When thinking about what charities to give to it's important to have confidence that what you're giving is valued and is being put to good use.

1) Look up tax returns on the IRS website. By law, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits must make their exemption application and annual tax returns available for public inspection, and they are all online on the IRS website. Search for the charity of your choice here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search. Phinney's, for instance, lists its tax exempt number at the bottom of its homepage for easy lookup.
 
2) Check the organization’s website or other marketing materials to see their mission, and then research if their expenditures align. One way to find out if things line up is to request a nonprofit’s annual report. Many nonprofits feature them on their website. Phinney’s Annual Report provides a succinct way for us to share important information on the good we do.

Phinney’s most recent (2019-2020) Annual Report notes that our volunteers responded to approximately 1,200 requests for help over the phone, via email, or through social media. We paid $61,501 toward vet visits for ill pets and an additional $25,983 on annual pet wellness checks, tests, and medications. We also spent $23,499 on pet supplies for dozens of families in need, which equals about seven tons of food! In all, 71.4% of Phinney’s expenditures went to veterinary care, 19.2% paid for pet supplies, and we spent just 5% and 4.4% on operational and fundraising costs, respectively.
 
3) Check to see if others recognize the nonprofit’s contributions. Sites like GreatNonProfits, which curates client, volunteer, and community endorsements, can provide a treasure trove of reviews and other insights into how volunteers, donors, and others within the community view a nonprofit.
 
Recently, Great NonProfits recognized Phinney’s as a Top-Rated NonProfit for 2021. We are so honored (and moved!) by the stories donors and volunteers have shared about their experiences with Phinney’s. To read their stories, visit Great NonProfits.
 
What’s above isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, but following these steps can go a long way toward ensuring that you’re giving with confidence to a cause.

Phinney’s recently helped little Layla get emergency bladder stone surgery. Layla is an eight-year-old Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix, who lives with her dad, Warren.
 
Layla had been diagnosed with hematuria—blood in the urine—and despite two different antibiotics, her symptoms persisted. She was also in a lot of pain from a huge bladder stone that was discovered during an urgent-care vet visit. The vet also suspected Layla had a urinary tract infection (UTI) and recommended emergency surgery to remove the bladder stone and perform a workup for her UTI.
 
Warren reached out to Phinney’s for financial help. With our assistance, Warren was able to get Layla the care she needed through Angell at Nashoba. There Layla underwent surgery to remove the bladder stone and had the UTI treated. Since the surgery, she has been doing great. She doesn’t have any blood in her urine and she’s “very playful,” Warren says, adding that he couldn’t have done this without Phinney’s help. Warren tells Phinney’s he is so grateful for the financial assistance to be able to help Layla.

Joy, a 10-year-old fluffy feline beauty, was diagnosed with feline hyperthyroidism in August 2020. She was immediately placed on medication to help control her thyroid, which was getting worse due to a pre-existing heart condition.
 
But shortly after, the vet learned Joy was allergic to the meds and was placed on a no-iodine diet, which unfortunately was not effective.
 
By October 2020, it became evident that the last resort to save Joy was I-131 radiation iodine treatment. That’s when Joy’s pet parent, who was experiencing a financial crisis due to COVID, reached out to Phinney’s for help.
 
In December 2020, Phinney’s helped pay for Joy’s I-131 radioactive iodine therapy treatment—an overall effective but costly treatment designed to destroy tumor cells causing an abnormal amount of thyroid hormone production.
 
Joy’s Road to Recovery
 
Joy’s hyperthyroidism was putting stress on other organs, which can be one of several serious consequences to feline hyperthyroidism along with weight loss, elevated heart rate, heart murmurs, and arrhythmias, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Since Joy already had heart disease, the vet was hopeful that a course of I-131 radiation iodine treatment could make a positive impact on her quality of life.
 
So, off Joy went to Angell Animal Medical Center (Angell). And the treatment, which Angell states generally has a 95 to 98 percent success rate, worked for Joy. A recent recheck showed her thyroid levels are now normal. “You saved her life,” Joy’s pet parent wrote in a note to Phinney’s. “I’m truly grateful,” she added.

In January 2021, Griffin, an adorable Miniature Pinscher rescued in 2015 from a high-kill shelter in Connecticut, shattered his back leg when jumping out of bed. Given the severity of the injury, Griffin’s leg had to be amputated.
 
The surgery was expensive, but Tina, Griffin's mom was determined to make sure he got the emergency care he needed. As the organizer of a Miniature Pinscher Facebook group, Tina posted about Griffin's problem and, within moments, people started messaging Tina asking how they could help.
           
Tina asked Phinney’s to accept donations on Griffin’s behalf. We were happy to help, and donations poured in. Within 48 hours, Griffin had the funds to cover his surgery, a new larger crate, and all his medical expenses.                              
“The big crate is a godsend,” Tina said, explaining that she can’t let him on the bed just yet while he’s healing. “I put a pillow and fluffy blankets in it and bought an air mattress so I could sleep next to him in the living room,” she added.
 
Having his mom close by is surely a comfort to sweet little Griffin, whose beautiful golden eyes continually capture Tina’s heart. Following surgery, Tina said Griffin was a bit depressed, but then suddenly, he “snapped out of it and started tearing round on his 3 legs and figuring out how to do the things he's always done.”
 
We'll bet Griffin is super grateful for everyone’s care and concern! And, in addition to being spoiled by his doting dog mom, he’s recovering very well, Tina said. 
 
"I love this furry little goofball," said Tina, remarking on how much he loves wearing the latest doggy fashions. She is so grateful for all the help she has received, and Phinney’s is so glad to help.
 
We wish Griffin many happy and healthful days playing with his toys and snuggling under warm blankets — one of his favorite pastimes — and modeling his favorite doggy fashions, too, of course! And, to see a really fabluous picture of Griffin in his dapper dubs check out this additional post on why small dogs can benefit from dog coats and blankets.

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.