Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

During the first quarter (January-March), Pets of the Homeless paid for 225 emergency cases, our cost $56,296.55.  Hospitals discounted $13,811.27, a testament of their compassion to help pets of the homeless.  As word spreads, more homeless are calling for help, in April alone we had 105 emergency cases.

Boomer

Pets of the Homeless received a call from a woman who is currently residing in a tent in the San Diego area. The woman told us that she had been homeless for about two years and that she sold all her belongings so she would have money to give her son. The woman informed us she had a 1-year-old dog whose name is Boomer and that he had been attacked by a coyote the night before. She said that he was bleeding and had bite marks all over. We approved an exam right away.

After the exam, the doctor contacted us and recommended x-rays be done. She mentioned that Boomer would become very upset when she would try and touch him. The doctor informed us that the x-rays would help to see if Boomer had puncture wounds penetrating his abdomen. Boomer luckily did not have severe puncture wounds, so the doctor sent Boomer home with medication and a rabies vaccine.

Penyo

Pets of the Homeless received a call from a homeless woman who was currently living in a garage with no running water or facilities along with her 14-year-old Lab/Beagle mix, Penyo. The woman informed us that it would take her a few minutes to respond to our questions because the conversation was being translated to her via sign language.  (Note: Over 20% of the people we help are disabled).  The woman was hard of hearing and luckily saw our flyer and asked us for assistance. Her dog, Penyo, had lumps on his throat that she thought were cancerous and might have an ear infection. The woman was worried that due to her dogs’ old age, it was time to put her down.

Upon a thorough examination, it was noted that the lumps were not cancerous or dangerous but Penyo’s face did have Pyoderma, which is a skin infection. During Penyo’s exam the doctors also found that she had a urinary tract infection and an ear infection.

After the exam, the doctor recommended bloodwork and x-rays. Pets of the Homeless approved this treatment along with injections and medications. They also sent Penyo home in an E-Collar to prevent him from licking himself.

Should you like to read about more of our emergency veterinary care cases they are available on our website and in our monthly newsletter. (Sign up on line.)

Your donations made it possible for us to help Boomer and Penyo.  These and all cases are paid directly to the hospitals at time of service. 

Thank you once again!

Links:

• Help Pets, Help People