Not long ago, a dog named Ellie was turned over to HALO Rescue No-Kill Shelter in Sebastian. The owners said Ellie was hiding under tables, falling into the pool, and whimpering all day and night.

“When Ellie arrived, she was surrounded with love and behavioral support, but we also noticed a deeper problem to her fear. We brought her to a specialist, and they determined she had a very aggressive form of cataracts. Not being able to see well, just shadows and even her own floaters in her eyes were causing her tremendous fear of the world around her,” HALO Executive Director Jacque Petrone said.

Petrone said the news was sad, but it also meant that Ellie had a chance to live a full and wonderful life. Cataract surgery would allow Ellie to have full vision for the first time in her life.

According to the Veterinary Eye Institute, the most common cause of cataract formation in dogs is genetics. The cataracts are inherited and can either be present at birth or can develop later in life.

Petrone was able to raise $2,775 of their $4,900 goal, which is about half of the medical bills for the surgery. The surgery went well.

“Ellie can now see… We would not have had the confidence or funds without your incredible support. Thank you so much for your donations and belief in saving every life,” Petrone said.

Ellie still has a long road ahead with multiple medications and follow up appointments followed by rehabilitating her emotionally with sight.

The Angel Medical Fund allows HALO to go through extraordinary measures to give each homeless pet a second chance at their best life and a forever home.

If you would like to help HALO reach its goal of $4,900 for Ellie, please visit Ellie’s GoFundMe page, where you can donate.

H.A.L.O. is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue and adoption center. All donations are tax-deductible under Helping Animals Live and Overcome tax id #20-8466866.

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