 Tuxedo, a very distinguished seven-year-old black and white cat, was recently diagnosed with two bladder stones. The vet prescribed antibiotics and pain medication and recommended emergency surgery called a cystotomy to remove the stones. But, Tuxedo’s mom, Stephanie, who’s had him since he was a kitten and describes him as her "best friend," couldn’t afford the critical treatment he needed. So, she reached out to Phinney’s, and we were able to cover the cost of the surgery and his pre-surgical work-up through our Emergency Fund, which Stephanie, who lives on a fixed income, would not have been able to pay for. Following Tuxedo’s surgery, he needed a shot of antibiotics, which cleared up a post-op infection he developed. When describing what Phinney’s help meant to Stephanie, she said that Tuxedo is doing AWESOME. “You gave me my baby back and a peace in my heart. Thank you all again," she added. The Lowdown on Bladder Stones Bladder stones are formed from mineral deposits (or crystals) that can irritate the lining of a cat’s urethra and hinder their ability to pass urine or result in a complete obstruction (blockage) of the flow of urine, quickly becoming a life-threatening condition. Fortunately for Tuxedo, the vet was able to diagnose his bladder stones quickly, and because with Phinney’s help, he was swiftly treated for this serious condition. We’ll so happy to know that Tuxedo’s bladder stones, which can also cause frequent and painful urination, is doing so well. We think that is simply PAWSOME since one of the hallmarks of Phinney’s Emergency Fund is to be able to restore a pet to health and resolve painful conditions by addressing one-time vet bills like this. To learn more about our Emergency and other funds, please visit phinneys.org/about-us.
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 Phinney’s recently sent a batch of cat food and kitty litter to Freedom and Serenity, which was a relief for their dad. He had just paid a huge vet bill because their brother, Hero, got sick and sadly passed away. (You can check out cute pics of Freedom and Serenity and other pets we've helped by visiting Our Memories.) We also recently sent pet supplies to Ellie Mae the dog and Eppie the cat (pictured above with their furry friend!). Their dad was also in a financial bind. And the contributions from Phinney’s pet pantry mean that he can focus on paying other bills that were weighing him down. Any pet parent can tell you that the essentials for feeding and caring for a pet can add up fast. For many pet owners like the dads of Freedom, Serenity, Ellie Mae, and Eppie, pet pantries provide essential resources to make sure their fur families have the pet food and pet supplies they need. "Phinney’s doesn't have a pantry, but we ship supplies to pet parents who are chronically ill or on a serious financial bind. That is a critical part of what we do, especially during COVID when people couldn't go out and shop as they did before," says Daniela Caride, Phinney’s president. Thanks to Phinney's, a pet owner's financial hardship doesn’t mean their pet should go without food or supplies. “We are so thankful to everyone who supports us with donations to keep our pet supply shipments going out to everyone who needs them,” added Daniela. “Without pet pantries, some people might feel they have no option but to surrender their pet." You Can Help Support Phinney’s Supply Shipments One of the easiest and most impactful ways to support our supply shipments is to make a recurring donation to Phinney’s. Recurring donations can be made on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, in any dollar amount, and can go a long way toward ensuring that pet parents' pantries will stay well stocked no matter how difficult things are at that moment. For instance, $25 a month generally covers pet food for a couple of months for a small pet, like a cat, bird, or guinea pig, and $50 a month helps ensure that larger pets, like dogs, get the food they need.  G the cat broke his leg. Not knowing how she would pay for the care G needed, his cat mom, Heather, reached out to Phinney’s for help. We answered the call by covering the costs of G’s medical care to get him on the mend. X-rays revealed that G had a fractured leg requiring a pin to set the bone. At first, post-surgery, Heather noticed that G wasn’t really himself. She called the vet to explain what was going on—that G had been sleeping a lot since the day of his surgery and wasn’t putting any weight whatsoever on his bad leg. Well, we’re happy to report that G is doing MUCH better now! Heather reports that he is bearing full weight on his leg now. It turned out that the pin in G’s leg needed a bit of adjustment, and once the vet pulled it back a few centimeters, it made a world of difference for G. So, while G hit a rough patch in the days immediately following his surgery, he’s back to bouncing all over the place now. He’s even off his pain medications. We wish G and Heather all the best. Her dedication to G in reaching out for help when G needed it and in following up with the vet when she observed things just weren’t right with him is a testament to the fact that while pets’ bones may break, the love of their people never fractures! The Breakdown on Broken Bones in Pets Pets can break bones for many reasons, such as rough play, an accidental fall, severe trauma, like getting hit by a car, or a genetic condition. While an X-ray is generally needed to confirm whether it’s a break, there are some warning signs to watch out for, including limping, refusing to walk, or crying out in pain. If you suspect that your pet has a broken bone, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Call the vet immediately to explain your pet’s symptoms. They may recommend that you carry the pet if they’re small, or if you have a bigger pet, like a large dog, you may want to make a sling out of a blanket to aid in the carrying process. A vet can take X-rays to confirm if the pet has a broken bone and can then recommend the best course of treatment. Depending on where the break is and the severity of the break, a number of options may be considered, including setting the bone and putting the pet in a cast or splint, surgically repairing the bone with pins or a plate, or, in severe cases involving a limb, amputation. After the medical intervention comes the part where pet parents can make a world of difference in their pet’s recovery. This is when you have the opportunity to continually shower them with love by administering any medications they’ve been prescribed to help manage pain, keeping a watchful eye on them to make sure they don’t overdo things and make their injury worse, bite or lick the affected area, and, in some cases, assisting them by carrying them to and from the bathroom so they can do their business. Suffice to say, helping a pet mend a broken bone is a worthwhile labor of love.  