Whistler Animals Galore Society - WAG: Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

The Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant from the Petfinder Foundation made a life-changing difference for Tux, a 12-year-old cat who came into WAG’s care after the passing of her lifelong guardian. Like many senior animals, Tux faced multiple challenges — health issues, mobility limitations, and the stress of losing the only home she’d ever known. The shelter environment was not ideal for a cat in her golden years, but thanks to our incredible network of foster families and veterinary partners, and the support of this grant, Tux received the tailored care she needed.

With the grant’s help, Tux transitioned to a prescription diet, received regular Solensia injections for her arthritis, and underwent essential surgeries including dental work and the removal of part of her ear. This funding helped cover the cost of her ongoing medical needs post-adoption, removing a financial barrier that often discourages people from adopting senior pets. It gave her adopters peace of mind and allowed them to focus on helping her settle into her forever home.

Today, Tux is thriving. From being a shy, overweight senior cat to becoming a cuddly companion curled up by the fireplace, her transformation speaks to the power of compassion — and the impact of grant support. This grant didn’t just help Tux; it allowed us to continue advocating for and supporting senior animals who often face the longest shelter stays. We’re incredibly grateful to the Petfinder Foundation for giving pets like Tux a well-deserved second chance at love and comfort.

How many pets did this grant help?

1

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Tux came into WAG’s care in late 2023 after the passing of her lifelong guardian. At over 12 years old, she required a special home to accommodate her needs, as she was overweight and experiencing various health challenges. The busy and often loud shelter environment was not ideal for a senior cat in her golden years, but thanks to the dedication of compassionate foster families, Tux received the care and comfort she needed.

Under the guidance of her foster caregivers and veterinary team, Tux transitioned to a prescription diet, received necessary medications — including Solensia injections for her arthritis — and was given a quiet space to decompress. As a result, she regained mobility and began to thrive. With human companionship, cozy napping spots, gentle grooming, and plenty of chin rubs, Tux quickly became a beloved presence in her foster homes.

Her journey was not without challenges. She required dental surgery as well as a procedure to remove part of her ear. Through it all, Tux remained resilient, and we are incredibly proud of her progress.

At the start of 2025, due to unforeseen circumstances, Tux briefly returned to the cattery. However, her story had reached a local couple who had been following her journey on social media. They were eager to meet her, and when they finally did, it was love at first sight. Tux immediately bonded with her new companions, who initially welcomed her as a foster. She wasted no time settling in — following her new dad around the house and snuggling right up to him on the couch, and spending time outside relaxing with her new mom. It quickly became clear that Tux had found her forever home. Now, she spends her days cozied up by the fireplace, exactly where she belongs, waiting for dinner time and making her daily steps count in her bid to lose some of her extra weight.

We are immensely grateful to adopters who open their hearts and homes to senior pets, providing them with the second chance they so deserve. We also extend a special thank you to the Petfinder Foundation for awarding Tux a Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant, helping to support her adopters in covering the cost of her ongoing medical care. Senior pets often face extended shelter stays, and the financial commitment can be a barrier for potential adopters. This grant played a crucial role in ensuring animals like Tux receive the care they need post-adoption.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge the incredible team that made Tux’s happy ending possible: our dedicated veterinarians at Pemberton Veterinary Hospital, Coast Mountain Veterinary Services, and Eagleview, as well as the countless fosters, donors, and supporters who stood by Tux’s side throughout her 480-day journey in our care.