 Feeding your pet their favorite foods and treats may seem like a nice thing to do, but if it’s not done in moderation it could actually be harmful to your pet. Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is a chance for you, as their pet parent, to help them lead a long and healthy life! Why It's Important Overweight pets can experience adverse health effects, which could shorten their lives. Health issues associated with obesity include diabetes and arthritis, which can both cause unnecessary pain and discomfort for your pet. In addition, obesity-related conditions can lead to higher medical costs because disease management-related medications and prescription food can be quite expensive. You want what is best for your pet and feeding them extra calories is ultimately not what is best unless a pet is underweight and you’ve been instructed by a vet to put them on a special diet to gain weight. As a best practice, have a conversation with your vet to determine the right amount of food and exercise your pet needs to thrive. And, be mindful, too, of foods that may be completely off-limits to pets due to potential toxicity or because your pet is allergic to them. Factoring in all of these things can help ensure that your pet lives a longer, healthier life--and can help better control your costs, too. Check Out These Resources Visit our Care Corner web page for tips on how to best maintain your pet’s weight for optimal health and longevity. What You Can Do To Help Keeping your pet safe and healthy is important and can reduce emergency vet visits, which can be costly. Phinney’s believes in keeping people and their beloved pets together. We do this by extending a helping hand to pet parents in need when these emergency vet visits become too costly for some to afford. Ways you can help include donating to Phinney’s or volunteering. And, anyone in need of help in caring for their pets can visit our Get Help page for more information.
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 Hi, everyone! The MetroWest Daily News has just published a wonderful article called "Phinney's Ride is back to help people with HIV, AIDS take care of their pets." It's about Phinney's efforts to help pet owners living with HIV and AIDS. Phinney's has helped this special group of loving pet owners since its inception, in 1996. It's been 25 years! Click here to read the article. Enjoy! If you would like to take part in this tradition, please consider donating to the Couch Potato Fund. You don't have to ride to make a difference for people and pets in need. Just make a donation from the comfort of your home. If you donate $100 or more, you get a "Couch Potato Hero" Certificate, for being quite lazy but totally awesome.   Are you excited about being outside, now that the weather is nice? Please consider turning your upcoming road trip into a Phinney's Ride Fundraiser. Phinney's is opening the Phinney's Ride season tomorrow, September 1st. You can ride your bike, come up with a dog stroller ride, a car ride, hay ride -- any ride, really -- to benefit low-income pet owners living with HIV and AIDS. The fundraising goal for Phinney's Ride is easy peasy: a minimum of $200. Just get 10 friends to donate $20. Or you could aim higher, of course. :) We'll create a fundraising page for you, so people can donate directly to your fundraiser. We'd love to post your ride pictures too and a slideshow if you are up for it! Visit phinneys.org/Ride to register!  Not up for a spin? No problem. Make a "Couch Potato"donation from the comfort of your home to cheer Phinney's Riders! Click here to donate now without so much as moving a finger. :) And a huge thank you to our Phinney's Ride sponsors, real estate agent Maureen Harmonay and Rest Design by George Restrepo. Thanks to their dedication to Phinney's cause, we can further our mission of helping low-income people keep their beloved pets.    Dog parks can be a lot of fun especially if there is a local one where you and your dog can socialize with other pet parents and their furry friends. Playing at a dog park can also be a good way for your dog to get some much-needed exercise and fresh air. But dog park safety is something no pet parent should overlook.
Why It’s Important A trip to the dog park is similar to bringing kids to the playground. You need to watch your dog at all times to make sure your dog is safe and playing well with others. Don't get distracted by friends at the park! And, remember: The dynamics among dogs can change quickly. While a trip to the dog park should be enjoyable for everyone, a little preparation and a watchful eye will help to avoid a costly vet visit for an emergency. Here are a couple things to consider before heading into the dog park:
Answering questions like these up front can help you evaluate if a particular dog park is right for your dog. Check Out These Resources Visit our Care Corner web page for more tips on how to safely navigate a trip to the dog park. What You Can Do To Help Keeping your pet safe and healthy is important and can reduce emergency vet visits, which can be costly. Phinney’s believes in keeping people and their beloved pets together. We do this by extending a helping hand to pet parents in need when these emergency vet visits become too costly for some to afford. Ways you can help include donating to Phinney’s or volunteering. And, anyone in need of help in caring for their pets can visit our Get Help page for more information.  Newhouse Wildlife Rescue (Newhouse) of Chelmsford recently took in a red fox named Hawkins who was suspected of ingesting rat poison. His blood was unable to clot, and he was near death. But fortunately, Newhouse was able to nurse him back to health so he can be released back into the wild.
