Tri-Cities rescue raising $3.5K for foster dog with seizures. How to help

A Tri-Cities area charity organization focused on rescuing at-risk dogs is seeking community donations for medical help for one of their dogs. The mixed breed one-year-old, Maple, is dealing with unexplained seizures and needs an MRI.

The Pit Bull Pen is a rescue organization based in the area that recently shifted to a foster-based model. Its volunteers foster at-risk dogs of various breeds, and the organization also focuses on advocating for pit bulls and providing the public with education on the breed.

GoFundMe for Tri-Cities dog

Maple is one of the Pit Bull Pen’s current foster dogs. According to the organization, she’s normally a very happy dog. The GoFundMe for her care says she loves head scratches, belly rubs and outside time.

But despite three different anti-seizure medications plus an emergency medication for when a seizure strike, Maple continues to have random seizures. The Pit Bull Pen’s vets have tried to determine the root of the problem, but Maple will need an MRI from a specialized neurologist, according to the fundraiser description.

“Maple is more than just a rescue dog—she’s a reminder of why we do what we do,” stated The Pit Bull Pen’s Facebook post about the need for funds. “Let’s rally together as a community to give her the chance she deserves.”

According to her adoption profile, Maple gets along well with other dogs, cats and small children. She’s playful and affectionate, and loves going on adventures.

Maple is currently being fostered by a volunteer with The Pit Bull Pen, Donna Taylor, who told the Herald Maple is “the perfect mix of sweet and spunky.”

Maple and her two siblings were taken in by The Pit Bull Pen in February 2024, when they were just six weeks old. They had been dumped in a ditch in Pasco, according to Taylor.

Another Pit Bull Pen volunteer, the one who found the puppies, fostered Maple and her siblings for some time. Maple’s seizures began while in this home, around the 1-year mark.

“I would also like to assure you that her first foster provided a wonderful and loving home for Maple and Baskin (male, still available for adoption), and sister Coconut (adopted) for as long as he could...” Taylor said.

She moved to the Taylor home a couple of weeks ago, as their original foster is preparing for a move to a new city.

“She really does bring a little sunshine everywhere she goes with her constant smile that melts your heart,” Taylor said.

Most of the time, Maple is a playful and curious dog who loves people and spending time outside. She plays a lot at her age, and will throw her own toys in the air.

But she experiences clusters of seizures ever couple of weeks, despite being maxed out on medication, according to Taylor.

“We’re working closely with her vet to manage and monitor her condition, and thankfully, outside of the seizures, she is a normal pup,” Taylor said.

The GoFundMe is aimed at raising $3,500 necessary for the MRI. So far, they have raised $450.

An MRI would give clear answers on the cause of Maple’s seizures, which will make her treatment more tailored to her needs.

You can also donate via Venmo or Cash App using the handle thepitbullpen, or via PayPal to thepitbullpen@gmail.com. The Pit Bull Pen is asking those who cannot donate to spread the word by sharing links and fundraiser information.

Pit Bull Pen’s nonprofit status

The rescue organization has gone through some significant changes in the past six months, including a new executive director and the shift to a foster-based model with the loss of their Benton City physical location.

“While we previously had a physical location in Benton City, our mission has always extended beyond those borders,” Taylor said. “Nothing about our commitment to the community or the dogs we serve has changed.”

Taylor told the Herald that the transition to a foster-based model has been a positive change, better benefiting the dogs in their care. Animals get more stability and comfort in the stress-free environment of a well-matched foster home, and it’s easier to get to know each dog’s needs and personality through fosters than a shelter.

Additionally, the organization lost its tax exempt status in February 2025. The Pit Bull Pen was put on an auto-revocation list for not filing the necessary tax forms for three years in a row. This means the organization does not currently have 501(c)(3) status and cannot provide tax-deductible receipts for donations.

In a February public statement, the president of the board of directors, Amber Hall, clarified the board was unaware the previous executive director had not filed the required tax forms. Upon notification of the loss of their non-profit status, the board began working toward reinstatement.

While the process can take up to six months, The Pit Bull Pen is able to accept donations while this status is pending.

“We recognize that this news may come as a surprise and may be upsetting to those who know and support the previous Executive Director,” Hall stated. “We respect the relationships built over the years and remain focused on our shared mission of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs.”

According to Hall’s statement, the organization has implemented greater oversights to prevent similar issues going forward.

Since the statement was released, The Pit Bull Pen has stayed in close contact with the necessary agencies to work through the process.

“We really appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work through the lengthy process of reinstating our 501(c)(3) status...” Taylor said. “In the meantime, The Pit Bull Pen continues to operate with full transparency and dedication to our mission. We’re still rescuing, fostering, and placing dogs in loving homes every day. We’re incredibly grateful for those who’ve stood by us during this time and continue to believe in the work we do.”

The Pit Bull Pen is continuing to operate on a foster-based model throughout this process. They are currently looking for foster home volunteers, and dogs currently available for adoption can be found on their website.

Additionally, they will be at the Jenny’s Hope multi-rescue adoption event on April 26 at the Columbia Park Stage from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This story was originally published April 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM.