Monkey – A Success Story

as written by Jim Keller, Operations Director

Monkey arrived at Homeward Pet with 5 other kittens in early October of last year. A sweet, little 3-month-old tuxedo, Monkey had the most perfect markings you’ve ever seen. And the sweetest temperament to match.

Monkey received his complete health exam on the day he we took him in, and everything looked great. He was cleared for adoption and made available the same day. And, no surprise, he was adopted just a few days later.

An unfortunate surprise came after just 2 months in his new home.

Monkey suffered a seizure that landed him at the emergency vet. Then, other symptoms appeared. He became a little wobbly on his feet, he was low-energy, he appeared sickly. He was not the bold, athletic, happy kitten they’d adopted. A follow-up visit to his regular vet brought the bad news: Monkey had contracted Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FiP).

A few years ago, this diagnosis would have been a death sentence. There was no treatment for FiP. However, in the last few years, a treatment has been developed. Last year, a pharmacy in New Jersey began compounding the medication. The problem: the treatment is very expensive, and Monkey’s family was not able to afford it. They’d already fallen in love with little Monkey and could commit to palliative care, but not to the treatment.

Wanting to leave no stone unturned, they contacted Homeward Pet. With our Adopter Support and Pet Retention programs working together, a life-saving plan was put into place. Monkey would be surrendered to Homeward Pet for the initial treatment. He’d be placed in the home of an experienced foster family (who’d already had success treating a cat for FiP), and Homeward Pet would take full responsibility for the cost of care, including medication and retesting.

And, once Monkey was on the road to recovery, he’d be returned to the adopting family that loved him so dearly.

Treating FiP requires twice-daily medication for 12 weeks! By the end of week 1, Monkey was already showing signs of improvement. Less wobbly. More active. By week 3, he was running the hallway with the resident cats (FiP is not contagious). By week 5, he owned the place – spending his days playing and sleeping in the company of 4 young cats and a Pug.

At week 6, a recheck of his blood work showed that his health had improved immensely. We were able to gift his adopter with the call they’d been waiting for – Monkey could return home to finish his treatment. Our staff was there to witness the happy reunion between an adopter and the kitten he considered his soul mate.

Homeward Pet is proud to be more than just a shelter. Every pet that comes through our doors receives compassionate care and a second chance at a happy, healthy life. But we don’t stop there. We stand by our adopters, providing resources and support after adoption to help keep pets and families together. From life-saving medical treatments to foster care and pet retention programs, we go the extra mile to ensure no pet is left behind.

These sorts of interventions are not free. They cost. And sometimes they cost a lot! We cannot help these animals without you.

Please make a donation today to help us say yes to the requests for help that come in every single day.

Introduction to Susan Trabucchi, Interim Executive Director

A Note from Susan Trabucchi, Interim Executive Director

Since I arrived in late January, I have received a warm welcome from members of the board, staff, volunteers, donors, community leaders, and countless others who care deeply about Homeward Pet. As a long-time lover of animals, whose household has been dominated by several remarkable dogs, I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to help guide the organization through a critical moment of leadership transition.

This kind of transition can feel a bit disorienting, so let me assure you that first and foremost, I am here to ensure that our core programs and operations continue to run smoothly. I am also here to help us take a collective step back – a metaphorical deep breath – to consider our strengths, identify opportunities for improvement and growth, and prepare the organization to recruit its next leader and launch an exciting new chapter.

Now in our 35th year, we have made a remarkable difference in the lives of so many animals – and the humans who get to care for them. Every day that I am here, I learn more and more about the distinct and critical services Homeward Pet provides, not just to our local community but also to the larger region.

As I dive deeper into our organization and work, it’s also clear that we have struggled for several years now to meet our annual budget – despite a lean operation. Where we can continue to find efficiencies and savings, we will do so. What we really need, however, is to increase revenue from individual donors, foundations, corporations, collaborations and partnerships. If you have supported us in the past, thank you. If you can continue to support us, thank you in advance. And if you have friends, family, colleagues, and others who might be interested in our work, please let us know how we can help make an introduction!

I look forward to meeting you in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, if you have thoughts, suggestions, or ideas as we chart a path forward, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email or call the shelter and ask for me.

Thank you again for all that you do for Homeward Pet.

With gratitude,

Susan Trabucchi
Interim Executive Director
Homeward Pet Adoption Center

P.S. For a glimpse of some of the fantastic work that our staff and volunteers continue to do, please take a look at our most recent Cuddle Chronicle, quarterly newsletter.