Dogs We've Saved
Dogs We've Saved
Every one of these dogs was given a chance because someone bought a candle. Imagine what 100 more chances look like.
Harley
The Smith family came home to find a pool of blood. Harley, their beloved dog, had only hours to live. The injury was catastrophic — the kind of thing that stops your heart the moment you see it.
The surgery Harley needed was beyond what the family could afford. In a moment of desperation, they reached out to Cartman in the Morning, a local radio show, who connected them with Riley's Candles.
Riley's said yes. Harley went into surgery that day. She made a full recovery and went on to star in a commercial — bright-eyed, healthy, and full of the life that almost slipped away.
“Thank you, Josh and Riley, so much for saving our precious girl!”
— The Smith Family
Bruce
Bruce was a beloved family dog when life changed in an instant. He was hit by a car, suffering a broken back leg and spinal injuries severe enough to require emergency surgery. His family was devastated — and terrified they couldn't afford to save him.
Riley's Candles stepped in without hesitation. The surgery went ahead. Bruce spent eight weeks in a cast, healing day by day with his family by his side. He made a full recovery, walking, running, and living the life he deserved.
His family reached out afterward — not because they had to, but because they needed to say thank you to the people who made it possible.
“The surgery went really well. I want to thank you and your staff for the donation — you guys are truly amazing people. Because of you, Bruce is going to have a full recovery!”
— Bruce's Family
Lil Bit
Lil Bit is a small dachshund mix — and she is everything to her owner, an elderly woman living with dementia. Lil Bit isn't just a pet. She is a companion, a comfort, and the reason her mom gets up every morning.
When Lil Bit was hit by a car, the injuries were catastrophic. Multiple broken bones. Internal organ damage. The vets weren't sure she'd make it. For days, her prognosis was touch and go. The entire veterinary team held their breath.
Riley's Candles covered the bills. The team rallied around her. And the moment Lil Bit finally peed on her own — the room erupted in cheers. That was the turning point. She fought her way back.
When the family called Riley's to say thank you, there were tears on both ends of the line.
“They personally called and shared a tear-filled thank you to Mr. Riley. Lil Bit is her mom's lifeline — and because of Riley's, she's still here.”
— Riley's Candles Team
Moose
Moose accidentally ingested cattle tranquilizer. He was rushed to Michigan State University Animal Hospital in critical condition and spent two weeks in an induced coma while the medical team fought to save his life.
His family watched, helpless, as the bills climbed higher than they could ever imagine. Riley's Candles stepped in and covered the costs — no questions, no bureaucracy. Just help.
Moose made a full recovery. His grateful family became part of the Riley's Candles mission themselves — they now sell Riley's Candles at their roadside Farm Market, paying it forward to every customer who stops by.
“We would have never known there are companies out there like Riley's Candles. You saved Moose's life and changed ours forever.”
— Moose's Family
Bo
Bo was a service dog in training — working toward a life of purpose — when he was hit by a car and left for dead on the side of the road. The injuries were severe. Internal organ damage. A leg that couldn't be saved.
Bo lost that leg. But he didn't lose his spirit.
Riley's Candles covered his surgery and recovery. Bo healed, adapted, and now runs on three legs with the same joy and determination that defined him from the beginning.
After Riley's own passing in June 2025, Bo's family reached out again — not for help, but to offer comfort to the family who had given them so much.
“I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Riley. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Riley's kindness lives on in Bo every single day.”
— Bo's Family, after Riley's Passing
Scoot
Scoot was stepped on as a tiny puppy, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Unable to walk, he was surrendered to a shelter in North Carolina — where he did what he always did. He scooted. That's how he got his name.
That stubbornness — that refusal to give up — is what caught Riley's attention.
Riley's Candles funded his custom wheelchair and connected him with Second Chance Pet Adoptions. He found a forever home. And in his honor, Riley's created a special edition candle — Scoot's Island Teak — with proceeds going back to support more animals like him.
The shelter in North Carolina is now one of Riley's Candles' largest retail partners. Scoot sends regular updates. He is thriving.
Lynwood — In Loving Memory
Not every story ends with a full recovery. Riley's Candles has always known that. And that's what makes Lynwood's story so important to tell.
Lynwood was a sweet Corgi who lost the use of her back legs. Riley's Candles provided her with a custom wheelchair and full-body harness, giving her months of dignity, comfort, and the ability to keep moving through the world she loved.
When Lynwood's time came, Riley's didn't disappear. They were there — helping her family prepare, helping her cross the rainbow bridge with grace and love surrounding her.
Her family donated all of Lynwood's equipment so another dog could have what she had. That is what Riley's Candles is — not just emergency funding. It's showing up. All the way to the end, and beyond.
“We cannot thank Riley's enough for giving Lynwood her mobility and her dignity. She was loved every single day because of you.”
— Lynwood's Family
Miss Freya
Miss Freya's favorite thing in the world is running through sprinklers. That joy almost disappeared forever.
She tore her ACL. Her family used every bit of savings they had to get her through surgery and recovery. Then, before she had even fully healed, she tore the other one.
There was nothing left. No savings. No options. Just a dog who loved sprinklers and a family who would do anything to see her run again.
Riley stepped in and covered the second surgery. Freya healed, recovered, and the first warm day she got outside — she ran straight through the sprinklers.
“Freya is doing great! She got to play in the sprinklers yesterday and absolutely loved it. Thank you, Riley's, for giving us our girl back.”
— Freya's Family
Every one of these dogs was given a chance because someone bought a candle. Imagine what 100 more chances look like.