Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Dear Friends of Pets of the Homeless,

Midyear we jumped into online fundraising and applied with GlobalGiving. We were astonished at the reach it has and the donations that continue to pour in. It was a blessing because our 2014 expenses for emergency care were over budget. With the extra, we did not have to turn down any emergency case.

Every day we heard the surprise in the voices of the homeless when we say “yes, we can help your pet.” We can hear the disbelief in the voices when we do not judge them. We can give them hope that their life and the life of their beloved pet can be better, even for a day. The heartfelt and genuine “thank you” they express through tears, warms my heart -- to know that their loving pet will not be in pain another hour or day. Sometimes it’s too late and it’s necessary to put the pet down. Even then they are thankful that their pet is in peace.

A few of the cases that we have handled since my last report –

One of the many hospital’s that work with us contacted Pets of the Homeless on New Year’s Eve. A homeless woman who lives in a RV, with her dog Curley, was attacked by another dog. He had a large gash on his cheek. Surgery, a drain and medications were needed. The woman has saved up $100 for emergencies and put it towards the bill and we paid the balance.

A homeless woman thought her dog, Baby Girl, was hit by a car. The dog had been missing for 5 days and was found with major injuries. After an exam, that showed a lot of abrasions some of which needed sutured, and some were scrubbed and cleaned, they also removed a lot of dead skin. She was hospitalized and given medication.

Many homeless that we help are on the streets for many reasons, sometimes they tell us the whole backstory.  Jacqueline became homeless due to domestic violence. She lives in her van with her dog, Ohano. Jacqueline called Pets of the Homeless because the dog was not drinking; eating little and shivering. After an exam, IV-fluids, blood test and a fecal test the veterinarian put Ohano on a special diet. The doctor also thinks the dog was stressed and may have arthritis. The owner had given the dog grapes which are toxic.

A concerned citizen was helping a homeless man that had been mugged by two men. One of the muggers kicked his dog, Winnie, in the jaw while she was trying to protect her owner.  Jaw surgery and pain meds were provided with donations like yours.

Thank you to all our donors that make it possible for Pets of the Homeless to react when there are emergencies like the ones mentioned above.  

Your continuing support is appreciated more than my words can express. 

Links:

• 2014 Annual Report
• Family Circle