We’re happy to report that we were able to pay for more than a case-and-a-half of Royal Canin Renal Support prescription diet cat food for Baby to help manage this adorable cat’s chronic kidney disease (CKD). Healthy kidney function is essential to the ability to filter blood, and when kidney issues arise, a cat may suffer from a variety of health-related issues. Over time, and as the kidneys continue to fail, a cat can become very sick. CKD is characterized as a loss of kidney function over time, and while there is no known cure for it, one of the most common ways vets recommend managing the condition is with a prescription diet like the one Baby is on. This can go a long way to improving a kidney cat’s quality and length of life, but it costs a lot of money. “We were able to help Ellen and Baby by shipping the prescription food she needed, which is only possible thanks to recurring and one-time donations that generous people send us,” said Daniela Caride, Phinney’s president. “The impact that our donors’ contributions have on the lives of pets can be measured every day, several times, when their food is served. It's a life-saving service we are offering,” she added. In Baby’s case, just one case of 24 three-ounce cans of prescription food costs more than $40. “When you calculate how many cans a cat needs to eat each day based on their weight, you start to see how the cost of prescription food like this can quickly become a financial burden on a pet parent who does have a lot of financial resources,” Daniela said. Ways you can help support Phinney’s pet pantry One of the easiest and most impactful ways to support our supply shipments is to make a recurring donation to Phinney’s. Recurring donations can be made on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, in any dollar amount, and can go a long way toward ensuring that pet parents' pantries will stay well stocked no matter how difficult things are at that moment. For instance, $25 a month generally covers pet food for a couple of months for a small pet, like a cat, bird, or guinea pig, and $50 a month helps ensure that larger pets, like dogs, get the food they need. More about CKD Cats with CKD have trouble processing proteins, which can cause internal wastes to build up, and that’s where prescription renal food can be beneficial. Prescription foods to manage CKD tend to be lower in protein and phosphorus, which generally means a cat’s kidneys don’t have to work as hard to excrete waste.  Recently, through Phinney’s Coronavirus Pet Emergency Fund, we were able to help a pet parent who was working two jobs to support himself and his cat Timber*, age 7, who had been rescued from the streets as a kitten and has lived with his cat dad ever since. Over the past year, Timber had developed intermittent front-leg lameness, which got worse. Walking on three legs and holding his lame leg up, Timber would twitch and, after evaluating him, the veterinarian, recommended amputation to improve Timber’s quality of life. Phinney’s was able to provide the financial help for Timber’s surgery—and we’re happy to report that Timber did great with his surgery! His dad reported that post-op he was wide awake and was able to walk on his three remaining legs. It was advised that Timber stay in a small, quiet room for a few days while he recovered, and his dad tells us his appetite has been good and that he’s been “cuddling up,” too. We’re so happy for you Timber! Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it has been a trying time for so many pet parents and their pets. We are so thankful we have been able to apply donations received to the Coronavirus Pet Emergency Fund. Did you know, too, that Phinney’s manages other targeted funds, which are endowed by people or groups interested in supporting people experiencing pet-related challenges in Massachusetts? More information about these funds can be found at phinneys.org/about-us, and you when you donate you can leave a message letting us know which fund you would like to support. *This cat’s name has been changed to Timber to protect his person’s privacy. Consider Aftercare & Outcomes The decision to amputate a pet’s limb(s) understandably can be a tough one for a pet parent to make. They may be wondering why such a drastic measure may be recommended, so it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced veterinarian about the reason for their opinion. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), it also can be important to consider the age and overall health of the pet. Some of the most common causes for amputation in pets include severe trauma, birth defects, and forms of cancer, such as neoplasia, ACVS notes. It’s a good idea, too, to ask the vet what type of aftercare and outcomes to expect as well as potential complications that may arise from the surgery.  Caring for a diabetic dog can be expensive in part because they need regular blood tests and insulin treatments to manage their condition. They also could be at risk for emergency crises if their blood sugar is unstable or they develop other medical conditions because of their diabetes. And when that happens, their need for financial assistance often grows.
