Category: Feature Stories

When rescuers found Panny, he was barely holding on, struggling to breathe. No one knows how long he had been trapped by his neck in 104-degree heat, but it was clear he had caused severe neurological damage. We worried he might not make it but never gave up on him.

Thanks to our incredible SPCA International community, we raised the necessary funds to ensure Panny got the round-the-clock care he desperately needed. We’re thrilled to share that your generosity made all the difference. Today, Panny has regained almost full mobility! Though he walks on three legs, he’s getting stronger and more confident each day.

It’s incredible to see how far he’s come. Panny has blossomed into a playful, curious cat full of life. His journey is a powerful reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together to help animals in need.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared his story, and sent their love. Your kindness saved Panny’s life, and we’re excited to watch him continue to thrive!

It’s been one incredible year since PAWsitive Recovery officially became an SPCA International program! Over the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this program, which provides a fresh start for both people and animals overcoming addiction, abuse, and hardship.

PAWsitive Recovery is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for individuals seeking help for substance abuse and mental health challenges and survivors escaping domestic violence. By removing the barriers of pet care, PAWsitive Recovery gives people the chance to focus on healing without the fear of losing their beloved pets. And we know how important that bond is—having a pet by your side can be the difference between hope and hopelessness.

Our program offers foster care for pets belonging to people in treatment, ensuring their furry companions are safe and well-cared for until they can be reunited. We’ve also hosted animal-assisted therapy workshops at sober living and treatment facilities, providing comfort, companionship, and the healing presence of animals to those in recovery. Through our volunteer program. PAWsitive Recovery has also provided individuals in recovery with the opportunity to be of service.

In just one year, PAWsitive Recovery has helped more than 400 people and animals, providing life-changing support across multiple states. Many participants have graduated from the program and are now living healthier, happier lives—alongside the pets that mean the world to them.

We’re incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished in just one year and even more excited about what’s to come. We can’t wait to watch the program grow, helping even more people and animals on their journey to recovery. Together, we’re creating brighter futures—for pets and their people.

Here’s to another year of PAWsitive change!

At SPCA International, we believe no one should have to leave their beloved pet behind—especially during times of hardship and uncertainty. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the heartwarming story of Carlos and his cherished cat, Katzel.

Originally from Venezuela, Carlos immigrated to Peru in 2018 to escape the turmoil and economic crisis ravaging his home country. For years, he and Katzel, his constant companion, built a new life together in Peru. But in 2023, Carlos received the life-changing news that he had been accepted into a resettlement program, allowing him to immigrate to the U.S. with refugee status. While it was an incredible opportunity for Carlos, there was a heartbreaking catch—Katzel wasn’t allowed to travel with him. 

Leaving Katzel behind in Peru was one of the hardest decisions Carlos ever had to make. She wasn’t just a pet; she was his family. But Carlos held onto hope, trusting that somehow, someday, they would be reunited.

That’s where SPCA International’s refugee program came in. We worked tirelessly to ensure Carlos and Katzel’s story had a happy ending. Our team coordinated Katzel’s safe journey from Peru to the U.S., navigating the complexities of international pet transport to ensure everything went smoothly.

After 13 long months apart, Carlos and Katzel reunited last month in Chicago, where Carlos is now building his new life. We’re happy to report that Katzel has already made herself at home and Carlos couldn’t be happier to have his “daughter” back. 

We are overjoyed to have played a part in reuniting Carlos and Katzel, and we look forward to helping more people like Carlos bring their beloved companions home where they belong.

In April, we reached out to you, our amazing supporters, to help us rescue Charlie, Petra, and Jordan – three puppies in danger of being left behind in the Middle East. The response was overwhelming, and thanks to your generosity, we raised the necessary funds to provide these puppies with food, shelter, and medical care while they prepared for their journey to the United States, where they would reunite with their soldiers.

Jordan, Petra, and Charlie when they were first rescue in the Middle East.

For months, Charlie, Petra, and Jordan enjoyed their time at our facility in the Middle East, receiving love and care from our dedicated team. But they were eager to reunite with the US service members who had rescued them when they were just weeks old. And late last month, the puppies finally took their freedom flight home, traveling all the way to Los Angeles.

