Autumn Wants a Home Before Winter

Picasso Veterinary Fund in Action! (October 2008)

The outside temperature had dropped to 40 degrees, but Autumn's owner still did not return to unhitch her from the light pole where she had been tied. Before long it became evident that whomever tied her outside the NYPD 83rd Precinct hoped that the police department would rescue her. She wore no tags, only a ratty collar and a worried expression.

Weighing just 20 pounds — a good 10 pounds under a healthy weight for an eight-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix — Autumn soon caught the attention of a smart police officer named Bill, who unhitched her and took her inside the station. Normally, the NYPD contacts NYC's Animal Care & Control to pick up strays. But Autumn's super-sweet disposition compelled Bill to contact the Mayor's Alliance. Could they help with this sweet dog?

The answer was "yes" and Autumn was transported to Murray Hill Pet Hospital for an examination. Not surprisingly, her severe underweight condition was determined to be the result of three different parasites. After being dewormed and started on a healthy diet, Autumn began to gain weight. She also was spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. All of Autumn's medical expenses were paid by the Picasso Veterinary Fund (PVF) of the Mayor's Alliance.

Today, Autumn weighs nearly 30 pounds and is ready for someone to give her the loving home she deserves. She's happy with everyone — dogs, cats, children — and she will become a wonderful family member. Adoption applications are being accepted; just contact picasso@AnimalAllianceNYC.org if you want to bring Autumn into your family.

The Picasso Veterinary Fund continues to provide second chances to hundreds of dogs and cats from NYC shelters each year. Dogs like Sweet Pea, the sweet two-year-old Vizsla mix who you might have seen on the Rachael Ray Show on October 21 with her foster mom, actress Glenn Close. Ms. Ray and Ms. Close are both supporters of rescue animals and the Picasso Veterinary Fund. If you visit FetchDog.com (Glenn Close is one of the company's founders), you'll see how you can support the fund by making a purchase from Rachael Ray's Charitable Shop — a percentage of your purchase will be donated to the Picasso Veterinary Fund.

There are many ways to support the Picasso Veterinary Fund — adopt or foster a PVF dog or cat, make a convenient online donation, or support businesses like FetchDog.com that contribute to the PVF.

So many ways to help make a difference for the animals who need it most — how will you help today?