw a copperhead snake dangerously close to their human counterparts.

The dogs begin barking, angrily warning the dangerous snake to slither away. But, this guest wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Seconds later, the snake struck.

Both dogs were bitten, injected with highly poisonous venom.

Slayer suffered deep wounds on his face and snout, while Paco was struck in the leg.

Life-saving treatment was needed immediately.

Butt rushed the dogs to get emergency veterinary care. When the duo arrived at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners Hospital in Brandon, they were in bad shape.

“We need to get the anti-venom…quickly, in order for them to get a good prognosis. It is very, very painful,” Dr. Shelby Loos said.

“We give them medicine for pain and make them as comfortable as possible. But, we have to act fast.”

Thanks to the quick fundraising efforts from animal rescue group, Frankie’s Friends, that’s exactly what happened.

Through the organization, money was raised to help pay for extensive, expensive life-saving treatment.

“Pets are truly part of the family, and in this case, they proved that to every extent possible,” said Danielle Martin.

This story has the happiest of endings, with Paco already up and running around at home, back to his old ways, playfully running around his spacious yard and snuggling up to his family.

Meanwhile, Slayer is still recovering at Blue Pearl in Brandon, anxious to go home.  He was visibly happy, wagging his tail heartily, when he saw his owner as she stopped by to give him encouragement and cuddles Monday afternoon.

“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude to Blue Pearl and Frankie’s Friends. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them,” Butt said through tears.

These four-legged heroes can’t wait to be reunited soon.

They’ll go back to defending their home, their garden and the grandchildren who depended on their love and loyalty during a harrowing, and ultimately heartwarming, life-saving moment.

LINKS TO NEWS SOURCES ABOUT SLAYER AND PACO

http://wfla.com/2017/08/14/brandon-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://nbc4i.com/2017/08/15/florida-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://wkrn.com/2017/08/15/florida-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://kron4.com/2017/08/15/video-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos?videoid=x79901

http://wncn.com/2017/08/15/florida-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-kids-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://counton2.com/2017/08/15/florida-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://news10.com/2017/08/15/familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://www.localsyr.com/news/fla-family-says-pit-bulls-saved-young-children-from-venomous-snake/789591261

http://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2017/08/15/deux-pitbulls-sauvent-des-enfants-dun-serpent-venimeux

http://wspa.com/2017/08/15/familys-pit-bulls-save-young-kids-from-copperhead-snake/

http://www.tristateupdate.com/story/36140639/familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake

http://www.wvalways.com/story/36140639/familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake

http://www.wilx.com/content/news/2-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake-440723513.html

http://news10.com/2017/08/15/familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake/

http://www.yourohiovalley.com/story/36140677/familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake

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http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/8-surprising-causes-dog-coughing

http://www.khq.com/story/36140771/grandmother-credits-two-pit-bulls-with-saving-her-grandchildren-from-dangerous-snake

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]]>Meet Slayer and Paco... Two Heroes Whose Lives Were Saved With the Help of Frankie's Friends and Now Their Story Has Gone ViralCarla CiuffoTue, 15 Aug 2017 15:34:29 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/8/news-channel-8-brandon-familys-pit-bulls-save-young-children-from-venomous-copperhead-snake53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:599312152994ca86de6fce6b

BRANDON, Fla. (WFLA) – Being a hero is often about timing – being in the right place at the right time. It is about knowing when to act, what to do and how to save the day without hesitation. Just ask this grandmother from Brandon, and she’ll tell you.

TO WATCH ON WFLA NEWS CHANNEL 8 CLICK HERE

Her grandchildren, four-year-old Zayden and one-year-old Mallory, are alive because her two beloved canines stepped in at the right time.

It was a very familiar moment outside of the family’s Brandon home. The grandchildren were playing in the garden, blissfully unaware that a predator was lurking nearby.

A highly poisonous snake was just inches away, and no one ever knew it.

That is, until two loyal, highly dependable four-legged good Samaritans intervened.

“They are my boys, my protectors,” Melissa Butt told News Channel 8.

The family dogs are what kept the children alive.

Slayer and Paco knew something was wrong when they saw a copperhead snake dangerously close to their human counterparts.

The dogs begin barking, angrily warning the dangerous snake to slither away. But, this guest wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Seconds later, the snake struck.

Both dogs were bitten, injected with highly poisonous venom.

Slayer suffered deep wounds on his face and snout, while Paco was struck in the leg.

Life-saving treatment was needed immediately.

Butt rushed the dogs to get emergency veterinary care. When the duo arrived at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners Hospital in Brandon, they were in bad shape.

