Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Muttley

Charles is an employed homeless veteran in the Oceano, California area. Charles was referred to us by a local veterinary hospital. After interviewing Charles, Pets of the Homeless found out that he has been homeless for about two years and lives in a housing facility provided by the VA. He shares a kitchen and a bathroom. Charles called pets of the homeless asking for assistance with his 15-year-old calico cat, Muttley. He told us that Muttley needed teeth extractions. Charles said he could tell she was in a lot of pain because she was not eating or drinking. He did not want her to suffer any longer. He even opted to euthanize because he could not afford the type of treatment Muttley needed.  It was really hard for him to get the time off of work to take her to the hospital.  The hospital already had a treatment plan so all Charles had to do was drop Muttley off in the morning and he could head to work and once his shift was done he could pick up Muttley.

The doctor told us that Muttley definitely needed one tooth extracted and recommended: dental cleaning, catheter, anesthesia, IV fluids, x-rays, ear exam, nail trim, antibiotic, two extractions, crown amputation, and an oral painkiller.  (Crown amputation with intentional root retention for feline teeth is an acceptable alternative to complete extraction of the entire tooth in select cases that meet specific criteria.)

Feeding Pets of the Homeless spent a total of $800 on Muttley so she would not be put down.

Charley Boy

Loretta is a homeless woman in the Van Nuys, California area. After interviewing Loretta, Pets of the Homeless found out that Loretta currently sleeps on federal land, in a field, and in a tent. Loretta has been homeless for the past 10 years. She was referred to us by her mental health advocate and a partnering veterinary hospital. Loretta called seeking assistance for her one-and-a-half-year-old lab mix, Charley Boy. When Charley and Loretta were walking a stray dog came up to him and they started to play. The stray became aggressive and started to attack Charley. She said the dog had Charley by the neck and would not let go. Finally, she got the dog off of Charley but he was bleeding from his neck.

We approved an exam and were told that the dog would need anesthesia, meds, neuter, and a laceration repair and a drain due to fluid in his neck.  (Neutering a dog can reduce aggression.  When appropriate we always approve altering a pet during an emergency case.)

Feeding Pets of the Homeless spent $600 on Charley Boy to end his suffering.

Your support has gone a long way to help cats like Muttley and dogs like Charley Boy.  I am so grateful for your gifts and hope that you will consider a recurring donation so that we can be better prepared for the future.

Sincerely,

Genevieve Frederick - Founder

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless homepage