HERE IS A SAMPLING OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR IN 2014:
JANUARY:
Helped small dog, "Rusty," get leg repaired after larger dog attacked him. Owner could not afford surgery money up front. Also got Rusty neutered!
Spayed American Bulldog, "Felony," whose owner initially planned to breed the dog, but changed his mind after considering the consequences and impact for homeless pets in the area.
Networked lost American Pit Bull Terrier puppy through social mediate to help reunite the dog with owner, while also getting him neutered in the process.
Found lost De Soto, KS dog, "Cooper," through social networking to help reunite him with his family.
Helped owner get help at Great Plains SPCA for three senior pets who were suffering from hip and skin problems.
Paid for two dogs (a Shih Tzu and Pit Bull) hit by cars (from two different incidents) to be examined and treated at FMA Animal Hospital.
Found foster for German Shepherd, whose owner had to move to California and couldn't take dog with him.
Found adopter for "Charlie," a yellow Lab, whose family was too busy to give the dog the life they knew he deserved.
Found temporary housing for American Bulldog, "Nyla," whose owner will be hospitalized for 90 days, but wanted to reunite with her dog.
Euthanized suffering cat who was experiencing kidney failure. We rescued the cat months ago after she was abandoned in a parking lot in northern Kansas City. She had a loving foster home for her remaining time. We are so sorry we couldn't help her this time too.
Humanely euthanized senior, rat terrier dog,"Precious," who was suffering for months, at Coronado Animal Hospital. The owner, in tears, wanted to peacefully end his beloved pet's agony, but did not have the money to do so.
Spayed one year old, Boxer mix "AJ" since owner could not afford the service.
Helped owner of three Great Pyranese dogs get care at Great Plains SPCA - Shots, skin issues on one dog, hip problems on two. "Bear" "Baby" "Harley"
Fixed hip on cat, "Fluffy"
Contributed to care of dog, "Imogene", at MU Veterinary Services.
Spayed and helped reunite small terrier mix, "Trixie," with owner.
Assisted in getting vet care for two cats, "AJ" and "Jewel," whose owner is unemployed.
Helped reunite pit-mix, "Kei," with owner in KCMO.
Contributed to care at Jackson County Animal Clinic for cat, "Oscar," hit and badly injured by car.
Got much-needed dental care from mobile vet, Dr. Knapper, for Shih Tzu dog, "Alemwah."
FEBRUARY
Contributed to care for dog, "Calibur," to have emergency diagnostics and surgery to address severe, life-threatening blockage in the dog's intestine.
Helped reunite owner with his lost dog at Wayside Waifs.
Paid to get dog, "Sharpie," seen by a dermatologist since dog suffers from serious skin issues.
Paid for stray dog, "King," to be examined at North Oak Animal Hospital. Dog with fractured leg was found by good samaritans who needed help to get him seen, but are keeping him now.
Helped disabled man get his dog (attacked by two strays in KCK) extensive surgery and stitches to repair severe gash in leg, and neutered at same time, at Great Plains SPCA.
Got cat treated for severe bladder infection at Bannister Veterinary Clinic since owner was unable to front the initial charge for treatment.
Contributed to eye care for five-month-old, rescued Chihuahua, "Violet," that was suffering excessive water behind the eye.
Euthanized senior, very loved, but seriously ill American Pit Bull Terrier that was facing various medical challenges at Bannister Veterinary Clinic. The owner/family no longer wanted their sweet dog to suffer in agony.
Euthanized senior, very loved, Great Pyreneese mix, "Harley," to end his suffering per owner's request, at Great Plains SPCA. The owner, devastated by his beloved dog's suffering, no longer wanted his dog to be in pain.
Contributed to diagnostics for loved American Pit Bull Terrier who started having seizures so we could figure out if the problem was epilepsy or something else. Family was in a terrrible car accident yielding a totalled car and the father losing his job from an injury sustained in the wreck.
Paid for follow up visit for rescued dog, "King" - Meds and anti inflammatories.
Neutered, microchipped and got antibiotics for dog "Tank," that was missing for a month and finally showed up at the KCMO shelter. Dog's front leg showed signed of a possible dog fight (puncture wounds).
Got tiny puppy examined at Arbor Creek Veterinary since dog was exhibiting signs of neurological trauma.
Neutered and examined "Trident," a three-legged cat found with a missing lower leg.
Paid to humanely euthanize a 19 YEAR OLD Daschund at Great Plains SPCA. Family bread-winner suffered a stroke and they've struggled financially ever since. They didn't want their boy to suffer anymore (lost eye sight, can't control urination, lost significant weight, tumors etc.)