“We need to get the anti-venom…quickly, in order for them to get a good prognosis. It is very, very painful,” Dr. Shelby Loos said.

“We give them medicine for pain and make them as comfortable as possible. But, we have to act fast.”

Thanks to the quick fundraising efforts from animal rescue group, Frankie’s Friends, that’s exactly what happened.

Through the organization, money was raised to help pay for extensive, expensive life-saving treatment.

“Pets are truly part of the family, and in this case, they proved that to every extent possible,” said Danielle Martin.

This story has the happiest of endings, with Paco already up and running around at home, back to his old ways, playfully running around his spacious yard and snuggling up to his family.

Meanwhile, Slayer is still recovering at Blue Pearl in Brandon, anxious to go home.  He was visibly happy, wagging his tail heartily, when he saw his owner as she stopped by to give him encouragement and cuddles Monday afternoon.

“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude to Blue Pearl and Frankie’s Friends. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them,” Butt said through tears.

These four-legged heroes can’t wait to be reunited soon.

They’ll go back to defending their home, their garden and the grandchildren who depended on their love and loyalty during a harrowing, and ultimately heartwarming, life-saving moment.

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]]>NEWS CHANNEL 8: Brandon family’s pit bulls save young children from venomous copperhead snakeCarla CiuffoFri, 04 Aug 2017 18:52:12 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/8/read-about-frankie-and-mr-d-of-the-debartolo-family-in-bark-magazine53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:5984c0b3197aea356cda6985Read About Frankie and Mr. D of the DeBartolo Family

Frankie was a beautiful greyhound, cherished by the DeBartolo family of Tampa, Florida. In addition to endowing the foundation with Frankie DeBartolo’s name, the foundation is endowed with her boundless spirit and vitality. Frankie died at the age of eleven in 2007.

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]]>Read About Frankie and Mr. D of the DeBartolo Family in 406 BARK MAGAZINECarla CiuffoThu, 29 Jun 2017 20:21:26 +0000https://www.frankiesfriends.org/in-the-news/2017/6/vets-pair-up-with-charity-to-save-dog-with-heat-stroke53fa6429e4b0271e3bce0879:53ff35f6e4b0f7be79e2183f:595560063e00be4e9c32410eVets pair up with charity to save dog with heat stroke

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QUEENS, NY – It happened in the blink of an eye – one minute Diesel was happy and alert, the next the 4-year-old pit bull was dragging his hind leg and weaving as he walked.

The playful pup had spent the morning of Monday, June 19 romping in the park with one of his owners, Jason de la Cruz, and his housemate, a beagle named Charlie. But now Diesel was refusing to move and was clearly in distress.

De la Cruz quickly sought help from Diesel’s primary care veterinarian, who diagnosed the dog with severe heat stroke with a temperature of 107. A dog’s normal temperature is around 102 degrees.

The veterinarian took steps to cool Diesel down, but he was suffering from bloody diarrhea and his red blood cell count plummeted. The veterinarian recommended transferring Diesel to BluePearl hospital in Queens, which has the board-certified veterinarians and advanced equipment necessary to treat severe cases of heat stroke.

Dr. Yuki Tse, a critical care specialist with BluePearl, said Diesel’s blood sugar was extremely low and his blood was not clotting properly. After stabilizing the pup, she gave him a plasma transfusion and then a full blood transfusion.

But Diesel’s care wasn’t cheap. De la Cruz and his girlfriend, Ariane Abolencia, applied for credit to cover the expense, but the cost was still beyond their reach. That’s when the BluePearl doctors decided to step in.

Together, the doctors pooled funds they receive from Frankie’s Friends, a national charity that provides financial assistance for families with pets who need lifesaving care.

“Diesel is a spunky young pup with a good prognosis for a long and healthy life with the right treatment,” said Dr. Tse. “Our hearts really went out to his owners and we wanted to do what we could to help them reunite.”

It was a huge relief for de la Cruz and Abolencia. They adopted Diesel when he was just a puppy. They describe him as a sweet dog and a “big doofus” who loves to crawl into bed with them and steal the covers.

“We were just so thankful,” Abolencia said. “We can’t say enough about the care Diesel got from BluePearl – and we’re especially thankful to Dr. Tse for refusing to give up on him!”

After several days of care, Diesel began to show signs of improvement. He ate a few slices of deli turkey and some rotisserie chicken. And his red blood cell count began moving in the right direction. The best news of all came Sunday when Diesel was discharged from BluePearl to his family.

“This is the kind of outcome we always hope for,” said Danielle Martin, Executive Director of Frankie’s Friends. “It’s why our organization exists. We’re hopeful Diesel and his owners will have many more happy years of wrestling over the covers together.”

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