January 2017 - Tater Tot was found tied to a light pole in New York City in the late hours of a freezing New Years Eve. He was suffering from a severely prolapsed rectum and internal injuries. NYPD officers brought him to the city shelter, where a volunteer alerted us. Though the facility was closed, we showed up the next morning, New Years Day, to rescue him.

We brought Tater Tot to our speciality care partners, the Animal Medical Center, where he underwent immediate surgery to reposition his rectum and colon.

What followed was one of the most complex medical journeys in our rescue’s history. A sudden decline led to a second surgery, 4.5-hours long, for a perforated colon and a septic abdomen. Two inches of his damaged colon were removed, and a feeding tube placed. His chances were 50/50.

Over the weeks that followed, he battled repeated complications: a tightening stricture in his colon, a septic abdomen, and placement of a rectal stent. Specialists from multiple departments across AMC worked to save his life. 

Once he was stable, he entered long term foster care with our namesake, Mr. Bones, where he continued healing and learning. His recovery required strict management, but throughout it all, Tater Tot remained joyful, social, and full of heart!

After three months of intensive medical intervention and rehabilitation, Tater Tot pushed through his final surgery and learned how to function without a colon. He played, trained and explored on our (foster) Puppy Farm, making it clear he wanted a future.

In April 2017, that future arrived! Tater Tot was adopted in Brooklyn by Chris, a devoted dad who committed to supporting his unique needs. Today, Tater Tot lives the life he almost didn’t get, where he is loved, safe, and celebrated. Follow his adventures at @thegraypotato_  and see his full history via #adoptTaterTotMBC