A tan dog with dark eyes has its face gently cupped by paw print tattooed hands outdoors.

*Sage arrived at our shelter skittish, off her food, and not interested in people patting her - Especially around her face. She seemed agitated and in pain. At her initial vet check we discovered rotten teeth that had caused a fracture in her jaw.

She was well-loved by her family, but being in a household where financial control was part of the abuse her human-Mum endured, it was unaffordable for Sage to receive the veterinary treatment when she first needed it.

Sage was booked to receive dental care within the next week. Due to the fracture and rot she had to have multiple teeth pulled and her jaw wired shut. After surgery, the team put her on wet food, with most meals being syringe-fed to ensure she wouldn’t lose too much weight.

Sage remained on pain medication and antibiotics for a couple of weeks while she began to heal. A she started to trust the Pet Refuge team more she began to ask for more cuddles and attention.

Sage still has a long road ahead, but our expert staff and trusted veterinarians will have her back to her bright, bubbly, and playful self in no time.

Letter from reunited families

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"They’re not just cats. They’re our family.

That’s what made Pet Refuge so special – they understood that. They were a dedicated support for the pets. Once we got them into Pet Refuge, I felt like I could breathe again knowing they were safe, warm, and cared for. They even had their birthdays while they were there.

I’ll never forget the support Pet Refuge gave us. In the middle of so much chaos, they kept our cats safe so that our family could stay together" - *Maddy