Paid to get pupppy treated with Parvo virus at KC Pet Project.
Contributed to Boarder Collie's Parvo treatment at KC Pet Project and neuters this dog, "Duke."
Contributed to vet care at Blue Pearl for cat, "Oliver," that was badly injured by car, and picked up by a good samaritan.
Paid to get stray cat, "WC Fields," with bad eye, abnormal nose and lesions on feet to be examined, neutered, vaccinated and treated with meds at FMA Animal Hospital.
Paid for cat, "Alex," with open wound, to be examined and treated. The possible bite wound was bad: Torn in two spots with muscle exposed. Vet sutured it up, gave antibiotic injection for infection and flushed it out. We also combo tested him and it was negative!! Alex was living in a rough trailer court where he had been TNRd previously, but he went in the trap yesterday and lucky for him he did!! Hoping he ends up being tame and can go to a rescue or home after he heals.
Got German Shepherd "Cochise" treatment at Great Plains SPCA for skin allergies. Owner suffered a broken leg from a horse falling on him four months ago and hasn't been able to work.
Paid to get necropsy done at MU on little puppy that was locked in a crate and left to die in KCMO. Dog was found dead, lying in feces and frozen. Puppy died from starvation and dehydration.
MARCH
Paid for dental work and spay for rescued Yorkshire Terrier, "Izzy," that was discarded from a puppy mill once she was no longer "attracted to the male."
Euthanized two dogs, "Bear" and "Baby"- We worked with owner to try and treat their ailments, but the dogs didn't improve and he didn't want them to suffer any longer.
Contributed to leg amputation for dog "Moose" at Banfield.
Had Schnauzer mama that just had two pups examined at Independence Animal Hospital.
Paid for Mama and kittens to be spayed/neutered in Olathe, KS area. Volunteer Dianna trapped the feral mama cat so we could alter and vaccinate once the cat gave birth.
Paid for five feral cats to get feral cat packages at Great Plains SPCA, including spay/neuters, vaccinations and eartips. Volunteer Cara trapped these KCKS cats.
Got Beagle/Basset mix "Moe" examined at Independence Animal Hospital due to ear issues. Moe's owner was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident and a good friend took the dog in while owner is in hospital, but couldn't afford the needed care.
Attempted to treat male Daschund "Codey" for diabetes at Blue Pearl, but due to severity of illness and extensive cost and treatment, are left with euthanasia of dog to peacefully end his suffering.
Contributed to emergency dental surgery at Blue Pearl for five year old Cairn Terrier dog "Bonny" to remove abcessed tooth.
Spayed Lab mix "Blackie" with prolapsed uterus at Bannister Veterinary Clinic for woman on disability who couldn't afford the entire balance for her dog.
Got cat "Poppy" examined and tested. Family rescued cat from a Craigslist "free cat" post, but cat has illness and will eventually succumb to it.
Contributed to ear tumor removal surgery at Crest Animal Hospital for Chihuahua mix "Peanut" since widowed mom on social security couldn't afford the entire amount due up front to help the dog.
Contributed to help spayed American Pit Bull Terrier in KCMO at Independence Animal Hospital that was hit by a car.
Paid for stray cat, "Elvis," found with neck bite and hurt paw to be neutered, vaccinated, combo tested and treated with meds, at FMA Animal Hospital.
Paid for emergency exam and treatment for extremely weak cat with puncture wound on head, severely ingrown toenail, matted hair and extremely low body temperature that collapsed at the door of a church. Unfortunately, after hours of intensive care, "Moses, succumbed to his ailments and passed.
Spayed two cats that may have gotten pregant (only a couple of days ago) and a neutered a male cat for a woman who found the cats, but was willing to keep them as long as they were fixed and vaccinated, at STOPP Animal Clinic. Cats now named Max, Ebony & Tennessee.
Helped keep two dogs out of the KCMO shelter by boarding "Bruiser" and "Brutus" for nine days while pet-friendly housing was secured. The whole family is now reunited for good!
Spayed, vaccinated and helped find home for this stray dog in KC area.
Examined and x-rayed dog "Perry." Dog's splints on the two broken legs aren't healing and require surgery.
Spayed two cats for family who couldn't afford to get it done.
Attempted to help feral cat "Sammy" with a severe ear infection and get him neutered, but he tested positive for FeLV and FIV. Vet thought we should euthanize since the feral cat's condition would continue to deteriorate, and we didn't want him to suffer.
Spayed Basenji/Terrier mix "Missy" since owner couldn't afford it.
