Special Needs Pets Need You: Meet Mushroom and Lucky

Meet Mushroom, a sweet kitty who faced a life-threatening urinary blockage and needed emergency surgery. Today, Mushroom thrives, but she now requires a special prescription diet for the rest of her life. Thanks to your support through our Community Love Program, pets like Mushroom—and the families who cherish them—are able to stay together, overcoming barriers that often make special-needs pet care inaccessible.

And Sweet Lucky arrived at our Bloomington shelter in January, just ahead of a heavy snowfall. Almost two years old now, this charming dog has waited patiently for his forever family. Lucky might start out a bit shy, needing just a little extra time to trust, but once he's comfortable, he reveals himself as the gentlest cuddle buddy imaginable. His favorite activities? Romping in the yard, playing with stuffed toys, rolling blissfully in the grass, and, most importantly, taking cuddle breaks with his favorite humans.

Lucky is wonderful with other dogs and even showed bravery in meeting a kitty friend! Despite getting plenty of office-time cuddles, shelter life weighs on Lucky. He's ready to meet the family who will cherish him forever. Lucky is part of our Sit, Stay, Adopt program, designed specifically to match pets with ideal homes and provide lifelong behavior support.

Why do we commit to this work? Because we believe that keeping pets with their families enriches lives and promotes well-being for both animals and their people. Nearly 30% of families struggle to afford critical veterinary care, often resulting in heartbreaking separations. Yet, studies consistently show that pets dramatically improve our mental and physical health, reducing stress, loneliness, and even helping us live longer.

Your presence and support transform lives, making sure beloved pets stay right where they belong—at home. Sharing our message amplifies this impact, helping to reshape the landscape for all pets. Just by reading, sharing, and staying connected, you're part of a powerful community advocating for animals and their families.