JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As we get more entrenched into the holiday season, there is often a feeling of generosity that goes along with it.
With Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is looking for donations to continue their mission to save animals in our community, especially those with medical challenges.
"This is Regina George," said Samantha Ahnen with the Jacksonville Humane Society as she lifted a small dog wrapped up in a blanket. "She came into us and she had a severe infection going on in her eyes."
Regina George came into JHS as a part of the seizure of 130 small dogs from a Jacksonville home in October. While the majority of the dogs went to Animal Care and Protective Services, 15 of the more medically fragile dogs went to Jax Humane.
The eye infection so severe, both of Regina George's eyes had to be removed.
"She is recovering right now, but she is being very brave," Ahnen told First Coast News.
Her surgery and treatment all paid for by the Jacksonville Humane Society's medical fund.
"The medical fund really is the foundation to everything else we do here," said Lawrence Nicolas, the president of JHS.
Nicolas said it is fully funded by the community and Giving Tuesday is a crucial piece of their fundraising.
"We have a triple match this year which is really exciting thanks to a generous donor, that for every $100 that gets donated is actually $300," he said.
Saving and changing the lives of pets that come in with dire conditions like Regina George.
"Everything we are able to do for pets like Regina George is through individual donations from folks in our community," said Ahnen. "You know, when we work together that's how we are able to have kennel space for them and provide the special care they need to start feeling better."
No longer in pain, Regina George is now taking her first timid steps back out into the world and into a forever home. If you'd like to donate to JHS, click here.