Turning Crisis Into Compassion For Local Pets

Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals has seen firsthand how quickly a pet emergency can turn an owner’s world upside down. From critical illnesses to urgent surgeries, our pet food pantries and veterinary assistance programs are supporting more pet owners than ever. Each request for help represents a pet in need and someone committed to doing right by their companion.

Our mission is simple: to turn these crises into compassionate care.

When Emergencies Strike, Helping Hands Is There

In just the first two weeks of the year, we’ve been overwhelmed 
with calls from owners seeking help for their pets, from food assistance to urgent medical care. Here’s what some of those 
many calls look like:

Daisy, a 14-year-old beagle requiring inpatient critical care for pancreatitis, estimated at $3,000–$4,000

Lulu, a 9-year-old dog with life-threatening pyometra, who received affordable, life-saving spay surgery through the MSPCA Cape Cod Clinic

Buddy, a cat overdue for annual vaccines and wellness exams, something his owner has put off due to the cost

Frank, a cat whose senior owner lives on a fixed income, was diagnosed with an inoperable intestinal mass and faced compassionate euthanasia that was beyond her means

A 3-year-old Labrador with suspected Lyme disease whose owner could not afford testing or medication

Bo, a 5-year-old bulldog suffering from painful bladder stones, needs diagnostics and possible surgery that are far too costly for his mom

These stories highlight the reality of local pets in crisis — and show how you help us turn desperate situations into compassionate solutions.

Pyometra: A Preventable, Life-Threatening Emergency

This month alone we've already seen two cases of pyometra, a deadly uterine infection that affects unspayed female dogs and cats. This condition progresses quickly and can be fatal without prompt surgery.

Spaying is the ONLY prevention and the ONLY cure for pyometra, making it one of the most critical procedures a pet owner can provide for their companion. Once a pet has been diagnosed with pyometra, a life-saving emergency spay surgery needs to be performed as quickly as possible. 

We regularly connect pet owners to low-cost spay and neuter programs through the MSPCA Cape Cod Clinic, South Shore Animal Services, MSPCA Nevins Farm and Tufts Walpole. Thanks to these wonderful partners, many pets have received life-saving care.

Compassion In Action

Two elderly sisters recently reached out for help spaying their new kitten, Patches. Without computers or cell phones, and hesitant to travel far or cross the bridge, they weren’t sure where to turn. We were able to connect them with South Shore Animal Services in Hanover, where Patches received affordable spay surgery and care close to home, with financial assistance from Helping Hands. Patty, who adopted Patches after losing her older cat, reached out early to make sure she was doing everything right. Afterward, we received these heartfelt thank-you notes:

 “Dear Beth, I want to thank you very very much for helping my sister Patty with her cat ‘Patches’. You really helped her out a lot and we appreciate everything you did. We went to South Shore Animal Services. They were very nice there, but Patches sure was fresh. She was hissing and spitting. She was mad. They were very good with her. But anyway, I just want to thank you for everything. Thank you, Angela.”

“Dear Beth, I want to thank you for helping me with my cat Patches. You spoke to my sister Angela and I was so happy about it. Thank you, Patty.”

 Stories like these prove that a little help and encouragement can turn a stressful situation into a life-saving outcome.

You Make This Possible!

Turning crisis into compassion is possible thanks to our amazing community. Your generosity provides pet food, veterinary care, guidance and emotional support to pet owners in need.

With continued support, we can ensure local pets receive the care they need — and that owners are never forced to face these moments alone. Together, we keep pets healthy, safe, and at home where they belong.

Please consider making a donation today to help pets in crisis. Every dollar makes a life-saving difference.