Category: Feature Stories

Through the Pawsitive Recovery program, we aim to offer temporary shelter and care to the beloved pets of individuals battling substance abuse or escaping domestic violence situations. Today, we are pleased to share the inspiring journey of Ethan, a graduate of the PAWsitive Recovery program.

Ethan, now in recovery and thriving alongside his best friend Dexter, began to struggle with drugs and alcohol while in college. Soon, it started to affect those around him, and Ethan began to isolate himself from others. His dog, Dexter, never left his side. Through every challenge, Dexter was Ethan’s source of comfort and would eventually become his biggest motivation to embark on a journey to sobriety.

“I always say, if it wasn’t for my pup, I don’t know where I would be; he saved my life. His love and affection are unmatched, and he always makes me happy.”

While Dexter inspired Ethan to seek help, getting help while caring for a pet proved challenging. Ethan had to leave Dexter in a kennel when he checked into rehab. He knew his pup wasn’t happy in that environment, but he had no choice. He had no one else to care for Dexter while he got help. It wasn’t until Ethan completed rehab and entered a sober living facility that he came across our program, PAWsitive Recovery.

Once Dexter entered our program, we got to work to find him a loving home. It took a couple of tries to find the perfect fit, but soon, Dexter found himself with the perfect foster family that showered him with the love and attention he needed while away from Ethan. 

“While Dexter was in foster care, I received a picture of him and their puppy practically spooning. It was the cutest picture, and it made me so happy because I knew he was with a perfect family and had found a new best friend! It provided a feeling of peace. Knowing that Dexter was in a good and safe place through PAWsitive recovery, I had a much more positive outlook on everything. It gave me a lot of comfort and peace knowing he was with such an amazing family.”

Ethan was able to give recovery his all, and while the journey was not easy, he is happy he took the first step towards recovery. 

“Having an animal has been one of the most important motivations in my journey. Working to get my normal life back was very hard but knowing that once I can go back to normal, I would have my little guy back.”

Today, Ethan and Dexter are reunited and happier than ever. They’re taking their new journey one step at a time, knowing they have all of our support.

“Every day when I come home from work, Dexter greets me with all the excitement he has in his little body. It’s always something I look forward to, and it makes coming home a lot more special. This journey won’t just change you for the better but allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for everyone around you, especially your pet.”

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Empower individuals like Ethan on their journey to recovery and enable them to care for their pets during the healing process by making a donation to our PAWsitive Recovery program today.

Earlier this month, we shared two heart-wrenching tales: Roman, who faced the unimaginable cruelty of a cable wrapped around his neck and being dragged by a car, and Jerry, a victim of intentional burning, left for dead by a heartless individual. These victims of appalling animal abuse found refuge with our trusted partners in Azerbaijan, who swiftly recognized the gravity of their conditions and provided urgent aid.

Knowing the complexity and costliness of their required veterinary care, we turned to our dedicated donors for support. Your overwhelming generosity ensured that Roman and Jerry received the critical medical attention they desperately needed.

Both dogs have a long road ahead before they’re healed, but thanks to you, they are no longer suffering alone. The veterinary team caring for them is dedicated to doing everything possible for these dogs. We remain committed to keeping you updated on their progress and eagerly anticipate the day we can share images of them, fully healed and thriving in loving homes—thanks to you.

Daily Hugz is the largest animal sanctuary in the West Bank, offering shelter to 65 rescue dogs. Virtually all of them have had to overcome life-threatening abuse, and yet, they radiate love and gratitude for their second chance at life. Daily Hugz has prioritized the most vulnerable animals, from abandoned pups to those struck by cars. For years, these precious animals have been able to run freely in the acre-wide sanctuary. But now, their lives hang in the balance. 

While the focus has been on Gaza, violence has risen in the West Bank. Airstrikes, once rare in the area, have become increasingly common since the war began on October 7. For the safety of their animals, Daily Hugz is left with no other option but to close the sanctuary and find a way to bring their animals to safety. That’s where we come in. In partnership with Daily Hugz, we plan on evacuating these 65 dogs from the West Bank to the United States. Evacuating animals from a war zone is not easy, but we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure their safety. 

Our team is already hard at work preparing for this life-saving mission. We’ve started rushing funds to ensure all dogs are vaccinated and that they receive necessary veterinary care for this critical flight. This is the first step of a long and complicated mission. But with the generous support of animal lovers like you, we know we can bring these dogs to safety. Join us in this vital mission—donate today to contribute to the vaccinations and medical care essential for preparing these 65 dogs for their journey to a secure and loving future!

