William Grows Stronger, Now in Loving Home

Picasso Veterinary Fund in Action! (March 2009)

When William, a two-month-old stray Pit Bull puppy, was brought into the Manhattan Animal Care & Control (AC&C) shelter just days before Christmas, his back legs had completely failed him. He appeared to be paralyzed, and so AC&C staff contacted the Mayor's Alliance, asking if William could be accepted into the Picasso Veterinary Fund program. The program pays for extraordinary medical care for sick and injured animals who come into AC&C shelters needing medical treatment before being placed for adoption.

The Mayor's Alliance arranged for William to be admitted to Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists, one of its partner hospitals, where specialists determined that his bones were paper thin — likely the result of an extremely poor diet since birth. They placed William into intensive supportive care, including intravenous nutrient therapy and strict cage rest to minimize the risk of breaking any of his bones.

After three weeks, William was strong enough to be placed in foster care. His foster family nurtured him with a healthy diet and plenty of TLC until he was ready to be adopted into a permanent home. Today William is living the good life with Kurt, his new adoptive dad.

Were it not for the Picasso Veterinary Fund, William might not have had the opportunity for a bright future. In the past, he might have been euthanized because funds were not available to pay for his rehabilitation. But thanks to the fund, William and hundreds of dogs and cats requiring special care to regain their health, have a chance for a new beginning.

But the Picasso Veterinary Fund can't do it alone — it relies upon the generosity of caring individuals whose donations fuel the fund's ability to save lives. Your tax-exempt donation can help, so please make a convenient online donation today.