Summer Is No Vacation for Struggling Pets

Every day, local pet owners reach out to Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals in moments of heartbreak and crisis. Some need emergency care. Others face the hardest goodbye. And they all have one thing in common:

They love their pets—but they just can’t afford the care.

When that call comes in, we need to be ready. Lately, we’ve seen more requests than ever for pet food and emergency veterinary help. And that’s why donations matter more than ever.

Vet emergencies don’t take a summer break.
And for families living on a fixed income, one unexpected vet bill can mean an impossible choice. This summer, your compassion can change everything.

You Saved Xena

“I prayed for a miracle... and you answered.”

A couple of weeks ago, we received a string of urgent calls from a desperate pet dad named Jose. His dog, Xena, had been vomiting for 24 hours and had started passing blood. Jose, who lives on a small disability income, had called every vet he could—but no one would help without full payment upfront. That’s when he called us.

We reached out to our friends at Wareham Animal Hospital, and together we made it work. With help from our emergency fund and a generous discount from the vet, Xena received an exam, x-rays, fluids, and medication. No foreign objects were found—just a severe case of gastroenteritis. And she recovered.

A few days later, Jose told us:

“Thank you for checking in on Xena. She is doing much better on her treatment—she’s back to her wild self. I prayed for a miracle that night before I talked to you, and God answered my prayer. Once again, thank you from my heart.”

This was only possible because donors like you gave ahead of time.
That’s the power of giving. And this summer, more families like Jose’s will need help.

You Gave Missy Peace

“She was my friend… and I miss her terribly.”

Sadly, not every story we hear ends in recovery—but every story deserves love, compassion, and dignity.

Recently, we helped Nancy, who had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to her beloved cat, Missy. Thanks to our donors, we were able to help cover the cost of Missy’s peaceful passing—at a time when Nancy didn’t know where else to turn.

Nancy later shared:

“My cat was very sick and I had to have her put to sleep last week. It was very difficult, and you helped pay for it. I thank you so much because I didn’t know what I was going to do. Her name was Missy and she was my friend and I miss her terribly. I just want to tell you all thank you so much and God bless.”

No one should have to say goodbye to a beloved pet alone—or without the means to do it with dignity. This is what your support means—kindness at the hardest moments.

Why Monthly Giving = Real Compassion

One-time donations help us respond to urgent needs—but monthly gifts are what keep us ready, steady, and strong all year long. When you give monthly, you're not just reacting to emergencies—you’re preventing them. You’re ensuring that when the next call comes in, we can say “yes” without hesitation.

Even a small monthly gift can go a long way:

$5-$10/month keeps our pantry shelves stocked with food for local pets

$15-$20/month provides critical medication for an animal in crisis

$25-$30/month helps fund a peaceful goodbye for a suffering pet

$40-$50/month supports an emergency vet visit for a pet with nowhere else to turn

These aren’t estimates. These are real costs we face every week right here in Plymouth. Your monthly gift provides real relief, real care—and real love.

Why Our Donors Give Monthly

Compassion-Driven Donor

"I’ve loved animals my whole life, and the idea of someone having to give up their pet—or worse, watch them suffer—just because of money breaks my heart. My $10 monthly gift feels small to me, but I know it’s big for a family in crisis. It’s the easiest yes I’ve ever said."
— Tyler, Monthly Donor

Budget-Conscious Donor

"I can’t give a lot all at once, but $5 a month fits my budget—and I love knowing I’m still making a difference. It’s set-it-and-forget-it, but it adds up to real help for local pets. Feels better than any streaming subscription I pay for."
— Kaitlin, Monthly Donor

Memorial Donor

"I give $20 a month in memory of my dog, Molly. She brought me joy for 13 years. Now I feel like I’m keeping her love alive by helping other animals and their people. It’s become a really meaningful part of my life."
— Alyssa, Monthly Donor

Make This a Summer of Compassion

We’re asking just 10 new supporters to become Monthly Donors this summer. You can even dedicate your monthly gift in honor or memory of a beloved pet.

Can we count on you?

YES, I'LL GIVE MONTHLY!

Prefer to give a one-time gift?
Your support today will help us meet urgent needs and keep our pantry stocked for local pets and families facing crisis.

→ At checkout, you can choose whether your gift is one-time or monthly—either way, every dollar makes a difference! ←

MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT

P.S. We'll be taking a short break from the newsletter for the 4th of July—but the work doesn’t stop. Emergencies don’t take holidays, and we’ll still be here behind the scenes for every pet in crisis. Thank you for standing with us.

Wishing you and your loved ones (furry and human!) a safe and happy 4th of July!

Thanks fur reading,

The Helping Hands Team

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PO Box 214
Manomet, MA 02345, United States