We are thrilled to share that their long journey is over, and they are safe and back in the arms of the heroes who love them. Transporting animals across the world is challenging, and missions like this would not have been possible without the generosity of our supporters. Because of you, Charlie, Petra, Jordan, and many others are getting a second chance at life. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! Stay tuned for updates on Charlie, Petra, and Jordan as they start their new lives in the US.

Jordan, Petra, and Charlie now.

Patriot Pets Update:

Thank you for helping us bring Rocket, Farrah, Jayda, Coal, Snoopy, Koda, Joker, Rahma, Rico, Penguin, Pluto, and Eden into our care. These sweet pups are expected to take their flights home later this fall. We can’t wait to share more of their journeys with you. Be sure to stay tuned for some heartwarming reunions.

At SPCA International, we are deeply committed to protecting animals and the communities they live in. This World Rabies Day, we are thrilled to highlight the significant strides being made to combat rabies, a deadly but entirely preventable disease. By supporting our incredible partners around the globe, we are taking action to ensure that more animals and people are saved from this threat.

This year, we proudly provided over $43,000 in grants to support vaccination clinics in areas where they are needed most. With our assistance, vaccination events are being held in Tanzania, Pakistan, Uganda, Peru, and Zimbabwe. We estimate that these initiatives will vaccinate over 30,000 stray and owned animals, a critical step in preventing the spread of rabies.

Rabies is a disease that not only endangers the lives of animals but also poses a severe risk to humans, particularly in communities with large populations of unvaccinated dogs. Vaccinating dogs is one of the most effective ways to control rabies outbreaks and protect public health. Each vaccine administered moves us one step closer to eradicating rabies worldwide.

We are incredibly proud of our partners’ dedication and hard work in these countries. Their tireless efforts are making a real difference in the fight against rabies. From bustling cities to remote villages, these vaccination clinics reach animals that might otherwise go unprotected, bringing hope and safety to countless communities.

At SPCA International, our mission is to support and empower these local efforts, ensuring that resources and assistance are available where needed most. As we celebrate World Rabies Day, we remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating rabies and creating a safer world for animals and people.

Thank you for supporting this vital cause. Together, we are making a lasting impact, one vaccine at a time.

As we recognize Recovery Month, it’s important to celebrate the profound bond between humans and their pets. This bond often provides the strength and motivation to persevere through life’s most challenging moments. Pets offer unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of purpose, especially for those battling addiction. At SPCA International, we understand how vital this connection can be, which is why we’re proud to offer our PAWsitive Recovery program, a lifeline for both people and their beloved animals during times of crisis.

The PAWsitive Recovery Program: A Safe Haven for Pets

Addiction can be an isolating and overwhelming struggle, but the presence of a loyal pet can make all the difference. Our PAWsitive Recovery program is designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery by ensuring that their pets are well cared for while they focus on healing. We provide safe foster homes or board and train facilities for pets, offering peace of mind to their owners as they undergo treatment.

Knowing that their furry companions are safe and loved allows individuals to focus on their recovery without the added stress of worrying about their pets. For many, this assurance is crucial in their decision to seek help. Our program is not just about saving animals; it’s about saving lives by preserving the bond between humans and their pets.

Remembering Sean and Pickles: A Story of Love and Loss

In honoring Recovery Month, we also honor those we’ve lost. Sean, who reached out to our PAWsitive Recovery program for help earlier this year, was one of those individuals. Sean’s love for animals was evident throughout his life, and it was a source of solace during his darkest days. Highs and lows marked his journey, but his dog, Pickles, was a constant source of comfort and joy. Sean referred to Pickles as “the only friend he had.”

Sean’s mother shared with us, “Sean has always loved animals and brought all our pets to the family. In college, a puppy ended up on his front porch. He named him Roscoe and quickly grew to love him so much we said no girlfriend could compete. When he was deep in his addiction, he was unable to care for Roscoe and had to allow him to be adopted by someone who could give him a stable home.”

The loss of Roscoe was a turning point for Sean, leading him to seek sobriety. Once he got back on his feet, he found a new companion in Pickles, an Aussie puppy who quickly became the center of Sean’s world.

