Tails of Hope! 

Here at the RISPCA we love all animals even those that need a little extra support, medical attention, and kindness.  And we want to make it easier for them to find FOREVER homes. That is why we are creating a new giving option strictly to help those animals that need more pre and post-adoption care. Each year, the RISPCA takes in hundreds of animals from our community and many of them require additional medical treatment and behavioral needs. The burden of that care is often passed on to the adopters which can deter some from adopting one of these special animals, or adopting from a shelter again.  We want to break down that barrier and ease the financial difficulties by treating and offering assistance to the special humans who love our special needs animals post-adoption if needed. These funds are for all shelter residents – cats, dogs, small animals alike!

Some of the extra care to be covered by Tails of Hope would include but is not limited to the following:

• Diagnostic testing (x-rays, ultrasound, blood work)

• Antibiotics for infection (upper respiratory, urinary tract, skin, etc.)

• Hernia repair

• Dental cleaning/teeth extraction

• Entropion surgery (corrects a condition affecting the eyelids) 

• Chronic condition support (diabetes, kidney disease, allergies)

• Special or Prescription diets  (due to allergies, weight management, etc.)

• Treatment for Heartworm, Ringworm, Parvovirus

• Pyometra surgery (due to infection of the uterus)

• Limb amputation

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery

• Pre and Post-adoption behavior support

Donate today to Tails of Hope to ensure even our most vulnerable animals receive the medical and behavioral attention and care they deserve.

Juniper’s story:

Our sweet Treeing Walker Coonhound girl Juniper was having a grand old time galloping alongside her sister Fern in the play yard as she has done each morning since she first arrived all the way back in November of 2024.  Juniper is known for her swift and agile maneuvers around obstacles and other dogs, but on this particular morning as she pivoted around the corner of our agility equipment an undeniable “pop” sound was heard by our dog care staff. 

Juniper came to an abrupt stop, and meekly lifted up an injured leg.  We knew play time was over, and it was a time for a visit with our vet.  Even before her radiographs we all suspected the diagnosis to follow, and further examination did indeed confirm our worst fears.  Active, and enthusiastic Juniper had just torn her CCL (canine cruciate ligament). 

For anyone who has ever experienced an ACL tear personally this is effectively the doggy equivalent.  The CCL is responsible for stabilizing the joint of the knee and without it intact almost all movement becomes very limited, and can even be painful.  While the procedure to fix a torn CCL is technically an elective one it is very important for the physical wellbeing and arguably more important for the mental wellbeing of the dog.  Especially if they are very active, and love to play the way Juniper does each day. It is so hard to picture her being unable to take part in the activities she loves the most like following her scents on long walks, and bouncing around in the play yard. 

Unfortunately, this particular procedure is not an inexpensive one.  Our first quoted price was over six thousand dollars!  Luckily, however a very generous practice with a budding surgical resident working to perfect their craft has offered to help Juniper at a greatly reduced price of $3500.  We want to capitalize on this chance to help Juniper get healthy so she can run around once again happily in a new home! We are humbly asking for all the help we can get on this, please consider donating towards Juniper’s road to recovery! Thank you in advance.