Category: Feature Stories

Last month, we shared Athena’s story — a puppy rescued by Army Specialist Jeremiah, who was stationed in the Middle East. Athena was skin and bones when Specialist Jeremiah found her. He knew that taking in a stray dog was not allowed by the military, but he could not turn his back on the tiny, frail puppy. Specialist Jeremiah risked everything to save her, even sleeping outside his tent to keep her company at night. When he found out the Army would not allow him to bring her back to the United States, his heart broke, but he did not give up. He reached out to us for help, and thanks to your generosity, Athena is coming home!

Athena is now in our care, safe at our boarding facility in the Middle East. She has been getting lots of love and cuddles from our team and enjoys playing with the other dogs in our care. Athena will be making her way to Michigan next month for what we are sure will be an incredible reunion.

We are so grateful to everyone who donated to her rescue and transport, shared her story, and sent her prayers and well wishes. We could not have done this without you. With your help, we were able to raise enough to bring Athena home and also to help transport other patriot pets to their soldiers. These missions are never easy. They take a lot of time and planning, costing upwards of $9,000 per animal and requiring anywhere between a few weeks to several months to complete. But despite the challenges, we remain committed to helping these heroes and their furry companions. They have given so much to us; it is only fair that we return the favor. 

Thank you for your continued support of our Patriot Pets program. 

To help fund the transport of other patriot pets, donate here.

In late 2007, we received a plea for help from a U.S. soldier desperately trying to get his dog Charlie out of Iraq. The soldier found Charlie while on patrol in a dangerous part of Baghdad. Charlie was tiny, frail, and starving. Despite military rules against it, the soldier took in Charlie and nursed him back to health. The two formed such a strong bond that the soldier promised Charlie he would bring him home to the United States and give him the life he deserved. So when the end of his deployment approached, the soldier knew he could not leave him behind. 

It took months of hard work, navigating through endless red tape, and reaching out to many animal lovers willing to help on this mission, but in February 2008, we brought Charlie to the United States. At that moment, our Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program was born. 

Since then, our work has expanded beyond saving pups from Baghdad. We have helped over 1,200 dogs, cats, and even a donkey reunite with the heroes who rescued them. We have transported animals from the Middle East, Central Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. That is why we have decided to rename Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide to Patriot Pets. Patriot Pets will continue helping to reunite U.S. service members and the animals they rescue. We look forward to expanding this program and helping more heroes and patriot pets in need.

Liberty was rescued by Sergeant Eric when she was just a puppy scrounging for food. An animal lover, the sergeant took in the small, timid dog. He made her a bed, got her food, and the two quickly became inseparable. Liberty was precisely what the sergeant needed to keep his spirits up on deployment, and he was the perfect protector to keep Liberty safe.

But when his deployment ended, Sergeant Eric was heartbroken at the possibility of Liberty having to stay behind, so he reached out to SPCA International to help transport her to the United States. Like many Operation Baghdad Pup: Worldwide missions, this one came with its set of challenges, but we knew we could not let Liberty or Sergeant Eric down. Our team worked tirelessly on the logistics of getting Liberty to the United States, but we needed help from dedicated supporters like you to cover the cost of her transportation. 

Thanks to your generosity, we are excited to share that Liberty will be coming home next month! The sergeant cannot wait to be reunited with his best friend again, and we could not be happier to know that Liberty will soon be able to start her new life with the hero who saved her. While she awaits her freedom flight, Liberty is getting tons of love and care from our team overseas.

Remember Robyn, the sweet pup that was cruelly tossed from a moving car and left to die on the side of the road? Thanks to your generous support, she got the urgent medical care she needed and has made a remarkable recovery. Our incredible partner in Azerbaijan, Good World Animal Rescue and Protection (GWARP), has been taking great care of Robyn and is working hard to get her ready for adoption. Could you be the loving family that she is looking for?

Robyn is ten months old, and despite everything she has endured, she remains friendly, loving, and gentle. Due to her injuries, one of her legs had to be amputated, but that hasn’t slowed her down. She is a playful and curious puppy ready to explore her surroundings. 

We want to help Robyn find her forever home, which is why SPCA International is committed to covering up to $2,000 of her transportation costs.* If you are interested in giving Robyn the loving home she deserves, please email [email protected] or submit an application at www.gwarp.org.

*Robyn’s adoption fee is $500 and must be paid to GWARP. SPCA International will cover up to $2,000 of her transportation costs. Should transportation costs exceed that amount, the remaining balance will be the adopter’s responsibility.

Kengue was a gentle street dog loved by all who met him. People in the community had been doing their best to feed and care for him despite having little to no money to provide for their own human families. In Venezuela, where Kengue lived, people live in extreme poverty, suffering from malnutrition, starvation, and disease. So despite wanting to help Kengue, when Kengue developed a tumor, those around him had no way of getting him the veterinary care he needed. They had no money, local clinic, or means of transportation. 