Hawkins' story has stolen the hearts of many — first because he’s so adorable and second because his harrowing experience has put the use of rat poison in the media (and social media) spotlight. Rodenticides are easy to obtain and may be used in residential or agricultural settings. This means they can be a danger to pets or other animals that come in direct contact with them. Also, if a pet or wildlife eats an animal that has ingested it, secondary poisoning can occur. This is likely what happened to Hawkins, who was having uncontrolled bleeding and would probably have died without treatment. Recently, Massachusetts State Rep. James Hawkins proposed Legislation HB 4206, which could help protect people, pets and wildlife by limiting the use of rat poison in the state. Newhouse named Hawkins the fox after the lawmaker in the hopes of raising awareness about this issue. Why It’s Important Hawkins’ story should be shared with pet parents everywhere because poisoning from rodenticides is one of the most common types of intoxications. Rodenticides are dangerous poisons that usually contain anticoagulants, which means they stop an animal’s blood from clotting. It can take several days for the signs of rodenticide ingestion to become apparent, making the situation very serious. According to the MSPCA, to solve “pest” problems one of the recommended approaches is to focus on integrated pest management (IPM), which involves removing nesting materials from problem areas, including boxes, books, papers and food scraps. Other IPM methods include dampening rags with peppermint and putting them under sinks, cabinets, and in cracks. Once pests have “left the building,” seal the cracks with quick-drying cement, use wire mesh, or something else to secure the area. The MSPCA also recommends Havahart live traps if needed. These types of precautionary measures can help protect your furry family member (and wildlife, too) and prevent a costly vet visit or a tragic situation where an animal dies from rat poisoning. Check Out These Resources Visit our Resources Web page for tips on how to keep your pet safe and what to do if you suspect your pet has ingested it. What You Can Do To Help Keeping your pet safe and healthy is important and can reduce emergency vet visits which can be devastating and costly. Phinney’s believes in keeping people and their beloved pets together. We do this by extending a helping hand to pet parents in need when these emergency vet visits become too costly for some to afford. Ways you can help including donating to Phinney’s: phinneys.org/donate.html or volunteering phinneys.org/volunteer.html. And, anyone in need of help in caring for their pets can visit phinneys.org/get-help for more information.  With the arrival of summer comes more traveling! If you plan to take your pet on a road trip there are some important things to consider to ensure your pet stays safe and happy.
Why It’s Important While traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun there should be some planning and preparation that goes into a trip with a pet. This will ensure your pet is safe and cared for properly while away from home. Traveling in the summer is great, but it can also come with its challenges given the heat. A little preparation can go a long way to making sure any trip is a successful one and everyone has a good time! Check Out These Resources Visit our Resources Web page for tips for how to safely travel by car or plane with your pet, stay at a hotel with them, and more. What You Can Do To Help Keeping your pet safe and healthy is important and can reduce emergency vet visits which can be costly. Phinney’s believes in keeping people and their beloved pets together. We do this by extending a helping hand to pet parents in need when these emergency vet visits become too costly for some to afford. Ways you can help including donating to Phinney’s: phinneys.org/donate.html or volunteering phinneys.org/volunteer.html. And, anyone in need of help in caring for their pets can visit phinneys.org/get-help for more information.  “Tui was the cat of my life,” said Ken Levine, longtime Phinney’s Rider and avid cyclist, and also Phinney’s foster dad who recently established a Phinney's fund to honor the memory of his beloved feline. To know Tui was a treat for all he encountered, reminisces Ken. “Tui was the people’s cat. He was a gentle, loving and very talkative shade cat who made friends with all four- and two-legged creatures who ever lived and visited with him.” In talking to Ken about Tui, this sentiment became evident as he told the story of how he came to know his neighbors in Stow, Massachusetts, a place where Ken still cycles for Bike for the Woods in support of the Stow Conservation Trust. It turned out that Tui, who Ken adopted as a stray and aptly named after the chatty Tui bird native to New Zealand, had already befriended the neighbors. And one of those neighbors was an accomplished photographer who later ended up chronicling Tui’s zest for life through a series of photographs entitled “The Secret Life of Tui.” It was only after Tui got hurt while engaged in some outdoor shenanigans that Ken learned he had been splitting his time with the neighbors (and