Thanks to many generous individuals, Keeva is now safe. This sweet pup was being kicked, slapped and spit on when Staff Sergeant Renee stepped in to save her from abuse. When the Staff Sergeant and her team were ordered back to the U.S. they were devastated to know that Keeva might be left behind to fall back into the hands of people who would hurt her.
SPCA International is so proud to help soldiers like Renee rescue the pets they adopt overseas. These dedicated pet parents will do anything to save their babies, but their hands are tied with military orders that prohibit pets from traveling on official transportation.
Our Middle East team is a small group of dedicated individuals who care for dogs like Keeva while their health certificates and travel paperwork are prepared and processed. Their work is truly a labor of love that delivers dozens of animals each year into the waiting arms of the service men and women who love them.
We are thrilled to share that Keeva is safe with our team now. She is being pampered and cared for while her travel arrangements are made, and we expect her to arrive in the U.S. to be reunited with Staff Sergeant Renee in the next few days.
These two will be forever grateful to every single person who helped them reunite with one another. From generous individual donors to the caring team in the Middle East, none of this work would be possible without the dedication of truly incredible individuals.
World of Angels Foundation, an existing SPCA International partner in China, recently reached out with a plea for help. They were dealing with a large-scale emergency. A local puppy mill was shutting down and planned to sell 100 dogs into the dog meat trade.
Fortunately, World of Angels Foundation banded together with other local animal welfare groups to take in these pups. No single organization could have accepted 100 dogs on such short notice, so they worked together to shelter and care for them.
SPCA International is proud to support World of Angels Foundation and their local counterparts in their work. With a modest amount of financial support from the SPCA International Shelter Support Fund, these dedicated organizations were able to save lives. They are a shining example of the amazing work that happens in animal welfare every day in China and beyond.
All the pups are now sheltered and being cared for by various rescue groups in China. Unfortunately, some were sick and needed medical attention, but they are receiving everything they need to get healthy and strong.
SPCA International is committed to supporting organizations on the ground working to stop the dog meat trade and rescue dogs at risk. We are proud to be providing $50,000 this month to support their efforts.
For several years, Tanzania was exporting donkeys to Asia through unofficial channels. It drove the price of donkeys out of reach of the farmers and villagers who need them and created a situation where many donkeys were stolen.
Amidst COVID-19, the government put tighter restrictions on donkey exports, and the trade came to an abrupt halt. Many donkeys were stuck with middle men who no longer had an international market and no means for their long term care. These unfortunate donkeys started starving.
Thankfully, TAWESO (Tanzania Animal Welfare Society) has been rescuing sick and starving donkeys, treating them for ticks and other parasites, helping them get healthy once again, and making them available for low-cost adoption by farmers and villagers.
TAWESO works with donkey adopters to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to care for their donkeys. They provide regular clinics and vaccinations to help farmers and villagers keep their donkeys healthy and teach them not to overwork the donkeys that help them in their daily lives.
This spring, TAWESO has rescued 56 donkeys, 48 of whom have already been adopted by people who have signed agreements committing them to responsible donkey care.
SPCA International is proud to be a supporter of TAWESO and looks forward to seeing their accomplishments as they rescue even more donkeys from this difficult situation.
Images Courtesy of Tanzania Animal Welfare Society
Thanks to many generous SPCA International supporters, Max is doing great! Even though both his legs were broken by a brutal blow, he is still kind and loving. Max is receiving all the best care and plenty of rest while he heals.
His caretakers say Max is “wonderful, full of life, stunning and playful”. They tell us he doesn’t like going in his crate at night, so he is constantly trying to convince his caretakers to let him stay by their sides throughout the night.
He should be ready for a forever home soon. If you’re interested in adopting Max please contact us at [email protected].
SPCA International is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Hello Ralphie! This virtual veterinary care provider will give a generous discount to soldiers rescuing pets through SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program, and to all of our supporters!
Deployed soldiers who rescue dogs and cats are dedicated pet parents, but they are often unable to find local veterinary care. Hello Ralphie gives them a dependable and professional option for on-demand veterinary advice from wherever they are stationed.
