Stories From Our Community
You Can Make More Stories Like These Possible
The families you’ll read about here found hope and healing when they needed it most. Your support makes more of these moments possible.
Porche & Radar
At 73 years old, Karen’s life revolves around her beloved companions: Porche, a 15-year-old cat, and Radar, an 11-year-old dog. Living on a fixed income, she has relied on Pets In Need to help keep them healthy and by her side—because to her, they are family.
Karen first found Pets In Need through UCAN and has been a loyal client ever since, coming in for everything from vaccines to routine care. Over time, that relationship also included compassionate end-of-life care for Porche, allowing Karen to say goodbye with support and dignity during an incredibly difficult moment. “They’re my family,” she says. “I wouldn’t be able to have them without PIN.”
Beyond veterinary care, Karen also relies on the Chow Now Pantry and donated supplies to help provide for her pets between visits. Even with an hour-long drive each way, she continues to come without hesitation, often expressing deep gratitude for the care and kindness she’s experienced. “It’s always a treat coming in,” she says. “Radar’s tail is already wagging before we even walk through the door.”
Josephine
Josephine came into her family’s life in 2023 during a difficult time, quickly becoming a source of comfort and stability. Before finding her forever home, she had been returned to a shelter nine times and experienced significant stress, including an attack while in the shelter.
After adoption, Josephine began facing ongoing health challenges. Her owner turned to Pets In Need for support when she started experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. “They helped us through all of her UTIs,” her owner shared. “The vets are always so caring and gentle with Josephine.”
As her care continued, Josephine later required surgery to remove bladder stones. When complications arose during recovery, our team stepped in to ensure she healed properly, and today, Josephine is doing much better.
“I was honestly embarrassed at first, but no one made me feel low in any way,” her owner shared. “Everyone was just so kind and supportive.”
Now nine years old, Josephine continues to bring comfort and joy to her family. “It’s always sweet being there,” her owner said. “You can tell how much they truly care about the animals.”
Penny & Her Companions
When Penny lost her father and her home, her world was turned upside down. In the midst of grief and sudden displacement, her pets became her only source of stability. “They’re my life,” she says. “I’d do more for them than anyone else.”
Determined to stay with them, Penny did everything she could to avoid separation. Eventually, she connected with Found House, which provided temporary care for her pets while she worked to get back on her feet, giving her space to focus on rebuilding while still visiting them often.
But her pets needed more than shelter, they needed medical care. Through our partnership with Found House, Pets In Need was able to step in and provide the veterinary support they required. This included routine care like vaccines and dental treatment, as well as compassionate end-of-life care when one of her dogs became seriously ill.
“If it weren’t for Pets In Need,” Penny shared, “I wouldn’t have my pets and I wouldn’t be here.”
For Penny, having access to care meant staying connected to the animals who helped her endure her most difficult moments.
Teeters
Teeters’ mom came to Pets In Need searching for care for her dog, Athena, lovingly known as Teeters, and unsure of where else to turn. From the moment they walked through the doors, she felt something she hadn’t expected: calm, kindness, and genuine support.
At Teeters’ first visit, she arrived full of energy and zoomies, instantly bringing personality and laughter into the room. Her mom shared concerns about growths on Teeters’ skin, and the veterinary team took the time to gently examine her and walk through every next step with clarity and care. What could have been an overwhelming moment instead felt steady, guided, and full of reassurance.
Today, nearly two years later, Teeters is still a familiar face at Pets In Need. With every visit, the trust between her mom and the clinic deepens, not just because of the care Teeters receives, but because of how she is treated along the way.
“Every visit has been amazing. Teeters always leaves with lots of love and butt scratches. All the staff love what they do and really help put your mind at ease.”
Lucy & Her Family
Lucy has been part of her family for ten years, growing up alongside her mom’s daughters through every stage of life. “She’s like my third daughter,” her mom told us.
So when Lucy developed painful inflammation in her eye, her family knew something was wrong. After a visit to a local clinic, they were told she needed to see a specialist. The diagnosis was difficult, Lucy would need her eye removed, and the cost of surgery felt overwhelming. Her family immediately began trying to figure out how they could make it happen. “We were ready to sell whatever we had to in order to help her,” her mom said.
That’s when they found Pets In Need.
