We were honored to be included in this year’s Blessing of the Animals celebration at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge last weekend. In conjunction with the spiritual blessing, parishioners were given an opportunity to learn about Positive Tails, and donate to help animals in need of veterinary care.

Our grateful thanks to Angela Athineos, the Teen SOYO volunteers and the church community for their support.

One of the special animals in attendance was Fluffy, one of only two cats who received a blessing that day. Fluffy was doubly blessed to have a wonderfully caring and loving family who described him as a shining star. Sadly, Fluffy passed away on Monday from terminal cancer. To honor Fluffy Maloof and his family, the church community decided to dedicate their donation to his memory. We join them in appreciation that Fluffy was able to enjoy a happy life as a beloved member of a caring family, and we hope that knowing the funds that were raised will help animals in need provides some comfort to those who knew him.

Emergencies can happen at any time. Cooper was a healthy 6 year old dog when he suddenly became ill with a urinary blockage, a condition that can be life threatening without emergency surgery. His family was desperate to help him, but surgery can be expensive especially during these difficult times. With your help we were able to assist with funding, Cooper had his surgery, now he’s back home with his family, feeling much better.

Meet Coco! After falling 5 stories from his apartment he was rushed to VERG Brooklyn, where attempts to stabilize him revealed that one of his hind legs was shattered, bleeding internally, and would be impossible to repair. He is home with his family and although he lost a leg, he is doing great, thanks to support of our donors and his medical team at VERG.

We are proud to work with Mission Helping Hand to promote animal wellness! On Saturday, September 25, Positive Tails is providing health screenings and vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Services such as spay/neuter appointments and access to supplies will also be available.

Everyone is welcome at this event.

Getting regular health screenings and vaccinations is the best form of preventive care for all of us.

Bella Rose was able to celebrate #nationalpuppyday with her family thanks to your support. Bella suffered from a head trauma. Her prognosis was guarded with proper treatment but was 100% terminal without care.

It was touch and go but with amazing around the clock care from her medical team at @vergbrooklyn Bella slowly recovered. It has been a couple of weeks and she recently returned for a recheck and we’re so happy to say she is doing even better than expected. When she left the hospital she was unable to walk but her family followed everything they were supposed to do at home and Bella is now walking and almost completely recovered.

It’s been a tough time for many recently, including Milton. He was found by a Good Samaritan who could immediately tell that he is the sweetest guy, and also that he desperately needed medical attention. Positive Tails, working with our partners at City Veterinary Care, prioritized his evaluation.

Tests showed that Milton is diabetic, a disease that is manageable in cats, but fatal if left untreated. The kind person who had found Milton decided to adopt him and give him the lifelong love and care he deserves.

While so many have been affected by the pandemic and its repercussions, it has also created financial hardship for many, impacting their ability to provide lifesaving veterinary care for their pets.

Positive Tails is grateful to be able to make a difference in the lives of humans and animals by giving them a chance to lead long and healthy lives. We can’t do this without your support. Please consider a donation.

Tigger was rushed to to VERG after a terrifying fall 6 stories out of his apartment window.

When Tigger’s family rushed to Tigger’s side he was responsive but reluctant to move. Upon initial examination, nothing was broken but he was suffering from severely labored breathing. His medical team and family were hopeful he could pull through but were facing financial constraints. They got together everything they could and reached out to Positive Tails to help with the rest. We are happy to say that after some around the clock care, Tigger made it though and completely won the hearts of his medical team. Here is Tigger and his family at discharge..it’s pretty obvious that they are very happy to be reunited.

These are difficult times to see the positive side of things…but we have found a couple of ways. Meet Yuki! Yuki’s family was not able to keep her, but luckily someone else stepped in and was eager to welcome a new member of the family.

While Yuki’s previous family adored her, they weren’t taking care of her veterinary needs and at 3 years old Yuki had not yet been spayed or vaccinated. When her new mom (who happens to be one of our awesome volunteers) reached out to us, it was because she wanted to do everything right by Yuki, and we were glad to help get her spayed and ready for her new home.

Throughout this pandemic the dedication we have seen from our partner veterinary hospitals has been amazing. We have asked a lot of them and they have delivered without hesitation.

Dr. Silverman and the team at Prospect Park Animal Clinic have treated animals for people being hospitalized for Covid-19, they have gone onsite and vaccinated animals that needed to leave their homes because their humans were in the hospital, and always made even the most difficult situations work. We’re lucky to have them on our side, now more than ever.

This advisory notice is based on text provided by the Office of the Mayor of New York City.
For a downloadable guide you can complete to help with emergency planning for pets, see NYC Emergency Management’s Pets page: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/pets.page

Make a plan for your pet:

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), the CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. Wash pet bedding, leashes, collars, dishes and toys the same way you would clean other surfaces in your home. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

Ensure Proper Identification:
● Dogs and cats should wear a collar or harness, rabies tag, and identification tag at all times. Identification tags should include your name, address, and phone number, and the phone number of an emergency contact.

● Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered and up to date.

Veterinary Care:
● Refrain from physically visiting your veterinarian for routine or non-urgent issues during this time. Call your veterinarian ahead of time to confirm if your pet is experiencing an emergency.

Make a Plan – Prepare for a Human Health Emergency:

● Designate a trusted pet caregiver (family, friend, neighbor, colleague). Your identified caregiver should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information.

● Record important information about your pet so that you can easily access it during an emergency.

● Put together a Go Bag for each pet with basic food, supplies, medicine, identification, a list of emergency contacts, your veterinarian’s contact information, and proof of vaccination.

● Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your animal’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.

● Have crates, food and extra litter and other supplies on hand for quick movement of pets.

● If you have neighbors who are self-quarantined or otherwise in need of help, offer to walk their dog or take pets for routine visits.

● Talk with your local veterinarian, kennel, grooming facility, or other potential boarding facilities to see if they can offer safe shelter for your pet during a health emergency.

● Update animal vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella) in the event boarding becomes necessary.

● If your pet is on medication, ask your veterinarian for an extra supply.

● Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions.

● If you do not have a yard, be sure to have extra cleaning products and newspaper/puppy pads on hand if you cannot leave your home to walk your dog.