Longer lengths of stay mean increased care costs.
Meet Smoosh; aptly named because his tiny little face and body sitting on stunted limbs and bowed front legs gave him the appearance of a cat all smooshed into one tiny package.
Smoosh came to the shelter as a stray. Due to his small size and awkward movements he presented like a very young kitten. In addition to his unusual body shape, he also had crusty lesions on his skin and overgrown gums making it difficult for him to eat.
No matter! He is the cutest little thing and staff couldn’t help falling in love. He spent many of his early days laying on his bed in the shelter office. He would get up to eat and use the litter box, but even basic activities were a struggle for this sluggish little boy.
A visit to the vet revealed that he was more like 5 - 6 months old. He was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism which resulted in his bones not properly developing. Once he was started on thyroid medication his bones started to develop, he started growing, and eating became easier for him. Happily, other milestones emerged. He became curious about everything and started to explore. Toys became fascinating. Finally, his spunky personality could shine! Smoosh spent 218 days in the care of NAS before being adopted in February 2024. He used that time wisely to capture the heart of one particular NAS team member who also served as his long-term foster. He now has a nurturing home with a family who understands his special needs. Smoosh isn’t alone in his longer length of stay. Adoptions slowed in 2023, not only at NAS, but at shelters across the country. This created a bottleneck of animals waiting patiently for their forever homes.
Pebbles, a dog who unfortunately had to have her leg amputated, has been with us for over 250 days. Denver, a beautiful shepherd mix dog is facing up to a 6-month stay while being treated for heartworm.
Fortunately, because of your generosity, we can provide Smoosh and others like him with the care they need for however long it takes.
Your generous gift will have an immediate impact by helping us care for animals like Smoosh and all the others that depend on us. NAS receives no government funding. We rely on donations from YOU to help us care for all the animals who come to us looking for their second chance.
We desperately need your help. Veterinary costs are already over $16,000 for the year compared to$8,800 at the same time in 2023.
Today is your day to be a lifesaver! Please consider a gift to help us continue this important work. On behalf of all the dogs and cats in our care, we are truly grateful to you, our supporters, whose kind hearts and compassion make a difference in the lives of our animals.