The cost of caring for a diabetic dog can also pre-date their diagnosis. Often, a dog will need to have bloodwork performed to see if diabetes is the culprit for excessive drinking and urination (two common signs of diabetes in dogs). A vet may also order a complete blood cell count, bloodwork to evaluate internal organ function, and a urinalysis to rule out other medical causes. Such diagnostics may generally cost anywhere from $136 to $245, with treatment plan costs totaling between $214 to $348. So, even before a dog's diabetes diagnosis has been confirmed, the combined costs may range from around $350 to $600. And while these are just estimates on the costs, you can start to see how quickly the bills add up. We hope the chart above helps further illustrate why caring for a diabetic dog can be so expensive, and why donations to programs like Liam’s Fund, through which Phinney's has given advice and financially supported the pet parents of diabetic dogs, mean so much. Michelle Goldthwaite established Liam's Fund in 2016 through the Deirdre Dickinson Memorial Fund, in honor and memory of her sister. Generous donations made to the fund ever since have meant the world to Phinney’s because contributions help ensure that we are continuously able to help diabetic dogs whose pet parents couldn’t afford their expensive treatments on their own.  Recently, Michelle Goldthwaite, through her sister’s Deirdre Dickinson Memorial Fund, donated $10,000 to Liam’s Fund at Phinney's, which she helped create and capitalize. Since its inception in 2016, Liam's Fund has helped seven amazing dogs with diabetes — Demetrius, Emperor Ojii, Jackson, Lilly, Haze, Baby, and Rocky. “It’s important for me and my children to keep this fund going in honor and memory of my sister,” Michelle said. “When my son was just 8 years old, he was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. It changed our lives, and one day while waiting to see his doctor at Children’s Hospital, I saw something online about a diabetic dog who needed a foster,” she explained. “That got me thinking how hard it must be for people to pay for the care their diabetic dogs need.” Shortly after this, Michelle approached Phinney's president, Daniela Caride. Michelle was moved by Phinney’s mission of helping people so they don’t have to surrender or euthanize their pets because they can’t afford their care. “I used to do rescue work in California and saw so many diabetic dogs surrendered. I also fostered a diabetic dog,” said Michelle, a doting dog mom to four Yorkies — Brooklyn, Lily, Teddy, and Lucy. “It’s heartbreaking to think someone would have to give up their dog just because of a sudden and random diabetes diagnosis,” she added. “Knowing how much my sister loved animals and her nephew Liam, it just made sense to establish this fund." Michelle’s contribution is a godsend because it means Phinney’s can continue to provide diabetic dogs like Rocky, a Mini Pinscher, with the essential help they need to live their best lives. Recently, Rocky, who has benefited from Liam’s Fund for five years and counting, developed kidney issues as a result of his diabetes. With Michelle’s contribution, we’re confident we’ll be able to provide his pet parent, Linda, with the help she needs for his continued medical tests, medications, and other treatments. Dogs like Rocky would have no chance of survival if it weren’t for the dedication of their pet parents, their vets, and people like Michelle who generously give. And, through Michelle’s support, Liam’s Fund proved to be a literal lifeline for Demetrius, Emperor Ojii, Jackson, Lilly, Haze, and Baby, who, on average, lived a whole year longer because of this support. “I think my sister would be very happy,” Michelle said, reflecting on the positive outcomes the Liam’s Fund dogs have experienced. A Closer Look Managing the health of diabetic dogs is labor intensive and expensive. If untreated, diabetic dogs can experience serious and life-threatening conditions including cataracts, which can cause blindness, enlarged liver, urinary tract infections, seizures, kidney failure, and an acute condition called ketoacidosis. That’s why contributions like the one Michelle just made are so important to our ability to help these dogs and their people. To learn more about some of the general costs pet parents of diabetic dogs are likely face, visit phinneys.org/blog/diabetic-dogs-need-continuous-treatments. And, to donate to Liam's Fund, please visit phinneys.org/donate where you can include a note letting us know you would like your contribution applied to this fund.  On May 23, 2021, Phinney’s hosted Kibbles & Nibbles, an online cooking class led by seasoned Cordon Bleu-trained chef Mika McDonald and “starring” her adorable taste testers Queen and Disco!
