The Helping Friends program gives seniors, people with disabilities, terminal illnesses, and individuals on fixed incomes the extra support they need to care for their animals, who often are their only companions.
Our deepest appreciation goes to the individual donors whose generous support makes this program possible.
If you need assistance from the Helping Friends program, call our Hotline at 310-392-5153.
Click HERE to download an additional list of resources we have compiled for pet owners in need.
In Memoriam of Snowball
Snowball and Misty are two cats who became part of VFTA’s Helping Friends program in 2006 when their owner had to go into a psychiatric hospital. If VFTA had not been able to take them in, Snowball and Misty would have been taken to the city “shelter” where they most likely would have been euthanized. That is a heartbreaking scene that was thankfully spared.
Because both cats were elderly (about 13 and 18 at the time), finding someone to adopt them was no small feat (sometimes you can find that special person with both the love in their heart AND the money in their wallet to take in older rescue animals, but it’s rare).
After a lot of hard work, a long-term foster home was found for Misty and Snowball. It was a happy day when they were moved into a home with a nice couple and their four other cats. They finally got to sleep in a real bed and get all of the loving attention that they so deserved!
Unfortunately, about a year later, Misty, the older of the two, developed cancer and passed away. She was a wonderful cat who carried around with her a sweet and loving energy. She is still missed terribly by her foster mom.
Snowball, the more outgoing and social of the two, obviously missed Misty very much, but continued to have a good quality life because of the generosity of the Helping Friends program and his loving foster home. After five years, at the age of 18, Snowball’s health began to decline due to the many ailments that come with age, such as osteoporosis and renal failure. He passed away in June and while everyone at VFTA is very sad to see him go, we are comforted knowing he had the opportunity to live out his life happily and knowing that he was loved, thanks in large part to his loving foster, Missy.
Success Stories
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BillyVFTA was contacted by Jennifer who was scared for the life of her wonderful cat, Billy. Billy’s life was in danger because he had crystals that were blocking his urinary tract. This condition is fatal if not treated immediately. With the help of a donation from VFTA through our Helping Friends Program, Billy was able to get the medical attention he needed. He’s been hospitalized and is recovering very well! |
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Andele & Tippy“Thank all of you for your generous gift to me and my best friends Andele & Tippy. God bless everyone at Voice For The Animals along with those who you love. I am so happy, and thank-you especially to Debbie who has been so kind and caring in our conversations!” We were happy to help Andele and Tippy’s owner pay for their dental work, which they needed because infections of the mouth were causing them to starve. |
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Tymee“Tymee was given to us three years ago and showed us nothing but love. Our family loves her with all our hearts. Life would not be the same without her. Thank you for your help and support…” |
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BaileyRichard adopted Bailey when she was only six weeks old and they’ve been steady companions for the past 10 years. Bailey developed large masses on her side and belly that needed to be removed. Unfortunately, a low-income prevented Richard from being able to fully cover Bailey’s vet bills. We’re happy to say that through contributions from VFTA and other donors, Bailey was able to have a successful surgery! |
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CheyenneVFTA was contacted by Cheyenne’s family who was in need of help because Cheyenne was suffering from a life-threatening bladder stones. With help from the donation VFTA made, Cheyenne was able to have successful surgery and is recovering well with her loving family. |