probably getting double meals! LOL). From that point on, Tui would meow for those neighbors to join him back home with Ken every chance he got! With a gentle, adventurous and compassionate spirit, Tui’s impact during his 22 years of life were very meaningful not just to Ken but to so many others. “Over the years, he lived with other cats, dogs, and people, and made friends with everyone. Even if he had never met you, he would insist you pat him in his very vocal way, and then jump in your lap at the first opportunity,” Ken reminisced. Those 22 years weren’t without Tui’s share of hardships, though. When he was 17, Tui suffered a stroke. Fortunately, he recovered. But what would have happened if he hadn’t gotten the care he needed? Many older cats like Tui need help to survive, and they, too, may live to be 22 if given the chance. “There’s an expression that cats have nine lives. And sometimes they need our help in getting those full nine lives,” Ken said. His decision to establish the Friends of Tui Fund for Older Cats was simple. When Tui passed, Ken held a Celebration of Life and close to two-dozen people attended. “Tui thrived on the love he gave and received, which helped him survive a few health issues into his 20s,” he said. “It was only fitting that we could set up this fund so that he could continue to give from beyond.” Thank you, Tui, for the love you gave while you were here. And thank you, Ken, for letting us share what a special boy Tui was. We have no doubt that Tui’s spirit of altruism will live on through the elderly cats this Fund supports. What’s next for Ken Newly retired and full of plans, Ken will bike 80 miles in support of Phinney’s Ride on Sept. 11 and 12 in Rhode Island as a member of Roger & Russ’ Team Ride. Ken has already raised 288% of his fundraising goal, and we are certain that Tui will be cheering Ken and his fellow riders on from The Rainbow Bridge. If you would like to support Ken’s ride, click here. To sign up to participate in the Ride visit phinneys.org/ride. And remember -- this year’s ride isn’t limited to cycling (a tractor ride, a boat ride, a hayride, etc. are fair game!) And, if you would like more information about setting up a fund in honor or memory of a loved one, send us a message or call us at 617-979-8705. Another Lasting Gift from Tui to Share Check out this amazing slideshow on YouTube that Ken produced to honor the memory of his beloved Tui (and be sure to check out the scenes from “The Secret LIfe of Tui” which chronicle his heartwarming relationship with the neighbors he so adored! How Friend of Tui Fund for Older Cats Helps In their golden years, pets can develop many common health issues. For kitties like Tui, some usual ailments include chronic kidney disease, heart disease, hyperthryoidism, dental disease, diabetes, and cancer. The prognosis depends on the progression of the disease and a pet’s overall health. But intervention and treatment goes a long way toward helping to extend an older pet’s life when they are able to maintain a good quality of life. That’s why Friends of Tui Fund for Older Cats is so important. It's here to make sure that senior cats get the medical treatment, prescription food and other care they need to live their best lives.  Did you know that May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month? Sadly the summer days are ticking (pun intended) away and we are now almost into August, however tick season is still upon us. All summer long and even into fall, ticks are around in grasses and woods. And here in the Northeast once the weather gets warmer and the days are longer people and pets are outside much more - increasing the risk of getting ticks on you or your pet. The danger with ticks is that they can carry Lyme disease - a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species of ticks.
Why It's Important By taking some simple steps to prevent Lyme disease you can help keep your pet safe. And of course keeping your beloved furry family member(s) safe and healthy is not only important for their well being--it can also help prevent costly vet visits. Check Out These Resources Visit our Resources Web page for information on how to recognize Lyme disease, prevent it, and test for and treat it if needed in your pets. What You Can Do To Help Keeping your pet safe and healthy is important and can reduce emergency vet visits which can be costly. Phinney’s believes in keeping people and their beloved pets together. We do this by extending a helping hand to pet parents in need when these emergency vet visits become too costly for some to afford. Ways you can help including donating to Phinney’s: phinneys.org/donate or volunteering phinneys.org/volunteer. And, anyone in need of help in caring for their pets can visit phinneys.org/get-help for more information.  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.  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. |
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Phinney's is an all-volunteer registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps low-income people keep their pets. 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.
PO Box 425, Lincoln, MA 01773
Phone: 617-203-2053 Fax: 617-979-8705 |