The pooches did a great job in their supporting roles, gobbling down yummy parmesan cheese crisps and oat cakes. Mika had plenty of samples after showing everyone on the Google Meet how to make them. And her husband Ryan supported the event by capturing every doggie chomp with a system of three alternating cameras. But Queen and Disco weren’t the only dogs in attendance! Instagram stars Mack and Olaf played sous chefs to their dog moms’ as they followed Mika’s step-by-step tutorial for making these delicious nuggets. Mika also shared baking tips with the audience. For instance, she recommended:
“The class was entertaining and practical,” said Dana Scott, a cat dad with a general curiosity about cooking for pets. He also said he’s more motivated to try and make some treats for his boys after seeing Mika do it. "Wow, Mika explains things so well and is so funny and warm. This class felt like I was in her kitchen keeping her company," added Daniela Caride, Phinney's President. Because of the generosity of Phinney’s supporters for Kibbles & Nibbles, we raised $500, and that’s an amazing accomplishment to chew on! We look forward to planning another Kibbles & Nibbles class next year. We want to again extend our sincere thanks to Mika for sharing her expertise and donating her time to help Phinney’s raise funds to support people and pets in need. And, of course we want to thank her dogs, as well as her husband Ryan, who did an amazing job behind the scenes producing this class live from Mika’s kitchen! If you would like to be notified about upcoming fun events like this one, be sure to subscribe for our email updates.  Introducing a new pet to a senior pet in your household requires patience and attention, and when your efforts pay off, it’s so worth it!
Take Ana for instance, who receives regular help from Phinney’s. Scooby, her senior Chihuahua mix, gets vet care, prescription food, and heart and thyroid medications paid by us. After suffering a recent heart-breaking loss, when her other Chihuahua, Ciquina, passed away, Ana adopted a spunky, young Dachshund/Yorkie mix named Archie. The introduction couldn't have gone better! Little Archie is playful and careful with Scooby, and plays on his own when Scooby needs to rest, given his achy back from old age. Archie has brought happiness and light to Ana and Scooby. We wish Ana, Scooby, and Archie all the best, and rest assured Phinney's will be here for them when they need our support. Ana tells us she’s so appreciative of the help she gets from Phinney’s for her two precious furry friends. And we are thrilled to see this fur family thrive! So, how’d they do it? Fortunately, we’ve got some valuable tips below to help answer that question. Many are the benefits to getting another pet, including companionship for your first pet, like in Scooby’s case. And perhaps filling the void when a beloved pet passes on, just like Ana did. Whatever the reason, adding a new pet to the family that already has a more senior dog entails some evaluation to ensure a smooth introduction and continued harmony in the household. According to the American Kennel Club, the key to introducing a new pet member is to not disrupt the status quo. By slowly introducing the pets to one another and keeping the daily routine, the new pet can get used to the old pet’s habits. That way, it's less likely the pets will experience anxiety or jealousy. Sometimes it may be best to introduce them on neutral ground rather than at home to avoid territorial behavior. It is also important to understand ahead of time the temperament of your new pet and if he or she will mesh well with your current pet’s demeanor. When introducing a new pup to an older dog, it’s very important to socialize them slowly. Observe any play that may be too rough or aggressive. Once you are confident that both dogs get along, set the ground rules for your new pet by setting quiet time aside for your senior pet and vice versa. Constant contact may cause some conflict. Finally, Scooby and Archie have this additional piece of advice: Be sure to give each pet some alone time to give them each a chance to relax.  Folks, cancer can be common with pets such as dogs and cats. But the good news is there's a lot you can do to prevent cancer and catch it early!
By becoming familiar with early warning signs, we can protect our furry family members. Some warning signs include an enlarging or changing lump. If your pet’s belly becomes rapidly enlarged, this may suggest a mass or tumor in the abdomen. Other warning signs may include chronic weight loss, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, a dry cough, or unexplained lameness. Many times, to diagnose cancer, the vet will need to do a thorough exam along with a radiograph or a CT scan. That will help the vet determine the causes of some of the symptoms your pet may be experiencing. These tests will lead to a more accurate diagnosis, and this may rule out many diseases, even cancer. In addition to recognizing warning signs, some simple and very effective things you can do to help your pet are regular vet visits, so you may catch any disease in its early stages, as well as creating healthy habits. Examine your pet regularly, feeling his belly, the skin, the whole body, and your chances of catching any changes will be way higher. Also, remember that cancer is not the end of the line! Today, pets have a better chance of being successfully treated for cancer thanks to advances in early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. We always want the best for our pets, so make sure to note any strange behavior in your pet and check in with your vet regularly! |
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Phinney's is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people keep their pets. Phinney’s Friends is a - U.S. federal tax ID 94-3475924. All content on this website is the property of Phinney's Friends, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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