Answering The Call For Local Pets In Need

Last week, we shared a deeper look at the financial side of our work—how quickly funds are used and how critical every dollar is in helping local pets receive care. This week, we want to build on that by showing what it looks like to answer the call, day after day.

The first 10 days of April offer a real glimpse into a typical day for us. With more than a dozen calls already received, this month is shaping up to be full of urgent needs, difficult decisions, and moments where simply answering the phone can make all the difference.

These calls are the heart of what we do. They’re the reason we’re here—and thanks to the support of our community, we’re able to say “yes” whenever a pet owner needs help most.

10 Days of Calls, 12 Pets Helped

These are the calls that came in during just the first week of April. Together, they show how our veterinary assistance program makes a real difference every single day.

Killian, a 16-year-old dog with a persistent cough

Craig, a cat with a potential urinary blockage

Cookie, a dog needing deeper diagnostics for suspected cancer

Wilberbine, a 16-year-old cat requiring testing for hyperthyroidism

Monahan, a dog suffering from a severe and painful ear infection

Kitty, an elder cat in need of compassionate euthanasia

Buddy, a 14-year-old Akita mix with a lame hind leg

Cherish, a 10-year-old Yorkie struggling with skin allergies

Dewey, an 8-year-old Corgi diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer, requiring humane euthanasia

Tigger, a cat experiencing distress while eating, including coughing and choking

Joey, a dog who returned home with a gash requiring cleaning and sutures after escaping his yard

Houston, a dog unable to recover from complications of two types of Lyme disease, requiring compassionate euthanasia 

One Call Answered = One Pet Helped

Every day, at least one pet receives veterinary care through our assistance program, and countless others are supported at our weekly pet food pantries. 

Some of these pets will recover with treatment and time. Others, heartbreakingly, will not. Regardless of the situation, each call represents an urgent need that often requires both financial and emotional support. We are grateful to be able to provide that support to pet owners during these challenging moments.

If the first days of April are any indication, we may very well be looking at another month where veterinary assistance needs reach—or even exceed—$10,000. 

But what matters most is this: when those calls come in, we’re able to answer them—thanks to your support.

Derby Day: A Celebration That Gives Back

Every call we receive—and every pet we help—is made possible by the generosity of our community. Fundraisers like the 2026 Alden Park Kentucky Derby Party on May 2nd turn a day of celebration into direct support for pets in need.  

While the Derby is known for its energy, style, and fun, what makes it truly special is that celebration directly translates into care for local pets. Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship, every dollar raised becomes real, tangible care. It’s the bridge between a community coming together and the moments when that support is needed most.

We’re honored to be chosen as this year’s charitable beneficiary! Funds raised will allow us to continue responding to cases like the ones highlighted above—ensuring more pet owners have somewhere to turn during difficult moments.

Whether you attend, sponsor, or contribute a raffle item, your involvement becomes part of the lifeline that lets us answer the call every day. There is still time to join in the fun and make a difference. 

Learn More And Reserve Your Spot:
www.aldenparkrestaurant.com/kentucky-derby

Decorate A Derby Horse Contest

Looking for even more fun ways to get involved on Derby Day? 

Alden Park’s Decorate A Derby Horse Contest is a creative and interactive way to support Helping Hands while adding your own personal flair to the celebration.

Participants can purchase a derby horse for $100, decorate it in their own unique style, and return it by May 1st. During the Derby Party, guests will vote for their favorite, and the winning design will take home half of the entry proceeds in a 50/50 split.

We’re excited to see how you decorate your horses—and help local pets at the same time!

For more information or to participate, contact Brian at briang@aldenparkrestaurant.com.

Partnering for Pet Care: VUCC Open House

Strong partnerships make our work possible, and we’re proud to connect pet owners with trusted veterinary resources like the Veterinary Urgent Care Center (VUCC) in Plymouth.

Join us at their Open House on Sunday, April 12th from 3–6 PM as they celebrate a major expansion of their facility. 

Their newly expanded space allows them to care for even more pets, and they’ll be introducing dental services later this month—another way they’re helping local pet owners access quality care.

VUCC has generously donated two gift baskets for Plymouth Helping Hands to raffle, each including a certificate for a free exam. Stop by to tour the space, meet their team, and see firsthand the resources that help us support pets in need.

Here To Answer The Call

Every section of this newsletter tells part of the same story. The calls we receive. The care that’s needed. The partnerships that make treatment possible. The fundraisers that allow us to keep going. It all connects. 

Because of you, when the next call comes in—whether it’s for treatment, diagnostics, or a compassionate goodbye—we are here.

Thank you for helping us show up when it matters most, for every pet and every pet owner who needs a hand.