Back in October we reached out to you with a heartbreaking plea from a domestic abuse survivor who desperately needed help to care for her beloved pup, Dewey. Through the darkest of times, Dewey had been by her human’s side providing her with love and comfort. All her human wanted was to ensure that Dewey was loved and cared for while she worked on healing from the trauma of the abuse she endured. With your help, we were able to make that possible. Not only did we find an incredible foster family to look after Dewey, but we were able to raise the necessary funds to give her the eye surgery she desperately needed and now Dewey is doing better than ever. 

Dewey Loving Life With Her Foster Family

Dewey Being a Brave Girl During Surgery

Dewey and Her Human Reunited 

The holiday season is the perfect time to show some love to your furry friends and the pet parents in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your own pets or looking for the ideal gift for a fellow pet lover, we’ve curated a list of fantastic products that will make tails wag and hearts smile.

Custom Pet Portrait

Transform your pet into a work of art with a custom watercolor illustration portrait from a talented Brooklyn artist. It’s a unique and heartfelt gift that captures your pet’s playful essence in a an adorable, lasting keepsake.

Trail Dog First Aid Kit

For the adventure-seeking pet parent and their trail buddy, the Adventure Medical Kits ADS Trail Dog First Aid Kit is a must-have. It’s specially designed to address common injuries dogs encounter on the trail, including paw problems. This kit includes dressings, bandages, and essential tools like a splinter picker/tick remover to keep your dog safe and healthy on your outdoor adventures.

Patriot Pet Ranger T-Shirts

Show your love for dogs and support a good cause with these adorable 100% cotton t-shirts featuring dogs in pilot uniforms. Profits from the sales support our Patriot Pets program which helps reunite U.S. pilots with their beloved animals, making it a gift that gives back.

Grey Icon Dog Blanket

Keep your pup cozy and your furniture clean with this baby-soft fleece dog blanket. It’s perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth to your dog’s bed or crate and serves as a protector against unwanted pet hair. Plus, it’s stylish and functional.

Automatic Cat Feeder

Simplify feeding time for your feline friend with the WOPET automatic cat feeder. You can set a feeding schedule through the WOPET Life APP, and even record a 10-second voice message to reassure your cat when you’re not around. This thoughtful device ensures your cat is always well-fed and feels your presence.

Silicone Slow Feeder

Promote healthy eating habits for your dog with this silicone slow feeder. It helps prevent indigestion, choking, and vomiting by slowing down their eating pace. The food-grade silicone material is safe and durable, ensuring your dog enjoys every meal without discomfort.

Personalized Pet Figurine

Celebrate your pet’s unique personality with a custom-made polymer clay figurine. Handcrafted with love, these figurines make for an exceptional gift for pet parents. They’re a lasting memento of the special bond between humans and their furry companions.

Electric Nail Trimmer

Make nail grooming stress-free for both you and your pet with this advanced electric nail grinder. The diamond drum bit grinder is safe and comfortable, and the quiet motor minimizes stress for your pet. Keep those claws in check without the hassle of traditional nail clippers.

Cat Suncatchers

Add a touch of elegance to your home decor with these cat suncatchers. Made from high-quality, fire-resistant plastic, they are a beautiful and unique way to show your love for cats. Hang them in a sunny spot to enjoy the mesmerizing play of light and color.

Holiday Cat Bowl

Get into the festive spirit with this “merry catmas” cat food or water bowl. Your cat will dine in style during the holiday season, and it’s sure to bring some extra cheer to your home decor.

Fi Smart Dog Collar

For pet parents who want to keep a close eye on their dogs, the Fi Smart Dog Collar is a game-changer. With GPS and Wi-Fi tracking, step counting, and sleep tracking, you can ensure your dog is safe and active. Plus, it sends alerts if your dog ever escapes, helping you locate them quickly.

Bucket Biscuits

Treat your dog to the flavors they love with these natural, non-GMO biscuits. Made with whole wheat flour, peanut butter, pumpkin, chicken broth, bacon grease, cinnamon, and turmeric, these biscuits are a delicious and healthy snack for your furry companion.

This holiday season, celebrate the love between pets and their parents with thoughtful and enjoyable gifts that cater to their well-being, comfort, and style. Whether it’s a custom portrait, a practical first-aid kit, or a high-tech tracker, these gifts are sure to make tails wag and hearts melt.

