How One Small Dog Sparked a Movement
Perri - The soul that sparked a movement
Every mission starts with a moment, one instant where everything changes. For Haevën, that moment had a name: Perri.
We found him in a forgotten corner of a rural Mexican village. He was barely standing, his ribs pushing through patchy fur, his body covered in open sores. But what stopped us cold were his eyes, deep, dark, and impossibly gentle. They didn’t ask for pity. They didn’t carry blame. They simply saw us. And in that split second, we knew we couldn’t walk away.
What followed became the heartbeat of The Haevën Project.
The Fight of His Life
Perri was diagnosed with Ehrlichia, severe anemia, kidney complications, and critical weakness. His odds were painfully thin. We were preparing to return to Canada with no way to stay by his side, but a local veterinarian stepped forward with a promise: She would fight for him.
We agreed to every treatment, every intervention, every possible chance at life. Meanwhile, hope began to gather around him.
Villagers, farmers, mothers, elders, walked into the clinic asking about “el perrito.” Some brought a handful of pesos. Others offered prayers. Some simply sat with him so he wouldn’t be alone.
Online, our community rallied too. Donations, messages, and compassion poured in from across borders.
For weeks, Perri fought. He lifted his head, wagged his tail, took tiny steps toward recovery. His resilience inspired everyone who touched his life.
And then, despite every effort, his small body couldn’t continue. Perri passed peacefully, surrounded by people who loved him. His veterinarian told us that no animal had ever affected her so deeply, that caring for him changed her practice, her perspective, and her heart. His ashes remain in her home as a reminder of the connection they shared.
Because of love, he found strength. His body was failing, but his will to survive never wavered. Even in pain, Perri kept trying.
The Beginning, Not the End
Losing Perri was devastating. But his story didn’t end in that clinic. Instead, it lit a spark that continues to burn.
Perri united a village, connected strangers around the world, and reminded us all of something powerful: compassion can move through communities like wildfire.
In his honour, we created Haevën and The Haevën Project, a commitment to continue the work he began. To rescue. To rehabilitate. To choose hope on behalf of the abandoned and forgotten. Our very first garment, The Perri Robe, carries his name so his spirit is woven into everything we do.
In the clinic, he surrendered into care with a trust that broke our hearts open. He finally felt safe and loved.
Why Giving Tuesday Matters
Giving Tuesday is about generosity, community, and showing up where it matters most. For us, it’s about continuing Perri’s legacy.
Your donatio, today or any day, helps us:
Fund upcoming rescue missions in Mexico and Alberta
Provide urgent medical care to dogs in crisis
Support the communities and veterinarians doing life-saving work
Expand our reach to animals who desperately need intervention
Every contribution, no matter the size, pushes this mission forward. When you donate, you are helping save the next Perri. And the next. And the next.
Join Us in Changing the Story
Perri taught us that the smallest life can create the biggest impact.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to be part of that impact.
👉 Donate today at thehaevenproject.com/donate
Perri’s quiet courage touched everyone who met him.
Your kindness keeps rescue work alive, and brings hope to the dogs who need it most. Thank you for helping us continue Perri’s legacy.
To support The Haeven Project, you can donate directly through our website at any time. Visit thehaevenproject.com/donate to make a contribution and help us continue rescuing dogs who need urgent care and compassionate intervention.