January 2020 — Chimbey, 10-years-old, was surrendered as a cruelty and extreme neglect case to Connecticut animal control. When they reached out to ask if we could help, we knew we were his only shot.

Chimbey was transported immediately to the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, where advanced imaging and neurological evaluations revealed an untreated traumatic cervical spinal injury that severely impaired his ability to walk. Prolonged immobility created pressure sores on his elbows so severe, bone had broken through the skin, resulting in life-threatening infections.

After a week of hospitalization in intensive care undergoing negative pressure wound therapy, vacuum dressings, and extensive diagnostics, our gentle elder bull, who had met every procedure with quiet grace, was discharged. 

Chimbey transitioned to foster care to begin physical therapy, acupuncture, strength-building exercises, and fitting for a cart and protective elbow braces. He thrived on our (foster) Puppy Farm where he worked on his mobility daily and won our nonprofit's namesake over, Mr. Bones, who had previously never accepted an adult dog. Slowly, Chimbey was standing longer, shuffling farther, and gaining strength!

Against all expectations for a senior dog with a traumatic spinal injury, Chimbey rebuilt muscle and mobility. He inspired his foster mom to run the 2018 NYC Half Marathon in his honor, raising funds as #TeamChimbey to support our program.

After three months of intensive treatment and rehabilitation, Chimbey found a compassionate home on Long Island, NY who embraced him. He spent the remainder of his life surrounded by animals he adored and humans who cherished him, defined not by cruelty or neglect, but by love, dignity, and resilience.

Chimbey passed peacefully in June 2021. His legacy lives on in through our ongoing work. Read more about his happily ever after via @teamchimbey and see his entire journey unfold via #AdoptChimbeyMBC