Spring Appeal 2026

From near-death to thriving in foster care, Seven’s journey shows the life-changing power of community support.

A young German Shepherd mix named Seven came into our care on December 31, 2025, after our Animal Control Officers spent several days trying to safely catch her near the train tracks in Elmwood. Once she was finally contained, the full extent of her suffering became clear. While we may never know exactly what she endured, her injuries strongly suggest she was struck by a train.

Seven arrived in critical condition with devastating, life-threatening injuries. She had suffered a traumatic, non-medical amputation of her right hind leg, the loss of part of her tail, and a severe injury to her front right leg, resulting in exposed bone and infection. She also had extensive damage to her teeth, jaw, gums, and face. These wounds were badly infected and extremely painful, requiring immediate and prolonged intensive medical care.

Our team sprang into action. Seven was stabilized, splinted, and cast, and her wounds were treated. She began receiving fluids, antibiotics, pain medication, phovia light therapy, and around-the-clock monitoring while in our clinic and in foster care with our Medical Director – yes, our team routinely continues their work beyond regular hours because they care deeply about the animals we serve. While her condition was uncertain, Seven continued to fight, and our team fought alongside her, giving her every possible chance to continue her recovery.

Today, Seven is thriving in foster care with our Medical Director, where she receives consistent medical care and the comfort of recovering in a home. She has settled in beautifully, remains gentle and affectionate, and continues to show us just how strong and resilient she truly is.

You can make a difference in the lives of animals like Seven!

Because of supporters like you, Seven’s lifesaving story is not an exception—she is one of thousands of lives saved every year.

Your donation today helps provide lifesaving medical care and programming to more than 10,500 Hamilton County animals annually.

Caring for animals like Seven is not simple – and it is not inexpensive – but it is exactly why Cincinnati Animal CARE exists. This kind of lifesaving care is generally unheard of in a municipal animal shelter – but not here in Hamilton County. Our skilled team is led by a 21-year emergency critical care veteran who is equipped to manage the treatment of complicated cases like this at any given moment.

Donations made Seven’s lifesaving treatment possible – funding emergency stabilization, advanced wound care, a complex surgical amputation, and around-the-clock intensive treatment provided by our skilled medical team. And that generosity extends far beyond one animal. In 2025 alone, donor support helped us provide care for more than 10,500 animals across our community. Thanks to you,317 animals received specialized medical care, nearly 6,000 animals were adopted into loving homes, and we had over 10,400 foster and day trip placements. Your support also made possible critical services like vaccine clinics and spay and neuter for hundreds of owned pets, helping keep families and animals together.

Every dollar truly matters. Your compassion allows us to say “yes” to animals like Seven, and ensures we can continue showing up for every life that depends on us.