The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: COVID-19 Operation Grant Report

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

Funds were used to purchase the following supplies that enabled us to place 80% of our shelter pets in foster care during the stay-at-home order: crates, food, formula, bottles, heating pads and medication.

They grant enabled our shelter to continue to accept stray animals during the stay-at-home order. We were able to place them into foster homes instead of keeping them at the shelter or leaving them on the streets.

How many pets did this grant help?

57

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

Crosby, a declawed extra-large cat weighing in at 21.4 lbs., was brought to a local vet to be euthanized because of a “behavioral issue.” He originally lived a happy life with another cat, but one day his owner brought home a dog. Upon the dog’s arrival, Crosby stopped using his litter box, and the owner rehomed Crosby. His new owners were tolerating Crosby’s behavior at first and tried medication (Prozac) to help relax him. After only a few doses without success, Crosby was brought back to the vet with a euthanasia request.

He was given a thorough exam, including blood work and a urinalysis, which determined Crosby was in good health. The vet concluded his behavior was not because of an underlying medical issue, but most likely due to the recent stress/changes in his life. The vet refused to euthanize a healthy cat, and they called our shelter to ask if we could help find Crosby a new home during the pandemic.

Because of the COVID-19 Relief Grant from the Petfinder Foundation, we were able to boost our foster supplies to give Crosby a second chance at life, literally. Crosby found his forever home through his foster parent and is now living a life as grand as he is (and is happy to share his home with a canine friend AND use his litter box like a champ!).