“Caring for Pickles gave Sean purpose and the ability to see a future,” his mother explained. “We knew Sean needed to have a companion to give him a reason to stay sober.”

Tragically, Sean lost his battle with addiction. We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and his beloved Pickles. While we mourn Sean’s loss, we are grateful that we could provide Pickles with a loving foster home while Sean sought help. Knowing that Pickles was safe gave Sean peace of mind during his treatment. Although Sean and Pickles didn’t get the happy ending they deserved, we are comforted by the knowledge that Pickles has since found a forever home where he is being showered with love and attention.

A Message of Hope

Sean’s story poignantly reminds us of the importance of reaching out for help when it’s needed, and the comfort that pets can provide during the most difficult times. Addiction is a devastating disease, but no one has to face it alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is hope, and there are resources available to help you heal—both for you and your beloved pets.

At SPCA International, we are committed to supporting people and their pets through our PAWsitive Recovery program. Together, we can help more people find the strength to overcome addiction and ensure that their loyal companions are waiting for them on the other side.

WeWard App, a revolutionary mobile application, is changing how people make a difference. By tracking users’ steps and converting them into points, the app offers a variety of rewards, including the option to donate to a favorite charity. This innovative approach has empowered countless individuals to turn their daily steps into impactful contributions.

Recently, the WeWard community united to support SPCA International’s PAWsitive Recovery program, resulting in an incredible $10,000 donation. Our PAWsitive Recovery program is dedicated to giving both people in recovery and animals in shelters a new “leash” on life. It focuses on healing the wounds of addiction, trauma, and abuse by offering temporary pet foster care for individuals seeking treatment or recovering from domestic violence. The program also includes animal-focused workshops and animal-assisted therapy in treatment centers and shelters.

This generous donation will make a tremendous difference in the lives of people and animals in need. We are incredibly grateful to the kind team at WeWard and everyone who participated by tracking their steps. Your daily walk is now a powerful tool for change; together, we are making a meaningful impact.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to creating a better world for all.

We are overjoyed to provide an update on the incredible rescue of 27 puppies from China’s horrific dog meat trade. Earlier this summer, our dedicated shelter partner in China, Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre Of Guangyuan, conducted a brave undercover operation, leading them to a breeder raising puppies to sell at the notorious Yulin Dog Meat Festival. Eventually, they were able to convince the breeder to release the puppies into their care. It is because of their courageous efforts that these puppies have been saved from a brutal death.

Upon rescue, nearly half of the puppies were found to be severely ill with Canine Distemper and Parvovirus. They were rushed to the hospital, where 13 of them spent over a month receiving intensive care. Today, we are thrilled to share that all of these puppies are out of the hospital, healthy, and thriving under the loving care of our local partner.

The transformation in these puppies is nothing short of miraculous. They are now happy, playful, and enjoying the simple joys of being puppies. This rescue and subsequent care came at a significant cost, but thanks to the incredible generosity of donors like you, we were able to support their rescue and give them a second chance at life.

We sincerely thank our donors, whose compassion and support made this rescue possible. Your contributions have saved lives and given these puppies a future filled with love and happiness.

We are also profoundly grateful to our brave partners who continue to fight against the dog meat trade. Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of such a daunting challenge inspire us all.

Earlier this year, we partnered with the Animal and Environment Association (AEA) in Bethlehem to bring ten dogs from Palestine to the safety of the United States. It was a challenging mission, but these brave dogs are now all in loving homes, living the safe and happy lives they deserve.

Unfortunately, conditions in the West Bank continue to deteriorate, affecting both people and animals. Supplies are running low, and AEA has limited funds to purchase essential food and medicine. The animals are terrified by the constant noise of bombs and fighting. As more people flee the region, more animals are left behind, desperate for help.

AEA is determined to rescue as many animals as possible but can’t do it alone. The shelter has dozens of dogs in need of loving homes. Will you open your heart and home to one of these animals? When you adopt one dog, you actually save two by making room for another rescue from the dangerous streets.

Check Out Some of The Available Dogs:

Are you interested in adopting? Please email [email protected] or visit AEA Bethlehem Shelter for more information.