Latest update as of Jun 19, 2026

  • JUNE 2026 UPDATE:

    A couple weeks ago Cletus was taken to Hearts For Paws for concerns I had with him. When they briefed me on his symptoms, they asked me if I was aware that he was severely arthritic. I was totally unaware of this as we have never really seen a vet for a senior screening. About two weeks after receiving this info, Cletus' mobility started to drastically change and he started to trip and fall over more than he was previously.

    I immediately started researching on what I could do for the arthritis. Found and scheduled an appointment with Healing Paws Center in Oakland Park after a handful of recommendations to bring Cletus there for PT, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine. We had our consult which cost $198. Cletus received an extensive review and treatment plan which starts with 8 sessions of customised workouts and therapies for him. These sessions are estimate at around $1200 STARTING. Cletus will need on going treatment, beyond the eight sessions…

    While concerned about his arthritis and walking, I started to noticed laboured breathing that seemed to be getting worse in my opinion. Being that Cletus is considered a super senior for large breed, I took him into Paws 2 Help in West Palm for diagnostic and X-rays of his abdomen and chest areas. This resulted in discovering he was congested and required meds for the next 14 days. This appointment also confirmed his severe arthritis and he was provided with pain relief meds as needed after a week of a daily pill.

    With all this said, I NEED HELP to continue providing Cletus with the things he requires to be able to keep walking. I am not only about TEN pounds more than Cletus, but I have a bad back and not suppose to lift more than 20/30 pounds as of a decade ago. Being that my home is also not only two stories, our front door requires him to cross four steps and he is unable to do so some days.

    PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP CONTRIBUTE EVEN JUST A DOLLAR WE WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL!

    JUNE 2026 UPDATE:

About this fundraiser

 

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Cletus the week he was found in the rain. 

 

Hi, I’m Cletus, formerly know as Machete Boy. I was dumped in the Homestead Florida area around June 20th of 2023. I was seen by some neighbors being left behind as my owners drove away. The neighbors fed me and a nice lady sent a video of me standing in the rain to others to help me.

After almost a week of being left out, in Florida hurricane season type weather, I finally got someone to foster me through a rescue. Thanks to the other nice lady who posted my story on the Nextdoor app. That’s where my foster mom found me.

It took 4 people AND 3 whole hours to get me to go inside once I got to my foster moms. I was very fearful, scared and anxious! I was so nervous, I was jumping up on my back legs and scratching everyone’s cars.

I had been wounded on my snout with a machete; my snout was open and actively bleeding when I got to my foster moms. I had 4/5 visible healing scars on the back of my head that were more machete wounds. I had an ear infection in both ears and eye infection in both eyes. I have a large mass on my right bottom eye lid also.

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Eye infection visible and snout wound  

I was bleeding in my mouth from unknown wounds. Until everyone saw how I was biting the metal leash! Wiping my head erratically, trying to get it off. I didn’t like it at all!

I was so scared, but once I got into the house, I knew I could rest! My foster mom slept on the couch for a while week to make sure I wasn’t scared at night. She could tell I was very sad and adjusting to my new environment.

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I was unfamiliar with how to use stairs, so much so that my foster mom thought I had arthritis (don’t tell anyone, I’m an old boy!) After a lot of patience and lots of treats, discipline and consistency, I fINALLY got the stair thing!

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Cletus would go up the stairs shakily and refuse to come down for HOURS!

I also didn’t know how to go on walks. My foster mom thinks I was chained up all day/night. I have a lot of PTSD. I did get the walk thing though! (shoutout to my cousin Marshmallow’s dad; Uncle Jimmy!)

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I love walks now! 
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Once we mastered walks, Fawn And  Merle sent me this amazing collar and leash 

My Uncle Jimmy had to carry me home on my first walk. We went too far and I did so great, but then I was tired and refused to walk!

I’m a really good boy, but need some extra help in some areas. And although my mom has done a really good job with me. And I’ve come a long way. I would greatly benefit from  a professional trainer!

And I found just the one! However, I need the awesome community that has been helping me since day one,  help sponsor me and help me meet my goals of a specialized board and train tailored just for me! (because I’m an old boy) The cost of this 2 week full training is $2250. This is HUGELY discounted for me because they want to help me live my best life!

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I also need the mass on my eye removed. I had my consult for this the end of May. I have surgery scheduled for June 5,24. The surgery is $850. With a huge help from the vets office who fit us in right away!

My foster mom wants to give me the best life she possibly can. So she’s adopting me! She wants me to have a forever home that I can rest peaceful in my last seasons.

Speaking of, I’m going to lay down. You can talk to my Momma! Bye 🐾

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I love to sleep and lay around 
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I’m a big snuggle bug



Cletus’ Mom: With that said, Cletus is no longer under a rescue. As you know Cletus is a senior dog that is going to require a lot of things in his last years. I can not provide that to him monetarily, but I can provide him with the love and life he deserves!

Please consider donating, even a $1.00 goes a long way! This will help ensure I can give Cletus the things he needs. Your donations will go to:

 

1. Eye Surgery - June 5, 2024 ($850)

2. Training  - $2,000 ($500 deposit to schedule)

3. Grooming / Grooming products - On going costs 

4. Future Vet care 

5. Supplements - On going costs 

6. Food - On going costs 

7. Stuffies of course! - On going cost! 

8. % will be donated to a rescue to help more dogs in my situation!

**You can keep up with Cletus and his journey on his Instagram @CletusTheBestestBoy 🐾

 

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enjoying being outside 
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Im a great road dawg!

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I don’t play fetch, give me stuffies instead

 

 

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First time at the beach

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With my friend Dexi who crossed the 🌈  
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The nice lady who found me brought me these gifts
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always a happy boy now

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My mom spies on me when she’s not home

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Organized by

Cletus The bestest boy

Miami, FL, USA

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This fundraiser will directly support

Cletus

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