Hello Ralphie’s team of veterinarians are trained to help pet parents address some of the most common pet health issues including, general pet care, worms, fleas & ticks, itching, rashes, minor scrapes, ear discharge, eye discharge, travel anxiety, motion sickness, nasal discharge, sneezing, diarrhea, behavioral changes, food & nutrition. They also know how to identify the signs of serious illness and will recommend an in-person veterinary visit when necessary.
Not only available to soldiers serving overseas, Hello Ralphie is a great option for pets that get anxious when they go to a veterinary office, for pet parents needing to avoid public places and for those with limited mobility or transportation options.
Bucket was found as a pup on the side of the road by a soldier on patrol in Iraq. He brought her to base and started caring for her. He even built a dog run where she could safely play. Bucket got her name from the improvised cone she wore after being spayed in Iraq. A bucket with the bottom cut out kept her from biting her stitches.
The soldier who rescued Bucket couldn’t imagine leaving her behind and reached out to SPCA International for help transporting her to Texas. Rescued in 2015, Bucket is one of hundreds of animals rescued over the years through SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program.
Now, years later, Bucket is the inspiration and mascot for “Bucket’s Biscuits”. Bucket’s family says she is a bit of a diva and her picky eating habits inspired these small-batch, homemade, wholesome and yummy dog treats. Bucket’s Biscuits are Bucket taste-tested and approved. Even better, 5% of proceeds are being donated to SPCA International!
Bucket’s mom tells us, “she is a dog full of personality who enriches our life in many ways. Bucket’s routine makes each day brighter. I enjoy watching her chase squirrels every morning (not well, I might add), seeing her excitedly greet me every time I return home (even if it’s only been 2 minutes apart), and sitting patiently next to me while I make my dog treats, waiting for one to drop. Life without Bucket is hard to imagine.”
Bucket’s Biscuits can be found at farmer’s markets and special events in the Virginia Beach area, but they are also available for shipping throughout the U.S.. These wholesome treats are made with whole-wheat flour, organic peanut butter, pure pumpkin, chicken broth, cinnamon, turmeric, and bacon grease.
Bucket’s family is committed to spreading the word about SPCA International because they hope to help rescue other animals for other soldiers who fall in love with a stray pup they can’t turn away from.
A huge thank you to Bucket and her family for paying it forward to other soldiers and rescued animals by supporting SPCA International.
SPCA International exists to leverage the generosity of donors to reach some of the most at risk and in need animals in the world. Liberia Animal Welfare and Conservation Society is a perfect example of the impact our North America supporters can have in developing countries.
In Liberia, where most people live on under $2 per day, the costs of vaccines and veterinary care for pets can be painfully out of reach, which is why funds donated through SPCA International go so far. Liberia Animal Welfare and Conservation Society’s village-to-village veterinary program provides vaccines, wound care, food and other basic veterinary attention to ensure pets are as safe and healthy as possible.
Animal welfare is a fairly new concept in Liberia, so the organization has paired their assistance programs with a community education approach that engages school children through “Animal Kindness Clubs”. These clubs operate in over 40 schools and create opportunities for children to discover their innate passion and love for animals, and how to care for pets.
Liberia Animal Welfare and Conservation Society has proudly been serving communities since 2000, has persevered through COVID-19. SPCA International is thrilled to count this organization as a key partner.
Founder of Swell Gelato, Debbie Hendrickx has been donating a portion of her proceeds to SPCA International for almost 2 years now. Her incredible generosity has helped hundreds of dogs in need.
We were recently able to steal Debbie away from her extremely busy gelato production schedule to sit down for a minute to give us the inside scoop on her passion for animals and what inspired this unique set of sweet treats for dogs.
What inspired you to start Swell Gelato?
When my 18 year career in fashion retail came to an end, I considered getting into the gelato ( for humans) business as I was already a passionate gelato maker for my family. Contemplating that idea around in my head I kept reminding myself that this was also my now or never moment to do something that involved my biggest passion in life: dogs. The idea to merge the two together came to me in the middle of a sleepless night and as soon as I thought of it, I knew that it was perfect in every way. I have always been fond of the word Swell ( magnificent, lovely, that which is neat) so as soon as the concept of artisan gelato for dogs was born there was no question what the name of the business would be.
