Author: SPCAI Staff

Mason the Goldendoodle was almost left behind in Seattle. Thanks to SPCA International supporters and a grant from the Operation Military Pets program, Mason moved to Hawaii with the family he loves.
Like many newly married couples, Kristyna and Luis Aviles added a dog to their family shortly after their wedding. Both active duty military, the Aviles say that Mason, a Goldendoodle, was their first baby. Kristyna says, “he doesn’t even know he is a dog!”

When a human baby, Troy, came along the connection with Mason was instant. Like most new parents, Luis and Kristyna were a bit worried about their dog’s response to a new baby, but Mason was immediately dedicated to the new member of his family. This dog-baby duo is so bonded, they even share toys!

With a new baby, Kristyna made the decision to not re-enlist in the military, and the family tightened their belts to accommodate the loss of a paycheck. When Luis’s orders came for a change of duty station to Hawaii, they immediately started making plans and soon found out that Mason was too big to travel checked in the cargo hold – they would have to use an expensive pet moving company. The couple worried they wouldn’t be able to afford the costly move and would have to find a new home for Mason. They were heartbroken.
They turned to SPCA International for help, through the Operation Military Pets program we were able to help defray the high cost of the pet moving company. The Aviles are so grateful for the support from SPCA International, saying “it is a great organization that kept our family together.”

SPCA International is honored to serve military families, like the Aviles, and their beloved pets. We are grateful for the support of our many donors who make programs like Operation Military Pets possible. Thank you!

Most of us enjoy summer hikes, swims, and other outings with our pets… follow these tips to keep them safe from the heat. 

• Never leave your pet in a car! — A parked car quickly heats up and can reach temperatures 20 to 30 degrees higher than outside. Exposure to this high heat and low airflow can quickly result in the death of a pet. Please leave your pet at home or run that errand later. 

• Always provide water – In the summer, your pet will naturally drink more water than usual. Make sure they always have plenty of clean water available, especially when you are out of the house. There are some great collapsible bowls for when you and your pet are on the go.  Hiking anyone?

• Pets need shade – not a doghouse! If pets must be left outside during the day, hanging a tarp is a quick solution for a yard without tree cover. Unfortunately, a dog house can trap heat and become even hotter than outside.  

• Avoid Asphalt – Hot asphalt can burn our pet’s feet – Consider walking your pet in the morning or evening to avoid the midday sunbaked asphalt.  

• Trim haircut – Some dogs can benefit from a summer haircut, but they should never be shaved! Check with your vet to learn if you should trim your pet’s coat or not. Some long hair acts as a natural cooling system and daily brushing is the best advice.

If you detect any signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as excessive drooling, red or purple tongue, vomiting, and suspect your pet is at risk, contact your vet right away for medical care that may save your pet’s life.

When Sergeant Foster’s wife, Dana, called him eight years ago to ask if she could bring home a dog that another U.S. Air Force family had to leave behind, he said no. He was newly stationed in Guam and the family was still getting settled, but Dana brought Boomer the dog home anyway. To this he says, “Well you know, that’s what being married is like.”

Now, eight years later, Sergeant Foster says Boomer is part of the family. He has been through military assignments in Guam, England, and now North Dakota. Sergeant Foster tells us, “Who knew this free rescue dog would be worth over $5,000 from moving around the world? We love him so much and he brings us such joy that it's worth the extra stress and planning. He's our forever pet.” SPCA International was honored to help keep this family together through their most recent military reassignment in March from the United Kingdom to North Dakota.    

Even though the U.S. Air Force moves military families and their possessions (except the family pets), reestablishing in a new place is surprisingly expensive. The Fosters had to buy all new appliances to fit U.S. outlets, as well as a new car built for driving on the right-hand side of the road! By providing for Boomer’s travel expenses, SPCA International was able to make this military family’s move just a little easier with the help of an Operation Military Pets grant. This family received a $500 grant to cover a portion of the cost to move Boomer to North Dakota. Without financial aid from Operation Military Pets many families (like Boomer’s family before the Foster’s) would be forced to leave their pet behind. 

Sergeant Foster says there aren’t many organizations that support military members directly like Operation Military Pets does, so he will definitely tell others and support SPCA International in the future. Here at SPCA International, we would like to thank Sergeant Foster and his family for their service. 

Boomer is loving North Dakota Summers too!