Broozer Bob is like any other cat — he likes to play and to be petted and let us not forget sleep! But, he also has feline diabetes, and it can get difficult for a low-income pet parent to manage the frequent medical costs associated with this disease.

Generally, there are two ways to control feline diabetes: One is insulin, which can cost around $150 per bottle and usually needs to be purchased every six to eight weeks. And two, prescription food, which runs around $50 for an 8-pound bag, which may last around six weeks.

This is where Phinney’s Friends can provide support. Through donations from generous people, we are able to help low-income pet parents take the stress out of figuring out how to pay for medical supplies like the insulin and needles Broozer Bob needs to control his feline diabetes.
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Ann Marie, Broozer Bob’s pet parent, recently sent a lovely thank you note expressing her gratitude for Phinney’s help in caring for Broozer Bob’s. We’re so happy to play a role in allowing him to live out a happy life alongside Ann Marie.

​While a short month, February certainly has a lot going on. It's National Pet Dental Health Month as well as National Cat Health Month. And since cats need a clean mouth as much as any other pet, we are giving our pet’s dental health special attention. 

Why Dental Health Is Important

It's so important to be on top of what's going on in your pet’s mouth. In between regular veterinary visits, look out for signs of gum disease. This can include red gums, yellow teeth, and stinky breath. Any of these could be a sign of serious oral disease that could lead to larger health issues if left untreated. 

And the other way around is also true! Improving your pet’s dental hygiene can improve his overall health. So if you are starting later in your pet's life, no problem. Your care will have an impact for the better.

Simple Things You Can Do

Brush your pet’s teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any food particles and prevent tartar buildup and plaque deposits. Only use toothpaste specially formulated for pets. 

If you feel brushing your pet’s teeth is impossible, the second best is to provide her with certain treats and food that promote dental cleaning. Starting to get your pet used to brushing slowly and gently is key, so they will love it or not mind it throughout his life.

And hey, even though we are recognizing dental health this month, don’t give up in March! LOL.  Do it all year long, and your pet will be healthier and love you for it.  

Phinney’s Friends kicked off the holiday season with the 4th annual Paws for the Holidays Festival in November. The historic Pierce House in the quintessential New England town of Lincoln provided the perfect atmosphere for celebrating just before the last of fall’s leaves hit the ground.

​This year set a new record – over 75 families took pictures with Santa and the Grinch this year! We heard the Grinch may have even enjoyed having his picture taken.

​The Pierce House was filled with the sound of harpist Jaimee Joroff and the Lincoln Traditional Jazz band. 

Pro baker and Phinney’s volunteer Alyssa Cohen almost sold out the goodies she prepared for our guests — homemade caramel apples, cupcakes, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels! Bidding continued for silent auction items like ski tickets, and many started their holiday shopping early in the crafts market. 

​This year, a very special guest, Carla, shared the positive impact of Phinney’s Friends on her life and the lives of her cats. We are honored that Carla has been one of our clients for several years. 

Phinney’s Friends would like to express our gratitude to the volunteers and attendees for a successful festival. Our organization relies heavily on donations to keep caring for pets of low-income families in Massachusetts, and Paws for the Holidays provides a festive opportunity to gather in celebration of our cause! We wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season.

​Photos by volunteers Shannon Murphy and Jay Sullivan.

​I’m so excited to tell you we raised $513 for Phinney’s Friends at Buddy Dog’s Woofstock festival on Sept. 21, 2019!

​Phinney’s sold new pet items (leashes, collars, jackets, etc.), holiday outfits and toys at bargain prices from our tent. Volunteers enthusiastically helped people sort through bins and try items on their dogs.

They also educated people about Phinney’s and invited them to our Paws for the Holidays Festival on Nov. 10th. The volunteers were delighted when people said they will attend, especially as Santa will be available for pet photos! Ho ho ho!

“There’s always a lot of work to do for this event, and I’m so very grateful that I had your support as I certainly couldn’t have done it myself,” Judy Bell told the Phinney’s volunteers.

“It was a true team effort on a very hot day. You all deserve an award!”

​Get ready for the fourth year of fun, celebrating the Holidays for a cause!

Solve your Holiday shopping and take your Santa Pictures at our Holiday Festival!
We’ll have live music, food, silent auction, pet photo contest & shopping for everyone.

All that in a beautiful historic mansion – The Pierce House – in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

​Hello, Phinney’s supporters!

We are celebrating a huge success as summer starts to wind down. Our Phinney’s Ride bicyclists once more covered 150 miles to New Hampshire and back in two days to raise funds for Phinney’s clients living with HIV and AIDS. So far, they’ve raised $16,000 – and counting!