Imagine encountering an animal in dire need, rescuing it, and then facing the heart-wrenching possibility of leaving it behind, never to see it again. This is precisely what happened to six compassionate members of the U.S. military during their deployment in the Middle East. While on their patrols, they came across animals in desperate situations, some teetering on the brink of death. Despite regulations prohibiting it, they rushed to assist these animals, providing them with the care they desperately needed. They took these animals under their wing, offering them a fighting chance at survival. However, due to military regulations that prohibited companion animals from traveling on military aircrafts, these soldiers were confronted with the harsh reality that they had no means of bringing the animals they had grown so attached to back to the United States.

We couldn’t stand by and let these heroes and their cherished animal companions be separated from each other. So, we embarked on a mission to reunite them. Thanks to your generous support, we raised the necessary funds for this mission, and just last week, we successfully brought these wonderful animals home.

We invite you to extend a warm welcome to Rye, Bongo, Whiskey, Bella, Scrappy, and Hesco as they arrive in the United States. We are confident that they will enjoy long and joyful lives alongside the heroes who stepped up when they needed it most.

Rye, Bongo, and Whiskey

These three siblings were found stuffed in a bag and abandoned on the side of a bridge. Kind members of the U.S. Army rushed to their aid. Without them, these tiny puppies, just a few weeks old at the time, would not have survived. Today, the pups and their heroes are together again. 

Bella

Army Specialist Elijah rescued Bella when she was just five months old. She was all alone, with no food, water, or shelter to protect her from the elements. Their connection was instantaneous, and their bond grew stronger with each passing day. Their remarkable tale touched the hearts of numerous compassionate donors who eagerly anticipated their heartwarming reunion. After months of navigating through red tape, rigorous testing, and trying to secure a flight, Bella has finally set paws on American soil and is now en route to the loving embrace of the hero who rescued her.

Scrappy

When Scrappy was just three weeks old, a kind Army Sergeant took him in. He knew the small puppy would have a hard time surviving on his own. Having seen how stray animals in the region were treated, the Sergeant made it his mission to make sure that Scrappy would not end up on the street. It took months of preparation, but Scrappy is now home in North Carolina and ready to make himself at home with the Sergeant and the rest of his forever family. 

Hesco

A courageous U.S. service member rushed to Hesco’s aid when he witnessed local children hurling him over a towering 16-foot barrier. In that critical moment, the Lieutenant made a solemn pledge to the vulnerable pup, vowing to shield him from harm’s way. Over the course of several months, he ensured Hesco’s well-being by providing sustenance, food, shelter, and love. As his deployment drew to a close, his determination to honor that promise burned even brighter. And just last week, Hesco and the hero who rescued him were joyfully reunited, and now they can embark on their new lives together in the United States.

PS: Copenhagen, who was rescued alongside siblings Rye, Bongo, and Whiskey will be taking her freedom flight once she has passed all the necessary tests. We’re excited to reunite her with her soldier soon and share that special moment with you. Be sure to stay tuned!

Every week, we receive more and more requests from U.S. service members who desperately need help bringing the beloved animals they befriend on deployment to safety. Each rescue can last from a few weeks to several months and costs between $4,000 to $9,000 per animal. We need your help reuniting these U.S. heroes with the animals they love.

As part of our Shelter Support program, we financially support the life-saving work of organizations around the globe. Among these remarkable organizations is the Putnam County SPCA, located in the state of New York.

Founded in 2011, the Putnam County SPCA has been on a steadfast mission to proactively enforce animal cruelty statutes at both the state and federal levels. Operating tirelessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they respond to more than 2,500 calls each year, dealing with cases that range from heart-wrenching instances of abandonment to the tragic realities of hoarding and abuse. With a small but dedicated team consisting of two sworn law enforcement officers and a group of passionate volunteers, Putnam SPCA is a beacon of hope for animals in the community.

A Recent Heartwarming Success:

One of the most touching examples of the Putnam County SPCA’s impact was their intervention in a case involving a kennel where over 65 animals were left without care following the owner’s passing. Remarkably, within just four weeks of the Putnam SPCA’s involvement, these animals—dogs, cats, goats, chickens, ducks, and donkeys—found new, loving homes. Their unwavering commitment to animal welfare is truly inspiring.

