Bear was found as a stray and brought to the New York Animal Care and Control. He was so matted and uncomfortable that the shelter shaved him upon arrival, which revealed severely infected and inflamed skin that was painful to the touch. It was clear he had been left without care for a very long time. Thankfully, AMA stepped in to ensure he finally receives the medical treatment he needs.

Upon intake, Bear was immediately started on medication to soothe his skin and was sent to a loving foster home to decompress. Later that evening, he began screaming and crying in pain – something was clearly very wrong. At the emergency hospital, multiple tests revealed that his bladder had herniated. The cause was uncertain, but surgery was urgently required to save him.