​We are so happy the cyclists were willing to do the ride again this year! They travel the roads of Massachusetts and New Hampshire every other year to make a difference for loving pet owners struggling with illness. Thanks to the bikers’ contributions, we take away one of the worries pet owners living with HIV and AIDS have – the well-being of their furry companions.

We pay the pet owners’ vet bills, send them food and litter, and provide lots of advice and love so they can keep their cats and dogs healthy and safe when they most need them. The pets need their dedicated pet parents as much as the people need their pets!

Coming up, we are looking forward to our tent at Woofstock in Hudson on September 21st, and then gearing up for our Holiday Festival! Please keep an eye out for our emails about our end-of-the-year festivities! We hope to see you there, dear friends.

Cheers,
Daniela Caride
Phinney’s Friends President

​by Kimberly Hobart

Brian’s home is not complete without a cat or two. Linus, an eight-year old white cat, has been with Brian since he was a kitten.

​For many years, Phinney’s Friends has been supporting not only Linus, but many of Brian’s other kitty friends. Thanks to our help, Brian can make sure his cats go to the vet regularly and receive the care they need to stay healthy. We also stepped in to help when emergencies struck.

Cammy, a spotted black and white 10-week old kitten, is the newest addition to Brian’s family. Sensing Brian and Linus were ready for another companion, a downstairs neighbor offered the little fluffball. Cammy keeps the shy Linus on his toes, says Brian, and in turn, Linus is teaching the youngster when it’s time to take a rest! We are sure they will be very happy together.

Before Cammy joined the family, Brian had Sandra Deen, a fluffy orange and white striped kitty who lived with Brian her whole life. She passed away at age 12 in December of 2018.

Brian’s story is a sweet reminder that through comfort, monetary support, or some other act of generosity, we all find ways to look out for each other. In turn, we are able to pass that care along to the pets, whether solid, spotted, or striped, who pattern our lives with beauty.

​by Maia Wentrop

Ah, those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! Beaches, BBQs, hikes, and all other kinds of fun in the sun. Also, fireworks, hot cars, burning pavement, and bugs. Our furry family members love to spend time with us during the summer months, so let’s talk about some ways we can strike a balance to keep them safe and healthy.

1. HEAT – Animals can get dehydrated as easily as we can, so access to water is key to keeping them healthy and safe! Always make sure your dogs and cats have plenty of water available, both inside and outside. On really hot days, you can even throw in some ice cubes for good measure. Make sure your dogs have shade when you go camping or swimming.
2. HOT CARS – We know most dogs love a good car ride, and we love to bring them along to see their blissed-out faces. However, it takes almost no time for a car parked in the sun to become lethally hot, even with the windows cracked. If you are planning to head places where your dog isn’t able to join you, please leave them home where it’s cool and safe, rather than putting them at risk of heatstroke in your vehicle.
3. FIREWORKS – So many summer celebrations – not only Independence Day – include the use of fireworks. The loud sounds and flashes of light terrify many pets. Don’t bring your pets near fireworks, crate them if that makes them feel secure, or simply be home to help them stay calm. Some pets also receive comfort from thundershirts during fireworks and other anxiety-provoking times. You know your pet best, and you can decide the best measures to make for their comfort and safety.
4. PAVEMENT – Ouch! Pavement and even cement can get painfully hot. If you cannot walk in bare feet comfortably, chances are your pet cannot, either. If you find that the sun has heated the ground up where you are walking, try to find grass or a dirt path to keep your dog’s pads from burning.
5. BUGS – Mosquitoes, black flies, horseflies, and ticks…oh, the ticks! Find a pet-safe bug spray and use it on your furry companion. Like us, they can get pretty nasty bites. Check out the variety of natural sprays available. Your pet will thank you.
6. FOOD – We enjoy lots of fun, tasty foods in the summer. You can share a watermelon with your pup as long as it has no seeds, which can cause blockages, especially in smaller breeds. Remember not to share anything with chocolate when you and your pups are hanging out around that backyard campfire, where you engage in the gooey marshmallowy ritual of toasting S’Mores. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to your dog. Also, too much fat could lead to pancreatitis, so it’s better to not share the fat from your grilled meat, no matter how big those puppy dog eyes get when they beseech you in your BBQ Expert apron! Keep rib and chicken bones away from dogs to avoid choking and intestinal blockages that could require an emergency vet visit and possible surgery–don’t take the risk.

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Let’s all have a safe, fun and happy summer and enjoy our furry friends!