APRIL
Helped unemployed woman with no transportation get her spayed Tabby cat "Sarabi" examined at FMA Animal Hospital since the cat was urinating blood. It was determined the cat has crystals, so is on a special diet until her two week check-up. Hoping the crystals dissolve so that surgery to remove them isn't required.
Contributed to spay seven-year-old Bassett Hound "Moira" since owner cannot afford the total cost up front.
Paid for Tabby cat "Ralph" to be examined at Great Plains SPCA. Ralph recently lost a lot of weight and owner is unemployed and unable to afford an exam.
Contributed to KC Pet Project foster dog's eye surgery. Shar-Pei/Shepherd mix "Melba" had entropion, an abnormality of the eyelid, and was in desperate need of help.
Contributed to dental work and extractions at STOPP for five year old Daschund "Jessie" saved off of Craigslist.
Treated "Samuel" a Bull Mastiff puppy for Parvo at KC Pet Project since single mother of three didn't have the entire funds up front to pay to treat her son's new dog.
Got KCK stray (but friendly) cat "Big Boy" neutered, vaccinated and treated for facial lacerations at Great Plains SPCA. Good samaritans befriended the cat a while ago and saw he was attacked by something overnight. Couldn't afford treatment for their friend due to being unemployed.
Contributed to leg amputation for dog "Dora." Owner volunteers at an animal facility up north and couldn't afford the fees to help her dog up front.
Helped Beagle/Terrier mix "Nitai" with broken leg at VCA Wellborn in KCKS. Dog got hit by a truck while on a jog with her owner.
Covered spay, vaccinations and deworming for stray cat "Snowshoe" at Great Plains SPCA.
Paid for KCMO pit mix "Memphis" to be tested and to have surgery at Jackson Animal Hospital to remove mass in groin area.
Got two cats into Great Plains SPCA that otherwise would have gone to kill shelter in north KC.
Paid for KCMO dog "Mayella" to have dental cleaning and extractions at Amity Woods. She is up for adoption at KC Pet Project and her teeth were so bad that we felt it was a serious deterrence to her being adopted.
Got skin scrape for Boster Terrier "Harlow" at Kennedy's in Raytown.
Paid for four dogs to be spayed/neutered at Independence Animal Hospital. Owner was going to give away at least two of the dogs on Craigslist because she couldn't afford to fix and vaccinate them. Now she's able to keep all four dogs.
Helped get two dogs out of KCMO shelter, managed by KC Pet Project.
Paid for stray, 10 week old Pug to have much needed spay/neuter: A young boy with mental health needs including autism was having some extreme issues dealing with some of his symptoms and wasn't opening up to therapy. Recently he and his mentor were driving down the road when he saw a dog run into the street and under a car. Long story short, he got under the car and rescued the dog! : ) He and this dog developed an immediate bond and due to this the boy started opening up in therapy- (He even brought the dog TO therapy). The dog turned out to be a hermaphrodite and was in urgent need of medical attention as the hormones were causing issues with the dog's health. The mother of this boy is disabled and on a fixed income and could not afford to get the medical needs taken care of, but felt passionately about the dog and also the help that the dog is giving her son. Friends of KC Animals was very happy to help the dog, the boy, the mother and all others involved.
Contributed to care for Britney Spaniel "Moppy" with hurt paw, at Plaza Animal Hospital. Owner is on social security and disability.
A good samaritan tried time and again to rescue a neighbor's dog "Mister" that was chained outside 24/7 with a massive tumor on his leg. The owner finally surrendered the dog to this nice person. FoKCA paid to have the dog (and this mass) examined. We also paid for vaccinations, neuter and treatment.
Jack Russell Terrier "Gottie" was hit by car. Elderly, disabled owner without transportation had no means to get dog to the vet, let alone pay the fees up front. Friends at Spay & Neuter KC picked up the dog and transported him to FMA Animal Hospital. FoKCA paid for vet to do an exam, x-rays, give fluids, and pain meds to the dog. Dog had excessive swelling of air under the skin which the vet aspirated as well. We found a nice volunteer to return dog to owner and Gotti is doing just fine now.
Neutered and helped reunite cat taken into KCMO shelter with owner.
Contributed to dog's care at FMA Animal Hospital. Dog "Juice" had a rectal prolapse and needed neuter/surgery to save his life.
Helped reunite two recently adopted and neutered Pits with their new owner. They got lose and were found by a good samaritan who contacted us. We started networking them through social media and one of our friends at KC Pet Project recognized the dogs and knew who the owner was. They were happily reunited.
Paid to humanely euthanize a feral cat that was trapped and tested positive for feline leukemia, which is highly contagious to other cats. She wasn't in good condition and likely would have suffered tremendously before soon passing.
