SPCA Westchester: Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant Report

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

As a senior pit bull mix with health issues, Mae was often overlooked by potential adopters. Having funds for some of her post-adoption medical care helped potential adopters see past her issues, and posting on Instagram and Facebook about the availability of financial support to care for Mae brought her important attention.

How many pets did this grant help?

1

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

An 8-year-old, 55-lb. pit bull mix, Mae was a stray brought to SPCA Westchester’s Animal Rescue Center by local animal control in March 2023.

Sadly, she had still not been adopted by the fall, when we began a campaign to generate interest in fostering our dogs for the holidays. In response to our campaign, a couple whose dog had recently died signed up to foster and decided to bring home Mae.

As the couple were recent empty nesters, they weren’t ready to adopt, but were excited to have Mae for the holidays. By January, they realized that Mae had become a part of their family, snuggling on the couch and making the empty nest less empty.

Despite Mae’s medical conditions, which required her to take two prescription medications and to have monthly baths using a special shampoo, her adopters were excited to have this sweet, loving dog become a permanent part of their lives. Knowing that the cost for the prescription medications would be covered during the first year made it easier for them to make a decision and, on Jan. 25, 2024, Mae officially became a part of their family.

Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation for this support and for giving Mae, a senior dog, a second chance at having a loving forever home.