Friends of Upland Animal Shelter: COVID-19 Operation Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

We used this grant money to take in kittens that were being turned away from other shelters. Prior to getting this grant, we did not have the money to equip foster homes with the necessary items to be able to take in these at-risk kittens. The medical care (antibiotics, eye medications, and surgery when needed) were also all challenges for us. In this area, shelters were not accepting cats/kittens, which left them on the street, at risk. We always took animals from our jurisdictional area, but this allowed us to partner with residents in neighboring areas to care for underage kittens.

We were able to afford to take in more kittens, as we could afford the necessary medical care such as an eye surgery (see photos) and vet visits for giardia, URIs and to rule out a broken leg. We were able to take in more kittens, properly equip foster homes, recruit additional foster families and provide all the care needed.

How many pets did this grant help?

58

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Linus (first four photos) came in with what appeared to be a terrible eye infection, but after a visit to the veterinarian it was found that his third eyelid was attached to his eye and would require surgical intervention. He was housed in a foster home with all necessary medication and supplies until the date of his surgery and throughout his recovery.

Lilac (fifth photo) also had an obvious eye condition that did not improve with the standard-protocol treatment for eye infections. We were able to take her to an eye specialist for evaluation and treatment (medication). She was diagnosed with a congenitally smaller left eye and a scar on her eye, most likely from resolved herpes. With the diagnosis, education on what her future care may require, and treatment with medication, Lilac was able to find her forever home.