Sadly, Kengue’s tumor grew as he waited for help. When one of our Veterinary Supply Aid partners was alerted about Kengue, they rushed to help. Kengue’s tumor was removed, and he received chemotherapy. We were hopeful this would be the start of his new life, but Kengue was much sicker than the veterinary team had anticipated. He was much older than he looked. Unfortunately, the tumors returned. 

Kengue spent his last days in a foster home where, thanks to your generous support, he received hospice care and was showered with love. Even if it was for a short time, we are happy that Kengue felt at home and part of a family. 

We wish Kengue’s case were rare, but unfortunately, many animals in impoverished countries cannot receive the critical care they need because of a lack of resources. We are committed to doing everything we can to change this. 

Through our Veterinary Supply Aid and Shelter Support Fund programs we are supporting efforts around the globe to provide more low-cost and free veterinary care and ensure that local clinics have the essential medical supplies and medicines to serve their communities. With Kengue in our hearts, we will continue to fight for others like him.

This year, many animals around the globe remained at-risk as the rising cost of goods threatened economies and livelihoods. The poorest countries have been hardest hit and it is no coincidence they are also some of the countries with the worst conditions for animals. 

Thanks to you, SPCA International was able to rush aid where it was needed most. These are just a few of the things we accomplished together in 2022. 

Over 360 cats, dogs, horses, rabbits and reptiles were able to travel with their military families to new duty stations through our Operation Military Pets program. Unfortunately, the often extremely high costs of moving a pet internationally put military families in an impossible situation. This program honors military families by recognizing that pets are family too! 

After a long and complicated process, we welcomed 20 dogs adopted by military members serving overseas in July 2022. These pups had been stuck in limbo for months as the CDC enforced strict animal import guidelines. We are happy to report that the restrictions have eased thanks to continued and coordinated pressure from SPCA International and other animal welfare groups. 

With your support, over $160k was dedicated to promoting spay and neuter through targeted education and free or low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Spay and neuter continues to be the best way to keep animal populations under control, which means they are cared for by people and stay healthy. Keeping animals healthy keeps communities healthy. 

Through our innovative Veterinary Supply Aid program, hundreds of units of medicine and medical supplies were sent around the globe to treat hurt and suffering animals. Generous North American businesses donate the supplies free of charge and generous donations provide for the cost of shipping supplies where they are needed most. 

Thank you for making this important work possible. YOUR support saved lives and eased suffering in 2022. We look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2023. In fact, you can make a year-end tax-deductible donation or set up regular monthly giving to support animals in 2023 by taking action right now.  

SPCA International has been supporting Clean Futures Fund in the Chornobyl Nuclear Exclusion Zone since 2017. Our staff were honored to participate in spay and neuter events, and we are proud to have provided funding over the years to reach this special dog population. 

The dogs of Chornobyl included hundreds of semi-feral dogs who were the descendants of pets left behind during the nuclear disaster in the 80’s. With careful planning and local coordination, Clean Futures Fund brought comprehensive spay and neuter, feeding and health campaigns to the area to safely and humanely reduce the size and suffering of these dogs. 

Though work was always challenging in the Chornobyl Nuclear Exclusion Zone, the Russian invasion put the people and the dogs of Chornobyl at terrible risk. Dedicated Ukrainians have worked relentlessly to deliver food and first-aid to dogs, but Russian occupation, road blocks and ruined roads have complicated their work immensely. 

Here at SPCA International, we are thrilled to have supported this courageous group of people in continuing their work to reach the dogs and people of Chornobyl. In addition to support for the recent spay and neuter event, SPCA International sponsored a four-wheel-drive vehicle to help Clean Futures Fund reach the people and animals who need them. 

With its new vehicle, the Clean Futures Fund is able to transport food from Kyiv to Chornobyl more efficiently. They are also using the vehicle to transport people in Ukraine and provide support to the villages surrounding the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. The Clean Futures Fund plans to continue using the vehicle to provide animals with services and food in Chernobyl.

Funding for this grant came from the SPCA International’s Shelter Support Fund, through which the organization supports and partners with animal shelters and service organizations around the world to increase their impact.

Each year SPCA International staff share their favorite pet items and this might be our best list yet! With toys, beds, carriers, feeders, grooming items and more, we hope you find something for the pets and pet people on your holiday shopping list this year. 

A special SPCA International partner, The PetaBox is donating $1 to SPCAI for every one of their innovative dog and cat products sold! Some of our favorite items include this Portable Dog Water Bottle that includes its own bowl, this discrete Portable Pooper Scooper and this Self Rotating Robot Cat Toy!

