Rutabaga’s Story

Meet Rutabaga: From Devoted Mama to Deserving Patient

When Rutabaga arrived at the Animal Defense League of Texas in January, she wasn’t alone. By her side were ten tiny puppies, all depending on her.

Transferred into our care from the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services with a portion of her right hind leg missing, it was clear Rutabaga was no stranger to obstacles, having already navigated life on three legs while raising her family. Despite her physical challenges, she did what moms do best: she showed up for her babies.

And, thanks to our community, every single one of her puppies has since been adopted.

Now, it’s Rutabaga’s turn.

While Rutabaga manages well enough to get around, it’s clear she’s uncomfortable. The remaining portion of her hind leg makes walking difficult, and years of putting extra weight on her “good” leg have taken a toll. She’s developed hip issues, including calcification and a femur that sits outside of its socket, all signs that her body has been working overtime to compensate.
Still, this sweet girl’s spirit hasn’t faded. She’s quickly become a staff and volunteer favorite as her personality continues to unfold. She is very talkative, smiles with all her teeth, and has discovered a sincere love for toys.
Right now, our medical team is focused on one thing: her comfort. Before we can consider amputation to improve her mobility, Rutabaga needs to gain weight and fully recover from the skin issues and hair loss she arrived with. These next steps will take time, diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing care, but she is worth every bit of it.
Cases like Rutabaga’s are exactly why our Paws for a Cause Emergency Medical Fund exists. Your donations allow us to say “yes” to complicated, costly, and uncertain cases. They give pets like Rutabaga a chance not just to survive, but to live comfortably and pain-free.
Her story is still being written, but with your support, we’re hopeful the next chapter will be her strongest yet. Stay tuned for updates on this resilient mama’s journey! 💛🐾