A very generous donor was touched by the story of Bridgette and our other senior animals and has offered to match—dollar for dollar—the first $15,000 raised by this appeal. Keep reading to learn about Bridgette’s story and how you can help seniors like her live out their golden years in peace and comfort.
Bridgette was at least 10 years old when a Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) volunteer found her tied to a utility pole—abandoned, alone, and scared. When the volunteer started talking with her and tenderly petting her, this gentle senior dog leaned in and wagged her tail with gratitude.
At FAAS, Bridgette quickly became a staff and volunteer favorite because of her mellow, sweet demeanor.
Bridgette, a 60-pound cattle dog mix, is one of dozens of homeless senior pets who end up at FAAS every year. It breaks our hearts to see these older animals without loving homes. But we will always be there for Bridgette and all the seniors who make their way through our doors.
Bridgette went into foster care, where she could be more comfortable while she awaited adoption. She was seen by a vet for a concerning lump on her left thigh. FAAS Medical Director Cassandra Clemens, DVM, tested it. It turned out to be a mast cell tumor—a common but potentially deadly cancerous growth. After blood work to make sure Bridgette could handle surgery, Dr. Clemens removed the tumor and a 2-centimeter margin around it. Pathology reports showed she got all of it.
Bridgette is just beginning her recovery. As much as she loves going for long walks and visiting dog-friendly cafes, she’s taking it easy for the next two weeks while she recovers with her foster by her side. And when Bridgette is ready, FAAS has a potential adopter who can’t wait to welcome her into the forever home she deserves.
Thanks to all of you, we are able to give senior dogs, cats, and rabbits the extra medical care they often need. From cancers like Bridgette’s to major dental work to mitigating pain from arthritis and other age-related maladies, FAAS is there for them because of your generosity.
Your donation today will be doubled (up to the first $15,000 of donations). This will immensely help FAAS to continue our lifesaving work for the more than 1,000 animals we’ll help this year—rabbits kittens, cats, puppies, and yes, seniors just like our beloved Bridgette—to live healthy, happy lives on their way to a forever home.
As of this writing, other older animals under our care include dogs Bordeaux (8), Ducky (11), Gabby (8), George (10), and Stan Lee (12), along with cats Jeeves (12), Moo Moo (16), and Mr. Smuckers (12). Your support is critical to meeting their special needs.
To learn more about how to donate (and some of our lifesaving programs), visit the FAAS Donations page online.
To learn more about how you can maximize your impact with tax-saving options like stock donations, IRA contributions, or donor-advised funds, drop me an email at [email protected] or give me a call at 510-337-8560.
With Gratitude and Hope,
John L. Lipp
FAAS CEO / Director
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