At Friends of Russell County Animals, we understand that life can present challenges that make keeping a pet feel overwhelming. Before surrendering your pet to a shelter, please consider the following compassionate alternatives:
At FRCA, we believe that pets are family. Yet, for many low-income pet owners, keeping their beloved companions healthy and at home can be a challenge.
“Linda” lives by herself with her cat, “Oakley”. Oakley is her constant companion and has brought her joy and comfort in her most challenging days. Oakley showed up at her doorstep a few years ago, looking hungry and scrappy. Linda took him in without a doubt.
Jessica is a single mom of two energetic kids, always doing her best to provide for them on a tight budget. Life is a daily balancing act, but one morning on her way to work, everything changed. She found two little puppies huddling under a bush near her apartment complex, shivering and scared. Her heart melted at the sight, and without hesitation, she scooped them up, deciding that, for better or worse, they would be part of the family.
Nothing can be more stressful and emotionally devastating than facing an emergency with a beloved pet. Pets may be the only source of emotional stability and source of joy that individuals and families living in poverty possess. It can be devastating to have to face the choice of weighing the love for a pet and its care against potential ruin. This was a reality for “Rick”, a U.S. Army veteran, whose dog “Lady” developed sudden paralysis from Lyme’s Disease. Because of your compassion and generosity, Lady is healthy today and received the medication and veterinary care she urgently needed. She also received lifesaving vaccines and free spay and neuter. Pet-owner support programs play a critical role in preventing companion animal suffering and surrender to shelters. Our organization’s core programs (spay/neuter, veterinary assistance, and outreach) keep families in need together. You can help by donating today.
