Healing Heroes
in honor of Courageous Warrior
The Healing Heroes Fund provides immediate medical care for animals with extraordinary needs, allowing AWA to accept high-risk animals from shelters in high-euthanasia areas that lack the resources to treat them.
A Courageous Cat. A Lasting Legacy.
When a severely injured cat arrived at AWA, no one knew just how special he would become.
A feral cat colony caregiver found him badly wounded in one of her traps after what appeared to be a fight with another cat. His neck had a severe wound, and he was in desperate need of medical care. AWA’s veterinary team treated his injuries and, believing he was feral, tipped his ear to indicate that he had been neutered and vaccinated.
But when he awoke from anesthesia, they discovered something unexpected: this “feral” cat was incredibly friendly and affectionate.
The staff named him Courageous Warrior, or CW for short. And CW certainly lived up to his name.
CW was the very first animal to benefit from AWA’s Healing Heroes Fund, created to provide lifesaving medical care for animals who arrive with extraordinary medical needs. After recovering from his injuries, CW found a loving home with an AWA staff member.
Although CW faced additional medical challenges throughout his life, including FIV and the need to have all his teeth removed, he continued to be a loving and courageous companion. Sadly, in June 2026, CW developed fluid in his lungs. Despite three stays in the ICU, veterinarians were unable to determine the cause, and we tragically lost CW on June 19.
CW’s life may not have been as long as we wished, but his impact will live on.
Healing Heroes Success Stories
Stevie
When Stevie arrived at AWA, severe infections had damaged both of his eyes, leaving him blind, in pain, and too fragile for surgery. With time, medication, nutrition, and specialized care, he grew strong enough for a successful double enucleation.
Stevie’s recovery has been remarkable. Just two days after surgery, he was already playing and exploring. Today, blindness doesn’t slow him down. He is curious, playful, affectionate, and quick to purr.
Greta and Renly
When Greta and Renly arrived at AWA, both needed time and specialized care to recover from neglect. Renly received physical rehabilitation to rebuild strength, balance, and confidence after poor body condition. With dedicated medical care, nutrition, rehabilitation, and patient support, both dogs grew stronger and healthier.
Their physical healing gave them the foundation to explore, play, and build confidence. Today, both are thriving in loving forever homes.
Twincie
Twincie arrived at AWA with a rare birth defect that caused his abdominal organs, including his liver, to move into his chest cavity and crowd his heart. A complex surgery was performed to return his organs to their proper positions and create a protective barrier around his heart. Twincie recovered remarkably well, eating within hours of surgery and returning to normal activity within two weeks. Today, he is thriving, enjoying playtime and cuddles while receiving regular cardiology monitoring.
Swiss & his siblings
Swiss and five of his siblings, Mozzarella, Gouda, Colbie, Brie, and Feta, arrived at AWA battling parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease. Thanks to the Healing Heroes Fund, they received the intensive medical care, medications, supportive treatment, and round-the-clock monitoring they needed to fight the disease and recover. Today, these six puppies are thriving, showing the incredible difference lifesaving medical care can make. Sadly, their sibling Cheddar was too sick when he arrived, and his case had progressed too far for treatment to save him.