With support from our community, Lucy received the surgery she needed, along with donated medications to help her recover. The difference was immediate. “You can tell the pressure is relieved,” her mom shared. “She’s back to her happy, sweet self.”
Lucy recently returned for a check-up, greeting our team with tail wags and affection, and she’s doing wonderfully.
Tilly & Her Family
When Vickie and Roger welcomed Tilly into their home in late 2024, they knew they were giving a second chance to a dog who had already endured so much. Tilly, rescued from a puppy mill, arrived fearful, injured, and struggling with both physical and emotional trauma. Through patience, love, and consistent veterinary care at Pets In Need, she has slowly transformed into a gentle, confident companion.
Tilly’s early experiences left lasting effects, including ongoing medical needs that require regular treatment. She visits Pets In Need approximately every six weeks for care that helps manage a chronic condition, support that would be difficult to afford without accessible veterinary services.
Vickie and Roger have trusted Pets In Need for over 10 years, and their experience with Tilly has only deepened that relationship. “Everyone is so nice and genuinely cares,” Vickie shared. “Pets are a part of your family, and Tilly loves the staff at Pets In Need.”
With continued care, Tilly is not only staying healthy but continuing to heal emotionally, growing more confident with each visit and thriving in the home she was always meant to have.
Ruby & Brandi
For the past nine years, Brandi has been the light in Ruby’s life. Ruby first adopted her during a difficult time, when she felt isolated and unsure of what came next. In Brandi, she found comfort, companionship, and daily joy. “She filled a lot of lonely days,” Ruby says with a smile.
As Brandi grew older, she began facing health challenges, including painful kidney stones. Ruby, who is elderly and disabled, worried about how she would afford the care her beloved companion needed. When she also discovered a lump on Brandi’s side, her concern deepened. “I didn’t know what to do,” she recalled.
That’s when a friend told her about Pets In Need. From her very first visit, Ruby felt supported. Our team treated Brandi for her kidney stones and discovered the lump was cancerous. With support from our donors and community, Brandi was able to receive surgery and ongoing care to help her recover.
“She’s doing so well now,” Ruby shared. “She’s still my little joy, always making me laugh.”
Brandi now returns regularly for preventive care, and Ruby says she always feels welcomed and cared for when she walks through the doors. “Pets In Need really cares about the pets,” she says. “I really love this place.”
Gypsy & Leo
Zamaria discovered Pets In Need during a particularly difficult time after losing her job and facing financial hardship. With two dogs in need of care, Gypsy, a 9-year-old with thyroid issues, and Leo, a 2-year-old needing neutering, she was overwhelmed by the cost of veterinary services elsewhere and unsure where to turn.
After finding a recommendation through a local community group, Zamaria reached out to Pets In Need and was able to get both pets the care they needed. Leo was neutered, and Gypsy received a full workup for her thyroid condition along with surgery to address her medical needs. With treatment and ongoing care, Gypsy’s health improved, her energy returned, and she began to feel like herself again.
“Pets In Need landed in my lap at a time of need and is a true blessing,” Zamaria shared. She described feeling supported not just as a pet owner, but as someone navigating a difficult season of life.
That connection stayed with her, so much so that she later chose Pets In Need as the beneficiary of a charity event hosted by her community group, Chrome Divas.
Bear, Bella, & Daisy
Tammy is retired and living on a fixed income while caring for three dogs who mean everything to her: Daisy, her 7-year-old senior; Bear, a 2-year-old full of energy; and Bella, a 9-month-old puppy she recently welcomed into her home to bring new joy.
All three dogs receive their veterinary care at Pets In Need, where they come in regularly for wellness visits, preventive care, and ongoing medical guidance. Tammy also benefits from donated items like toys and blankets through the clinic, something especially loved by Bella, who enjoys curling up after a long day of play.
Despite her own medical expenses, Tammy is deeply committed to her dogs’ wellbeing. “Vet care is so expensive. I have my own medical bills, but I can’t let my dogs suffer,” she says. “They’re very dear to me, and I’m so grateful for Pets In Need for helping with the costs and support that come with keeping them healthy.”
For Tammy, consistent access to affordable veterinary care means peace of mind, knowing her dogs can stay healthy, active, and together in the home they love.