A lifesaver for tired paws on long hikes or trips, there is a K9 Sport Sack for every size of pup, no matter their (and their pet parents’) lifestyle. With features like side vents, detachable storage bags and padded straps, these pet carriers are simply incredible. 

The Rolly Cannoli is a genius toy that keeps pups busy without making a mess! The special design keeps hard and soft treats (even peanut butter) from falling out. Not only is this toy fun and tidy, but it also floats and comes in multiple colors! We’re not sure who will love this toy more, pups or pup parents. 

Keeping pups busy can be a challenge, but the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball can provide hours of intrigue for curious dogs. This flexible ball is made of durable vinyl, “giggles” when moved to a new angle, and features multiple “pockets” so dogs large and small can pick it up! 

Late-night walkers and wanderers are easily seen with these Glowing Pet Collars! With a lithium-ion battery, these weather-resistant collars can be sized to fit any pet. They keep pets safe because they can be seen from 500 meters and include three different “glow modes”. 

This Automatic Pet Feeder is a sanity saver for busy pet parents who want to “set it and forget it”. Pet parents can program the feeder to dispense a specific amount of food up to ten times a day. Even better, humans can include a 10-second “meal call” recording to tell their pets it is time to eat!

For the bored or anxious pet, these Lick Mats can be a lifesaver! Designed to accommodate hard and soft foods on horizontal or vertical surfaces, the mats can keep pets busy during long days at home or stressful activities like baths. They are even dishwasher safe, which keeps clean-up easy.  

This Car Seat Cover and Hammock is 100% waterproof and durable to keep pets safe and vehicles pristine. It can be used as a traditional back seat cover, in the hatch of an SUV or it can be converted into a hammock between the front and back seats – a feature that is particularly helpful for smaller pets. 

Wisdom Panel DNA tests for cats and dogs provides valuable insight into pet ancestry, breed, traits and health risks. Tests involve a simple swab returned to the lab through pre-paid shipping and results are ready in just a couple of weeks. 

Pups are as unique as their coats, which is why Pride + Groom provides pet grooming products based on coat type! From shampoos and conditioners to products for in-between baths, pups will be soft and nice smelling for weeks!

A good sleep makes everyone happy, which is why this Calming Pet Bed is so great! High walls and super soft shag fabric keeps dogs or cats cozy and happy for restful naps and nights. They look so nice, we wish they made them for people too!

The Doggy Bathroom is a gamechanger for the way pups potty. Designed like a litter box for dogs, the Doggy Bathroom provides horizontal and vertical surfaces with liquid absorption and odor masking. This product is great for pups that spend many hours at home or don’t like venturing into bad weather. 

This Cat Tunnel Bed does double duty as a cozy bed and a fun tunnel! Cats will be content to lounge in the bed and play in the double entrance tunnel. It even comes with a hanging toy to keep kitties occupied. 

Great for busy kitties, this two-pack of Silvervine Stick Chew Toys includes one Catnip Ball Toy and one Bell Toy. Constructed of handwoven silvervine sticks, cats’ teeth are cleaned as they play. These all-natural chew toys are sure to keep cats busy for hours. 

The Hartz Just For Cats® Peek and Play™ Cat Toy requires no assembly, which makes it a perfect holiday gift. With several windows, toys and a detachable scratcher, cats can have fun and maintain healthy nails. 

 Thank you to everyone who helped make Operation KTMO a success! With your support we reached over 170 animals in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with essential veterinary care. Our special nonprofit coalition brought together Operation Git-Meow, Caribbean Spay and Neuter and Army Veterinary resources on base during a five-day event designed to improve conditions for animals and keep the Guantanamo Bay community safe from rabies and other animal-borne illnesses. We were thrilled to be received warmly by everyone on base and the volunteers were amazing! We look forward to future collaboration on this important project!

Thank you to everyone who stepped up to support essential veterinary care for animals in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba! 

A long-trusted military partner, SPCA International is thrilled to be part of a nonprofit coalition to improve the lives of animals and people in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 

SPCAI is partnering with Operation Git-Meow, Caribbean Spay and Neuter and Army Veterinary resources on base to provide essential veterinary care and sterilizations during a 5-day event in November with the goal of treating 400 animals!

This event will improve conditions for animals and keep the Guantanamo Bay community safe from rabies and other animal-borne illnesses. The base is the size of a small town, covering over 45 square miles with over 6,000 military members, contractors, civilian employees and family members.

This initiative is critically important because rabies is a serious public health issue in Cuba that puts free-roaming animals and the pets of our military members at risk. Ensuring animals are free of disease will also ensure the human population on base stays safe.