unconditional love

Michael & Kitty: Happy, Healthy, Together

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Mon, 01 May 2023 22:23:38 +0000

Michael & Kitty: Happy, Healthy, Together Petsmart Chari… Mon, 05/01/2023 - 18:23

Michael, a local mural artist in Florida, was working on his latest creation when he received an unexpected visitor at his home—and she wasn't alone. A stray cat appeared on his porch, but she wasn't there to take in the sights. It was clear the cat was seeking help for the litter of sweet baby kittens she had just given birth to. Though Michael was unprepared to take in the adorable family, they depended on him to survive. Upon seeing the feline family in distress, Michael was determined to ensure each kitten would get a chance at life. He also wanted to prevent momma cat from enduring this struggle again. Michael knew he couldn't do it alone, so he reached out to PetSmart Charities® partner, the Humane Society of Vero Beach (HSVB), providing all the supplies Michael needed to help the struggling feline and her litter. Thanks to the resources and education he received, Michael fostered all the kittens until they were old enough to go up for adoption at HSVB. Mama Cat received the spay surgery she needed and was adopted by Michael. She is now a beloved family pet named Kitty and an avid art lover who spends her days watching Michael paint while she frolics around him.

"When Kitty came along, I could not pay for the care she deserved, like vaccinations and getting spayed. However, it is all about the cat; her well-being was most important to me. With the care she received through the program, she will now have a long, healthy life ahead of her,' said Michael.

The care Michael received was made possible thanks to Champions for Good like you. Your donations helped us to provide the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County with a two-year $152,000 grant to improve access to veterinary care in Fellsmere and Gifford. This grant enables HSVB to provide medical care to pets in communities with little to no access to veterinary care due to the cost and other barriers such as transportation and language.

"Our community members love their pets, and we want to make sure that every loved pet has access to veterinary care they need to be healthy, happy, and ultimately stay out of the shelter," said Kate Meghji, Executive Director. "Neither Fellsmere nor Gifford has a local veterinary clinic, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide these services."

Since 1994, through our partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs, and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 10 million pets find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $400 million to positively impact communities, connect people and pets, help preserve families, and improve access to veterinary care through initiatives like this with HSVB.

Address

Vero Beach, FL 32960
United States

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Preventing Pet Hunger

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:27:33 +0000

Preventing Pet Hunger Petsmart Chari… Thu, 03/30/2023 - 12:27

This is more than a bag of pet food.

This is a sign of hope for millions of families in need and a symbol of the dedication that we share with our partners to ensure that no one has to choose between food for themselves or their pets—because when families face hunger, their pets do too.

Starting in Missouri, these exclusive bags began their journey at Morris Packaging, where they carefully printed our one-of-a-kind PetSmart Charities® branding onto each bag with love to perfection.

Then they went to Utah, where our friends at Alphia filled the bags to the brim with premium pet food. And from there, they were sent off to Feeding America's network of food banks all across the country—that's 30 million pounds of pet food distributed to families in need.

These bags are a little piece of our hearts to those in need and are a part of our larger mission to keep people and pets together.

Because when we say For Pets. For People. For Good.

We mean it.

Address

AZ 85027
United States

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Meet Joyce and Mystie

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:45:50 +0000

Meet Joyce and Mystie Petsmart Chari… Fri, 02/17/2023 - 12:45

Mystie, a rescue Yorkie with a keen sense of fashion, is living her best life alongside her best friend and adoptive pet mom, Joyce.

"She's a, what they call her, my Ride or Die girl," laughs Joyce.

Together, they take on each day one step at a time. But, without each other, life would look quite different.

Joyce rescued Mystie when Mystie was very little, malnourished, and uncared for. "I don't think she ever had a haircut, and she only weighed two pounds," describes Joyce.

Today Mystie is well nourished with quality food, stays warm in the cutest outfits, and lives a life full of love and joy—the life every pet deserves. But, Mystie is not the only one enjoying the benefits of unconditional love.

"She's there, and when I'm sad, she makes me happy," says Joyce. "And I think having a pet helps you to go out more. You know, I think about the days I probably may not get out of bed, and I get up and walk her."

Thanks to Joyce's local Meals on Wheels program, the bond between Joyce and Mystie can not only continue, but it can also thrive. That's why PetSmart Charities partners with Meals on Wheels America through grants that help local programs develop new and expand existing pet programs to deliver food, cat litter, and other supplies. Funds also improve access to pet care, including preventive veterinary care, temporary pet boarding, and grooming, such as nail trimming to keep both pets and their seniors safe.

"It's a lifesaving organization, not only for us seniors with the meals programs, but also the help they provide that makes it possible to have your pet," says Joyce. "You know, sometimes that's all we have is our pet, our family members may not be able to come and help or visit us as much, but we have company with our pets," she adds.

Pets provide vital social connections for many older adults and can significantly impact their physical and mental health and well-being.

"They're like your children," says Joyce. "I know for me; I bathe them, I dress 'em, I brush their teeth. It gives you something to look forward to, you know? I love taking care of her, and she takes care of me," she adds.

Yet, caring for a pet may also present other challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility and/or financial constraints, leading local Meals on Wheels programs to offer services to ease those challenges and help older adults and their pets stay together.

"I'm a senior citizen, and I'm on a fixed income. My dog needs special foods for her sensitive stomach. I know I couldn't have afforded her food if it wasn't for the help because I get a minimal income to live off of and provide my pet care," Joyce explains.

A study released by Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities found that more than one in five clients reported going without food to feed their pets in the past two years—an impossible decision, no one should have to make.

Thanks to your support, Joyce and Mystie don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

"I've had her five years. I rescued her and she rescued me. She offers so much company and unconditional love and makes my days worth it. You know?”

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