Mac Needs a Home Before His Surgery!

Shelter Volunteers Open Their Hearts & Wallets for Homeless Dog
Volunteers raise thousands of dollars to pay for a costly surgery needed by Mac, a dog at the Animal Rescue League of Western PA; Surgery cannot be performed until the animal is adoptedPittsburgh, PA, - The Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania has established a specific fund for animals in need of special care. The Mac Fund for Animals with Special Needs will use contributions from donors to underwrite costs associated with medical and behavioral procedures needed to ensure that homeless animals waiting to be adopted have additional care when needed.

The fund was developed because of Mac, an adoptable Pit Bull Terrier mix awaiting a new home at the Animal Rescue League. As with all animals that arrive at the open door shelter, Mac was evaluated for any medical or behavioral issues before he was made available for adoption. The League’s veterinary staff determined that Mac has Stage Two Patellar Luxation, a problem that affects the animal’s knees. The diagnosis was later confirmed by a veterinarian at an outside practice. The only treatment for Patellar Luxation involves an expensive surgery that will cost thousands of dollars. Without medical treatment, Mac would one day lose his ability to walk and his quality of life would deteriorate quickly. League volunteers heard about Mac’s condition and immediately took action and began pledging donations that would pay for the expensive surgery. Within a few days more than half of the money needed to pay for the surgery had been pledged by generous donors. Because recovery from the procedure requires around the clock care, Mac cannot have the surgery until he is adopted and has a permanent home where he can convalesce.

Earlier this year, the League had already established a food pantry to assist pet owners in financial crisis that may have been forced to surrender their animals because they could no longer afford to feed or care for them. This program was established and made possible by a generous contribution from ARL supporters, Im Sook and Bob Reinhart. With the country in a financial crisis, the Animal Rescue League has seen an increase in the number of pets surrendered by their owners. Many pet surrenders have been by owners who have lost jobs or been forced to move from a house to a small apartment. Donations to The Mac Fund: For Animals with Special Needs will support the food pantry efforts as well.

“If you are thinking about surrendering a beloved family pet, call us first. We may be able to help,” said Charlotte Grimme, Executive Director. With respect to Mac and his surgery, she says, “Many animals that come to the Animal Rescue League require extra measures and The Mac Fund facilitates these efforts. Our current focus is to find a suitable home for Mac as soon as possible.”

Mac is just one of hundreds of animals waiting to be adopted from the Animal Rescue League. As an Open Door Shelter, the organization accepts all homeless animals and cares for them until they are adopted. The Animal Rescue League cares for thousands of homeless animals each year. The creation of the Mac Fund will allow funds to be designated towards specific programs that will give additional support to animals and their owners who need an extra hand.

Mac's Story Featured in the News:

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/19337808/detail.html#

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_622941.html

http://www.wpxi.com/news/19328858/detail.html