Championing the Voiceless:

The Putnam County SPCA’s commitment extends beyond providing shelter and medical care to animals seized during cruelty-related arrests; they also advocate for stronger animal cruelty laws at both the state and federal levels. As members of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, they played a pivotal role in the prohibition of puppy mills in the state of New York.

Empowering the Next Generation:

One of the remarkable aspects of Putnam County SPCA’s work is their commitment to humane education. They provide valuable insights and knowledge to other law enforcement agencies, schools, and the wider community. Their program, targeting students from 8th grade through high school, focuses on animal-centric law enforcement, is a testament to their dedication to fostering a future generation of animal advocates.

The Putnam County SPCA stands as a shining example of compassion, dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity. Their tireless efforts to protect and advocate for animals in need are nothing short of heroic.  SPCA International is honored to partner with them and support their extraordinary work.  We are delighted to announce that just last week, we had the honor of visiting them and providing $36,000 to assist in covering their operational expenses, enabling them to save more lives and bring more perpetrators of animal cruelty to justice. Together, we will persist in our fight on behalf of animals and seek justice for those who inflict pain and suffering upon them.

To learn more about our incredible Shelter Support partner, Putnam SPCA, be sure to follow their work on Instagram and Facebook

Now more than ever, donors are giving smarter, tax-savvy gifts that not only support our work to end animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse but also their own financial goals. Gifts from non-cash assets, such as Donor-Advised Funds, IRAs, and Stock portfolios can make a powerful impact on SPCA International’s work. Thanks to our partnership with FreeWill, you can ensure a cruelty-free world, and help us maintain accurate records of the gifts you make, reducing overhead and making sure your generosity goes further. Give smarter today.

We’re thrilled to announce that earlier this month, PAWsitive Recovery officially became a cherished member of the SPCA International family of programs, marking a momentous step forward in our organization’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of both animals and humans, especially those who have faced adversity. Through the PAWsitive Recovery program, we aim to provide people in recovery and animals in shelters a new “leash” on life, helping them heal from the wounds of addiction, trauma, and abuse. 

The PAWsitive Recovery Program Will Offer:

Temporary Pet Foster Care: PAWsitive Recovery provides safe and nurturing foster homes for pets belonging to individuals seeking treatment or those who have experienced domestic violence. This ensures that these beloved companions are cared for while their owners focus on healing.

Pet Visits: Individuals undergoing treatment can now reunite with their cherished pets while receiving the support they need. This heartwarming experience fills them with hope, serves as a wellspring of encouragement, and gives them something to eagerly anticipate on their journey to recovery.

Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities: PAWsitive Recovery creates opportunities for those in recovery or healing from domestic violence to volunteer and engage with shelter animals. This fosters a profound sense of purpose and connection, as they work together to create brighter futures.

Animal-Focused Therapy: The initiative incorporates animals into therapy sessions within treatment centers and shelters, amplifying the benefits of mental and emotional healing. These furry companions provide unwavering support and a safe space for individuals to open up and heal.

Animal-Focused Workshops: Educational workshops within treatment centers and shelters are designed to deepen the understanding of the incredible advantages offered by the human-animal bond. These workshops equip individuals with knowledge about the therapeutic potential of animals.

We are excited about this new partnership and know that working together we will reach new heights, enabling this life-saving program to extend its transformative services to more communities than ever before.

Visit PAWsitive Recovery to learn more about this new SPCAI program and how you can help people and animals in need. 

A group of U.S. soldiers deployed in the Middle East stumbled upon Rye, Copenhagen, Bongo, and Whiskey nestled in a bag discarded on the side of a bridge. The compassionate soldiers immediately took the puppies in. Without them, these innocent animals would not have survived. 

For months, the soldiers and their newfound furry companions bonded, growing closer and closer. With their deployments ending soon, the soldiers contacted us for assistance. They needed help to bring their beloved patriot pets home.

Military protocols barred these loyal dogs from accompanying their saviors on military flights, leaving the soldiers with few options. Fearing the fate of the pups if separated, they turned to us for hope. Thanks to the incredible generosity of SPCA International donors, we rallied funds to ensure the safe journey of Rye, Copenhagen, Bongo, and Whiskey.

Today, these pups are under our care at our facility in Iraq. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to prepare them for their much-awaited freedom flights to the U.S. Every detail is being tended to – from health checks and vaccinations to essential paperwork – all in preparation for their upcoming journey.

We’re eager to share the heartwarming reunions that lie ahead, so stay tuned for updates!