🐾 This Giving Tuesday, Help Dogs Like Mattie!

Mattie’s journey reflects both the challenges and the resilience of dogs in the shelter system.

She first came to us in 2016 from another shelter and was adopted into a loving home. Sadly, in 2021 Mattie came back to us, not because of anything she did, but because her family encountered circumstances beyond their control. Despite her fear and anxiety, Mattie remained affectionate, playful, and so easy to love. She was adopted again later that year, but in 2024 her family faced housing restrictions and heartbreakingly had to return her once more.

We welcomed Mattie back with open arms and placed her in a wonderful foster home. Soon after, her foster family noticed issues with her back leg. A thorough exam revealed an aggressive bone lesion and tendon problems. Thankfully, through follow-up exams bone cancer was ruled out. With donor support we were able to provide this vet care and medication to keep her comfortable and active.

Mattie also developed a fast-growing mass that required surgery. Her foster family generously covered the costs, and she healed beautifully. And here’s the best news: that same foster family has now adopted Mattie, giving her a safe, loving home for the rest of her life. At 11 years old, she’s thriving thanks to the care made possible by our community.

But Mattie’s story is just one example. Vet bills are one of the biggest barriers shelters face. With many of our dogs now seniors, medical care is more critical than ever, and vet care for our animals often exceeds $20,000 each year.

This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help to raise $10,000 to cover a portion of these vet bills, so we can continue saying “yes” to dogs like Mattie. Because age is never a barrier to belonging.

Giving Tuesday: Age is not a barrier to belonging

By The Animal Retreat

Giving Tuesday: Age is not a barrier to belonging

Mattie’s golden's years didn’t stop her from becoming someone’s whole world

Team Members