Because they're Worth It

We pet lovers often describe our companions (to the chagrin of some parents) as our children. And like the typical child, in them is invested our time, our homes, our emotional well-being, and (of course) the contents of our bank account.

Because, well, of course!

Our shelter “children” aren’t much different. Though we may not get the privilege of watching the pups and kittens in our care grow into mature “adults,” for as little (or as long) time as they are under our roof the cost to care for them begin to stack up the moment they come through our front doors.

But, like all children, they’re worth every penny…

Montgomery

Montgomery is a pretty chill guy. In fact, his cup runneth slightly over $500 of chill!

Yo.

When Montgomery was first adopted from us, he was a lovable young kitten with promise. His adopters thought so too and took him home. Unfortunately, Montgomery developed a life-threatening condition that caused a restriction of blood supply in his legs. This condition required a veterinary specialist to perform surgery in both lower legs, and though his adopters’ love knew no bounds, their wallets did.  

Pardon?

Montgomery’s adopters were unable to afford the full cost of multiple surgeries. They eventually resolved to the sad fact that they would have to give up Montgomery so that he could find the care he needed. 

That's where the San Antonio Humane Society's Medical Rescue Fund comes in!

Many dogs and cats come through our doors needing a bit more medical attention than just the usual rabies vaccine. Our ability to care for these injured, sick, or neglected pets is often based on the amount of funds available to treat them in their time of need. Being a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our community to ensure we always have the funds available to care for them. 

Montgomery received the surgery he needed to get the second chance he deserved, and he’s currently undergoing rehab in the care of one of our wonderful fosters to continue building strength in his legs. 

"Rehab"

Montgomery is a sweet young boy of only one year! We expect he'll be out and ready for adoption in just a couple weeks. According to his foster, Montgomery is an affectionate bud who enjoys belly rubs, loves to purr in response, and is a fan of string toys (keep an eye on our adoption page!).

With his FHNO surgeries over and done with, we're optimistic that his costs for care will stay on the average side, and after his neuter surgery, vaccines, microchip, and daily care are tallied up after adoption, we'll have "only" spent roughly $2,000 of care on this needy love bug. 

Worth it.

Artemis & Pepper-Jack

Artemis and Pepper-Jack are similar in many respects (besides they're contagious smiles).

(Left) Artemis & (Right) Pepper-Jack

They're both people-loving face-lickers who love to play and get belly rubs. They're both up and available for adoption. They're both (unfortunately) heartworm positive, and they both came to the San Antonio Humane Society in late March with some pretty serious and traumatic leg injuries.

Perhaps the biggest difference between them... is about $1,000 in surgery repair. 

1,000 what?

Artemis came in requiring surgery for a broken right hip that was likely due to a car accident. Though she received the necessary surgery, she still requires some walking/swimming therapy to build strength in her leg.

Life can be rough for those poor city strays.

Though it hasn't gotten Artemis down!

Pepper-Jack was transferred to the SAHS from Animal Care Services, and he had a pretty severely broken leg. It was touch and go for a moment there--we weren't completely sure if we could save it! However, after consulting with one of our awesome orthopedic veterinary specialists, Dr. Harper, we decided to move forward with a difficult, but inevitably successful, surgery.

Look at me now!

Pepper-Jack is such a happy-go-lucky trooper. He was walking on the repaired leg the next day! Incredibly uncommon.

And he hasn't really stopped since.

Though the cost to care, love and repair these two pooches may be dramatic, the reasoning behind the work and the hefty bill remain the same: 

They're worth it.

Want to help us in our mission to save and improve the lives of wonderful pets like Montgomery, Artemis, and Pepper-Jack? Consider making a contribution to Michael's Medical Rescue Fund!

Interested in adopting one of the pets featured in this story? Artemis and Pepper-Jack are is ready and waiting to find their new forever homes! The adoption fee for each pooch is $45. Visit us today! We are open from 12pm - 7pm. 

Montgomery is still currently in the care of his foster parents (and not available for adoption), but we expect him back, good as new, in the coming weeks.