LEG UP Fund
EVERYBODY needs a leg up sometime! But if you are a sick or injured homeless pet, who will step up to see that you get the care you need? Our LEG UP Program may be able to help.
What is LEG UP?
Established in 2015, LEG UP is a volunteer-run program that sponsors critical veterinary treatment for at-risk unowned dogs and cats found in Syracuse and brought to the municipal shelter, B & R Bunkhouse. LEG UP patients suffer from serious but treatable illnesses and injuries. Adoption is the end goal. All donations are tax-deductible.
Why is LEG UP Needed?
There are no other options or services for these vulnerable but deserving homeless animals! Virtually daily the B & R Bunkhouse (BRB) receives strays via Dog Control, law enforcement, and Good Samaritans; some of these homeless pets are seriously sick or injured. A one-of-a-kind program, LEG UP is an effective way to fight the suffering and homelessness of these pets who have no families to love and care for them. Unlike other shelters in Central New York, BRB is not a nonprofit and so cannot mount fundraising campaigns that offer tax-deductible status to donors wishing to support necessary veterinary care for the ill and injured strays. But LEG UP can! Because AAGS is a 501c3, all contributions to LEG UP are tax-deductible.
Who has LEG UP helped?
Since the programs creation in 2015, LEG UP has helped 47 dogs and cats whose treatments have averaged over $1,000 each. Donors have allowed LEG UP to sponsor treatment for a variety of surgical and non-surgical conditions: amputations, abdominal explorations, eyelid repair for entropion, jaw surgery and dental cleanings with extractions, generalized mange, heartworm, and even a professional grooming to remove painful and constrictive matting of fur.
Miley - 2021
Miley was found in January 2021 tied to a mailbox overnight outside a Cicero business, emaciated, flea-covered, suffering from a urinary tract infection, and heartworm positive. After being brought to B&R Bunkhouse, Miley became a LEG UP recipient to fund her extensive medical treatment, ensuring she received the care, recovery time, and support she needed to regain her health and begin her second chance in foster care.
Bandit - 2019
In 2019, Bandit—then known as Little Bub—was brought to emergency care after a traumatic dog attack left him with a severely damaged eye and untreated infection. He underwent surgery to remove the eye and address other medical issues, beginning a long road to healing from both physical and emotional neglect. With the support of the LEG UP program and the love of his devoted foster mom, Bub recovered, found safety and trust again, and ultimately adopted his forever home—along with his new name, Bandit.
Jack Frost - 2018
Jack Frost was found during a brutal cold snap in 2018, frozen to a fence with his tail wedged between the pickets. A Good Samaritan called Animal Control, and responders had to cut away part of the fence to free him before rushing him to the emergency hospital. Suffering from severe tail damage and other complications, he required amputation, and the LEG UP program stepped in immediately to cover the cost of his surgery—giving him the lifesaving care he needed and a chance at a fresh start.
Amber - 2017
When Amber was a puppy she was hit by a car and taken to the Veterinary Medical Center of CNY. As our twelfth LEG UP animal, Amber received medical care for nerve and muscle damage to her front leg. She then went to water therapy with CARE Pet Therapy to continue healing. She was adopted out to her family via Helping Hounds.
Arabella - 2016
Arabella became the LEG UP program’s first feline recipient in 2016 after Animal Control found her limping on the streets of Syracuse with a severely damaged hind leg that could not be saved. Dewitt Animal Hospital determined amputation was necessary to end her pain and prevent further injury, and LEG UP stepped in to sponsor her surgery—along with the additional medical care she needed to recover. Thanks to that support, Arabella was given a second chance at a safe, comfortable life and adoption.
Bingo - 2015
In 2015, Bingo became Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse’s very first LEG UP recipient. At just three months old and only 10 pounds, the homeless puppy was brought to Dewitt Animal Hospital Shelter with a broken leg that required immediate veterinary care. Through the support of the LEG UP program, his surgery was funded, his leg was repaired, and he was given the chance to heal—ultimately going on to find a loving forever family.