What do you love most about your work?
It is hard to say which makes me happier: seeing the dogs’ eyes bliss over when they eat a Swell Gelato or seeing the owners beam when they see how happy their dogs are. You can just feel the love these people have for their dogs. It’s this swell merry-go-round of feel good and happy – and I absolutely love it. Nowadays, I don’t have much time to attend events, but I am grateful for social media where people post pictures of their happy dogs eating their Swell Gelato. It’s almost just as good as witnessing it live!
How do you choose your new flavors and recipes?
I start by focusing on a flavor dogs love and then think of a combination of ingredients that work well with that flavor. The combination has to sound delicious to me ( I am the taste tester after all.) Once I have a general idea of my concept I figure out how to make that work with dog friendly ingredients, while keeping certain fat and sugar content proportions in mind that are required for successful artisan gelato making. I try to incorporate turmeric, ginger and cinnamon wherever I can as they have such great overall benefits for dogs and humans alike. I know I got it right when the gelato makes up beautiful in my gelato machine and is equally delicious to me and my panel of dog taste testers.
Which flavors are vegan?
All are vegetarian but most use honey for a sweetener. The one that is 100% vegan is the Sweet Potato Molasses and it’s a favorite!
A true labor of love, learn why Debbie is still (even with major expansion) dedicated to making each Swell Dog Gelato by hand.
Why did you decide to donate to help animals around the world through SPCA International?
I knew as soon as I started that I wanted to give back to dogs in need. In the beginning I donated to several smaller local rescues and operations, but it became really challenging for me to choose whom to fund as they all were such great causes so the donations ended up being fragmented. I knew that I could do more good by choosing one bigger organization that could put the money towards wherever it was needed most.
Where can I get Swell Gelato for my furry pal?
You can find Swell Gelato on the East and West Coasts, while expansion throughout the rest of the country is next.
Swell Dog Gelato is widely available in grocery stores, pet supply stores and gelato shops in the following states: Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Be sure to grab your pup some Swell Gelato at a store near you! Feel good knowing you’re treating your pet, supporting a woman-owned business and helping animals around the world – all at the same time!
Lola and Champ are just two of dozens of Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide animals who are safe in our care and awaiting transportation to the U.S. Rescuing dogs and cats for soldiers stationed overseas may seem simple, but it is a complex process that involves many caring people and lots of red tape.
These rescued pets are passed from soldiers to our in-country staff and partners to begin the vaccination and travel clearance process. From there, SPCA International navigates the many complex requirements of bringing dogs and cats from overseas into the U.S.
Champ is the three-legged pup whose soldier was unexpectedly ordered back to the U.S. in December. Thankfully, he is in our care and awaiting transportation. His original travel plans fell through, but we are exploring pet transportation company and flight volunteer options, both of which have become more complicated with COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.
Lola is the sweet little puppy that was found all alone by soldiers on patrol. As a young pup, Lola had to wait for certain vaccinations required for travel to the U.S. She’s nearly ready and her travel arrangements are being made for March.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting the rescue missions of Lola and Champ. Here at SPCA International, we are anxious to get them to the U.S. and we know you are looking forward to receiving that news too. In the meantime, rest assured, these pups and others are safe, loved and cared for as they await reunification with their soldiers.
Thanks to an outpouring of support from the SPCA International community, Elena has made a remarkable recovery. Donations from many generous people were rushed to Elena’s caregivers, allowing them to give her the constant care and attention she needed to survive.
Before her rescue, Elena suffered as no animal ever should. After being kept on a short chain for many months, she was thrown out to fend for herself. Always hungry, she searched the streets for food. Elena approached locals, looking for a kind gesture, and was often met with painful kicks and stones.
Then, someone horrifically set fire to Elena and her pups. Tragically, only Elena survived the attack. She was found starving, burned and barely alive. She mourned the loss of her babies and had little will to live.
Today, Elena is confident, playful and trusting. Her hair is growing back, she is healthy, and amazingly, she still loves people. Elena is ready for a new life with a family that will love and care for her in the ways that she has always deserved.