FoKCA was contacted by a woman who was struggling tremendously for caring for her two Pits. As a result, she attempted to surrender them to the KCMO shelter, but KC Pet Project (managing the shelter) told her to contact us for help instead. We are paying to vaccinate these two already-neutered dogs for a reduced fee thanks to Spay & Neuter KC, and will pay to get the heart worm positive dogs treated. And, thanks to Great Plains SPCA, she'll receive a second very-needed dog house, monthly food assistance and heartworm preventative.
FoKCA neuter will neuter dog at Great Plains SPCA for woman who lost her home and is experiencing financial hardship. Daughter left "Bentley" with her and she wants to get him fixed, but can't afford it.
Two American Pit Bull mixed dogs escaped the house through an open front door and the owner cannot afford to vaccinate and neuter the dogs. To avoid "Lady" and "Bear" being added to the KCMO shelter system, FoKCA is stepping up to contribute for the surgeries and shots.
Testimonials from some a few we've helped....
"I can't thank Friends of KC Animals enough for the help with my Shih Tzu's, 'Alemwah', dental problems. He was running intermittent temperatures, in pain almost all the time and as an elderly, disabled individual on an extremely limited income, there was no way I could afford to have care provided by the Vet, Vet Go Mobile Veterinarian (Dr. Bill Knapper) even though he was reasonable. Your help in getting Alemwah his care has resulted in a very happy boy who is once again playful, exuberant and his general happy self. He lost two teeth but Dr. Knapper was able to save the rest with the cleaning and I was advised that many of Alemwah's respiratory difficulties will also be eased. I guess I thought those were normal for a Shih Tzus. Your kindness and efforts are more than appreciated and my Facebook friends and family were most impressed. I say to you, 'Neewi' (thank you) and I am most grateful." Teresa, KCMO
"I want to thank your organization for helping me when me and my two dogs were essentially left homeless after losing our home in a marital dispute. Friends of KC Animals was there when I had no one else to turn to. I could not stand the thought of taking my puppies to a shelter. When I get back on my feet I will return the favor tenfold. Anyone who loves animals should give Friends support or volunteer your time if you can. Thanks again, your help was greatly appreciated by me and my four legged babies!" -Bruce, Kansas City
"I had to rush my kitty, Wiley, to the ER because he had labored breathing and kept wheezing. I adopted him and his brother just six months before and noticed they both had some wheezing. When he got there they put on oxygen and said he would have to stay the night. I cried because he looked so bad and I had no money. After making a few inquiries on Facebook, I found Friends of KC Animals. What an amazing organization this is!! They helped with the bill and my Wiley lives because of them : ) Wiley and his brother turned out to have asthma. With inhalers, their asthma is controlled now. Thank you Friends- Without you my kitty may not be here!! Friends of KC Animals has also found wonderful homes for some of my guinea pigs!" -Nancy, Overland Park
"Friends of KC animals helped when my poor 9 year old Lab/Sharpei wouldn't eat or drink for several days. Friends of KC Animals paid for an emergency room visit, x-rays, and meds that I could not afford. Please help them help others by donating right now. I can't say enough good things about these people. We need them, and they need our support." -Len, Lee's Summit
"Friends of KC Animals is the most wonderful group ever. I adopted Ms. Betty Boop in January from KCMO and, well I am low income. I contacted them to help microchip her, and get her heartworm preventative. Without question they referred me to SPAY NEUTER KC where she was microchipped and received a month’s preventative. I am not in good health so we use a tie out to let her outside with me. They ordered one from Petsmart and it was delivered to my door the next day. They are the best ever.
Then she injured her back leg and helped make sure it had no permanent damage via x-rays at Great Plains SPCA. I cannot tell you what a difference they make in this community to the animals and the poor who struggle to care for their pets and do not want to have their beloved pets end up in a shelter because they cannot afford vet care in these very hard times.
I would not have been able to survive some of this without their kind and generous help. Please donate to help them, Cash or Gift Cards. They do so much for the animals here." -Angelina, KCMO
* Friends of KC Animals strongly opposes all bloodsports. Local law enforcement should be called on those participating in dog fighting. One should also (anonymously if preferred) call the Humane Society of the United States' Dog Fighting Hotline: 1.877.847.4787
The Friends of KC Animals Board and Advisors:
Britton Hunter, Hope Westergom, Katie Knapp, Sharon Gartin, Sarah Deters, Sarah Hancock, Cara Donnici, Stephanie Finkelstein, Jim Bowers, Debbie Duncan, Gail Miskew, Tammy Saum and Courtney Thomas .