A Season of Safety, Support, and Second Chances

Winter can be a tough season for local pet owners. Rising costs of pet food and veterinary care, along with an increase in lost dogs, create added challenges that we feel compelled to address.

Thanks to our community — all of you — we can offer a helping hand when pet owners call each day, just trying to do the right thing. Your support provides food and medical care for pets in need, and shares education and resources to help keep pets safe.

From generous donations to the brave New Year’s Day plungers who turned icy water into $2,000 for pets in need, the compassion of this community never ceases to amaze.

Safety Tips That Can Save Lives

Lost dogs are more common this time of year, and understanding their behavior can help pet owners respond in the right way. When lost, many dogs shift into survival mode — instinctive behavior that can seem confusing or frustrating.

Most lost dogs move after dark, when it’s quieter and feels safer. During the day, they often stay hidden in yards, wooded areas, or near nearby structures. Because of this, sightings tend to happen at night or early in the morning. 

It’s also common for lost dogs not to respond when called, even to familiar voices. Chasing or searching too aggressively can increase fear and cause dogs to move farther away. A calmer approach works best — letting the dog settle in one area, providing food if possible, and collecting accurate sighting details.

Prevention matters, too. This is a good time to check that dogs are properly licensed, rabies vaccinations are up to date, and collars have current ID tags. Microchips are only helpful if contact information is accurate.

Taking a few minutes to check these details can make a real difference — and may be what helps a lost dog return home safely.

Missing Dogs Massachusetts (MDM) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that works to reunite missing and found dogs with their families. MDM works cooperatively with animal control officers, rescues, shelters, law enforcement, and the media. MDM sets out detailed guidelines on how to proceed when a dog is lost or found. Learn more at www.missingdogsmass.com.

Support & Second Chances

The support we’ve already seen this year has been incredible, and it’s already making a real difference for local pets and their owners.

These acts of kindness allow us to provide food, veterinary care, and resources for pet owners who need a little extra help — giving pets a second chance and pet owners peace of mind.

Special Support Spotlight

We are deeply grateful for the recent pet food donations that help keep local pets fed and pet owners supported. A special thank you to the Stop & Shop Distribution Center for their generosity and continued support.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to:
Plymouth Public Library
Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department
VCA Plymouth Animal Hospital
Club Pilates
Cara Cipullo, Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing
Mandy Bohlken, Mandy Lynn Financial Services
Nina Garcia, ServiceMaster South Shore & Cape Cod
Diane Dorgan
Katie Lapham
Kathryn & Marianne Horgan

Your support directly fuels our pet food pantries and emergency veterinary programs — helping pets stay healthy and cared for.

Plunge For Paws: Turning Cold Water Into Warm Hearts

New Year’s Day was snowy and cold, but that didn’t stop a group of fearless volunteers from diving into Long Pond — all for the love of local pets! From the first chilly jump to the last brave shiver, these plungers showed that a little courage and a lot of heart can make a huge difference. Plymouth, you truly know how to make a splash for a great cause, and we couldn’t be more grateful!

Thank you to the swimmers from Plymouth’s Long Pond, and to Kelly McBride and Di Pierce for creating this fundraising opportunity. Thanks to their efforts, $2,000 was raised for Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals — a wonderful way to start the year with compassion, courage, and community spirit.

Keeping Pets Safe at Home

Every donation, share, volunteer hour, and act of kindness helps pets stay fed, safe, and healthy — and helps local pet owners care for the animals they love. Together, we are working to keep pets safe at home. 

Learn more, volunteer, or donate today — your support makes all the difference!