This Shih Tzu Was Nearly Put Down—Until a 3-Pound Tumor Changed Everything
Rafta, a senior Shih Tzu, endured heartbreaking neglect and abandonment at a time when he needed compassion the most. Dumped at the shelter, filthy, matted, and covered in his own waste, Rafta’s condition was already devastating—but nothing prepared the staff for the sight of an enormous mass near his back end, which made it difficult for him to even walk. (Watch Video Below)
@trueandfaithful They left him suffering, but we refused to walk away🥺💔.. Rafta was dumped at the shelter with a 2.9-pound mass and barely able to walk. His owners didn’t care. But we did. We rushed him into surgery, spent over $6,000, and gave him the chance they never did. Now, he’s recovering at our sanctuary safe, pain free, and surrounded by love. We still need to raise $2,604.88 to cover his life saving care. Will you help us finish what we started🙏🥺 🔗Link in Bio to Donate❤️ #rescuedog #shelter #senior #dog #shihtzu ♬ Rivers and Roads – The Head And The Heart
When questioned, his former owners coldly suggested euthanasia, as if his life held no worth. But just when Rafta’s story seemed destined for a tragic end, True & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission (TFPRM) stepped in and gave him a second chance.
Lifesaving Surgery
Once Rafta was in their care, the South Florida-based TFRPM discovered the shocking extent of his condition—a massive 15 cm perineal hernia that would require a complex, 3+ hour surgery to repair. He also suffered from severe grade 4 dental disease, making his situation even more dire.
But the rescue didn’t hesitate. Despite the steep cost of over $6,000, they moved quickly to get Rafta the life-saving medical care he desperately needed. The surgery was a success, and for the first time in a long time, this brave senior dog was finally free from pain.
Rafta is now recovering at the rescue’s sanctuary, surrounded by comfort, kindness, and the love he was once cruelly denied.
Be Part of Rafta’s Healing Journey
The rescue turned to their incredible community of supporters on social media to help cover the cost of Rafta’s lifesaving care—and thankfully, many stepped up. But Rafta still needs around $2,600 to fully fund his treatment and aftercare.
If you can, make a contribution here. Every dollar makes a difference, and any donation—big or small—helps not just Rafta, but other senior dogs counting on this rescue for a second chance.
Rafta may have been discarded by those who should’ve protected him, but he’s now surrounded by people who see his worth and are committed to giving him the gentle, love-filled life he’s always deserved. That love is echoed by countless TikTok users following his journey, with one commenter writing: “Look at Rafta!!! 🥰 Thank you, TFPRM, for everything you do for these little guys!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”
Meanwhile, pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka also expresses his support for Rafta, saying, “Rafta’s story breaks your heart—but it also shows the incredible power of rescue. Dogs like Rafta aren’t broken—they’re just waiting for someone to believe in them.”
