Phinney’s received $2,500 to cover ten vet visits for beloved pets of deserving low-income Massachusetts residents. The gift includes blood work and preventative medication to screen for and treat diseases before they progress.

“Congratulations! All of us at PAALS, Inc. are thrilled for you, and we hope that this grant will help you continue the incredible work you are doing for animal welfare,” said John Coco, Research & Org Liaison Coordinator at PAALS, Inc.

Phinney’s is so grateful to PAALS, Inc. for supporting not only our cause, but also the causes of many other wonderful animal nonprofits. “We can only do this work together as a group,” said Daniela Caride, president of Phinney’s Friends.

“It’s hard work to fund nonprofits, and it requires an expertise that it’s generally hard to find,” Daniela added. “PAALS brings extra energy into organizations focusing on saving pets, and we all need help to fundraise.”
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Watch the official announcement of Phinney’s gift here!

​The afternoon of March 24th turned out to be a crispy but sunny weekend day, perfect for biking, hiking or simply window shopping with friends. Nonetheless, some 40 animal lovers headed into the cozy corners of a charming small-town theater in Clinton to watch a documentary about a dog shelter down South.

​Maureen Harmonay of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Bolton had scheduled a screening of “Life in the Doghouse” at the Strand Theater in Clinton, MA, as a gift to Phinney’s Friends and to the community.

Many of Phinney’s volunteers showed up to support our cause and to enjoy a nice movie with fellow dog lovers. The theater had a delicious menu that ranged from popcorn and pizza to breaded mushrooms and more elaborate dishes. Even our permanent foster Puddles the dog showed up and made sure to melt as many hearts as possible at the theater lobby, under the shimmer of a magnificent crystal chandelier.

“It’s a bittersweet movie,” remembered Daniela Caride, president of Phinney’s Friends, who identified with the compulsion to help animals in need that rescuers described on screen. “It is so sad to see all those dogs in need of good homes. But it’s also reassuring to witness the rescuers Danny and Ron working so hard to save as many lives as possible down South.”

“We are both small nonprofits trying to do good,” added Daniela. “We sure get quite daunted sometimes by the enormity of the crisis at overcrowded animal shelters. But if we bunch together all the wonderful animal nonprofits out there, working to keep pets safe and happy, we certainly make a huge difference.”

Phinney’s is so grateful to Maureen for organizing the movie day, to all the pet lovers who came, and to the people who donated during the movie screening.

Phinney’s Friends – Godparents Program

Buddy and Paul – Two Peas in a Pod

​Paul Aufiero has been with Phinney’s Friends since 2005 and has never looked back. Paul first heard of Phinney’s from a friend, Jack, who was a Phinney’s client because of his two kitties. Paul used to help Jack purchase food and transport his cats to vet visits, and the financial help from Phinney’s made things quite easier. Years later, when Paul got a cat, we began helping him too, with food and litter. Later, when a spot opened, Paul became eligible for vet visits and more care, like Jack.

Upon meeting Buddy 8 years ago, Paul knew he would never part with his cat. Buddy has a certain energy that Paul was drawn to from the outset. To this day, Paul notes that Buddy has not slowed down one bit. Buddy’s energy is demonstrated through his personality, which includes jump around the house — something Paul thoroughly enjoys watching. Considering Buddy’s estimated seven to eight years of age and the so many years of ongoing friendship, it’s safe to say that Buddy’s playful nature is simply a part of his charm.

Since Buddy came into his life, Paul, too, has suffered an injury that has kept him from being able to work. However, when the injury occurred, he knew that all hope was not lost to justly provide Buddy with what was needed to keep him happy and healthy because he could turn to Phinney’s for help. Paul’s neighbor, Linda, has also taken a shine to Buddy and looks after him when Paul has a doctor’s appointment. As anyone can see, Buddy is a happy ball of fur and offers Paul a support system and kinship. In Paul’s words, Buddy makes him who he is.

Phinney’s Friends has provided Buddy with nutritious feline cuisine options on a monthly basis for over five years! To our delight, despite Buddy’s track record of being a “picky eater,” Paul noted that Phinney’s selections of cat food, Fancy Feast and Friskies, are Buddy’s all-time favorites and always result in an empty dish. Phinney’s is proud to foster relationships such as these. We want everyone to not only find but also to keep their own Buddy, and the peace this bonded pair radiates reflects Phinney’s Friends’ happiness in continuing the Godparent’s program.