Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

As I write this report, I am reminded of the good work that we do with your donations.  It is amazing that during our first quarter of 2017, we had 154 emergency cases in 14 States, 141 of the cases were dogs and 11 were cats, all belonging to a homeless guardian.  The average cost for these cases amounted to $247.87.

The emergencies included: ear infections, hernias, vomiting, anal glands, fatty lumps, teeth extractions, euthanasia, broken legs, seizures, cysts, bee stings, bladder stones, hit by car (lacerations and gash), foxtail removal from noses and ears, parvo treatment and mange.

Your generosity helped these loving pets. Words cannot express our appreciation for your help.

A few cases:

Pets of the Homeless received a call from a homeless woman who lives in a tent under a bridge in Bakersfield, CA about her dog, Sadie, a five-year-old female Pit Bull Terrier who had a rapidly growing tumor on the side of her neck.  In three weeks, it has grown from the size of a golf ball to larger than a grapefruit!  Pets of the Homeless approved an examination, after calling over six new veterinary hospitals!  Unfortunately, some hospitals do not want to treat pets of the homeless.

The veterinarian recommended a needle aspiration cytology so they could see exactly what it was.  It turns out it was an abscess.  We paid for the antibiotics so they could go back to the tent and approved surgery to have the abscess removed as well as have Saydi spayed a few days later.

Pets of the Homeless received a call from a woman who lives on the streets in Fresno, CA with her two dogs, George and Daisy.  George, a 5-month-old Terrier Mix was not eating, drinking, or playing.

Following a thorough examination, we paid for medications, and his distemper vaccination.  His nails were trimmed as they were interfering with his walking.  We also assisted with a fecal test and a re-check.

Ten days later, she called again about her puppy, Daisy, a 5-month-old Chihuahua mix who was vomiting, would not lay down all night, and had clear mucus stool.  We approved an examination at the same veterinarian’s office.  A gastrointestinal examination was performed, a parvovirus test was conducted, and it was negative.  She was given an anti-nausea injection and medications for anti-diarrhea as well as a special diet.  Daisy progressively worsened and passed away.  

We received this email message from the owner:  

“I wanted to thank your organization for making it possible, for my two puppies to receive the best medical care possible. When I called for help, not once, but twice, your staff, immediately connected me with an excellent veterinarian, Dr. LeRoy LeBeuf, DVM, here in Fresno, Ca. My puppy George is back to his playful self. But, my other puppy Daisy, was just too sick and weak, she passed away 2/17/17 at 12:51am. The doctor, his assistants, and I did everything possible to save her. They provided me with meds, instructions, and lots of prayers. It was my fault daisy died because I didn't get her vaccinations, now I know “why” that is so important and it breaks my heart to say that Daisy is the one that suffered because I neglected to get her shots. She didn't deserve to suffer. I can't bring her back but I can certainly NEVER make that mistake again and I will tell my story to others so that their pets don't have to go through what Daisy did. So, thank you so much your organization is a god send. I would love to help in any way possible. You ask, I will do it. Here are pictures of my two puppies. Sincerely (name withheld to protect privacy) god bless you all.”

Links:

• Pets of the Homeless 2016 Annual Report