Real Pets. Real Stories.

Ever wonder what a typical month at Helping Hands looks like? Here's how $7,000 in veterinary assistance helped 31 local pets 
in July.

Every month, Helping Hands receives numerous calls from local pet owners facing all kinds of challenges. One person may be struggling to afford pet food. Another needs help covering routine veterinary care. Others are facing unexpected illnesses, emergencies, or difficult end-of-life decisions. Sometimes, it's not just a pet in crisis—it's an owner navigating job loss, a medical diagnosis, or another unexpected hardship.

Every situation is different, but they all have one thing in common: someone who loves their pet and wants to do everything they can to keep them healthy, safe, and by their side.

This week, we're taking you through the month of July, one story at a time. Along the way, you'll meet the pets we were able to help and discover the many ways we support local pets and their owners.

The Pets We Helped In July

These are the 31 local pets we were able to assist in July. Each one represents a real pet, a caring owner, and a story from right here in our community.

Urgent Emergencies

When every minute counted, some calls simply couldn't wait.

Loki, a 2-year-old cat, received emergency care after suffering a life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

Lily the cat needed immediate veterinary care after she stopped eating for an entire week.

Romeo, a 15-year-old dog, required urgent treatment after becoming lethargic following a fall.

Riggs, a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever, needed assistance toward orthopedic surgery after being diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Kitty, a 2-year-old cat, was treated for painful infected anal glands.

Brady, a 12-year-old cat, received urgent treatment after complications from diabetes left him lethargic and refusing to eat.

Fluffy, an 18-year-old cat, received diagnostic X-rays to determine the cause of serious heart or cancer concerns.

Trixie the cat received treatment after an eye infection worsened into a double eye infection.

Preventative Care & Wellness

Routine veterinary care helps pets stay healthy, catch problems early, and often prevent much bigger issues down the road.

Jasmine and Jasper, 9-week-old kittens, received their first exams, vaccines, deworming, and fecal screening to give them a healthy start.

KasaNova, a 5-month-old kitten, was able to be spayed.

Cruzer, a 7-year-old Beagle, was due for his annual wellness exam, vaccines, and treatment for an ear infection.

Memphis the cat received a rabies vaccination so his owner could renew their housing lease.

Treating Illness & Injury

Not every pet needed emergency care, but many relied on ongoing treatment to stay healthy and comfortable.

Coco the dog received her annual vaccines, heartworm testing, and evaluation of three concerning growths.

Dino, a 6-month-old Miniature Pinscher, received follow-up care for an injured back leg that hadn't fully healed.

Katova, a 4-year-old cat, received an exam and urinalysis to help determine the cause of ongoing litter box issues.

Sofie, a 14-year-old cat, received bloodwork and a urinalysis after changes in her bathroom habits raised health concerns.

Blaze, a 13-year-old dog, received X-rays to evaluate a recurring growth on his leg.

Apollo the cat required a dental procedure to treat gingivitis and stomatitis.

Rawley the dog continued receiving Cytopoint injections to manage severe skin allergies.

Daisy, a Toy Poodle, received Apoquel to help relieve painful seasonal skin allergies.

Tux, a 14-year-old cat, received an ear cytology, treatment for an ear infection, and testing for hyperthyroidism.

Draco the dog was in need of treatment for demodectic mange.

Helping Beyond Veterinary Care

Sometimes helping a pet means helping their owner through an unexpected crisis.

After losing her home in a condominium fire, one local pet owner needed a safe place for Smokey and Oreo, her two beloved cats, while she searched for stable housing. Helping Hands covered two weeks of boarding, ensuring they remained safe until they could be reunited.

Compassionate Goodbyes

Some of the hardest calls we receive come when it's time to say goodbye.

Hazel the dog, diagnosed with an untreatable septic gastric leak.

Sophie, a 12-year-old Cattle Dog, whose cancer had progressed.

Paxton, a 12-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, after his battle with cancer took a sudden turn.

Baby, a 15-year-old cat, who had lost the use of her back legs.

Gussy the cat, diagnosed with septic peritonitis.

Helping pet owners through these moments is never easy, but we're honored to help ensure beloved pets can pass peacefully, with dignity, and surrounded by love.

Every story was different, but they all shared one thing in common: a community that believes no one should have to choose between their beloved pet and the care they need.

And This Month...We'll Do It All Again

This month has already brought new phone calls, new pets, and new stories—and August is just getting started.

Some will need routine veterinary care. Others will face unexpected emergencies. Some pet owners will simply need a little extra help to get through a difficult time.

No one knows exactly what those stories will be, but one thing never changes: Helping Hands will be here to answer the call whenever we can. 

Thank you to our volunteers, who answer every call, advise and console pet owners, consult with veterinary staff, and make decisions to best help pets in need of veterinary financial assistance.

If you'd like to help us continue saying "yes" to local pet owners in need, we hope you'll consider making a donation. Every donation stays right here in our community, helping pets receive the care they need and keeping beloved companions with the people who love them.