Kane's Krusade

Feel Good Fri - YAY!

The Red Cross referred King and his hooman Jonathan to Kane's after they lost their apartment in a fire. Finding affordable housing is a daunting task. Having a dog makes it even more challenging. Our Pet Family Housing Initiative advocates for and provides resources to unhoused pet families. To set King up for success, we sponsored an exam, vaccinations, flea/tick treatment and heartworm preventative. We've provided information on Emotional Support Animal documentation.

This picture taken during their motel stay really struck us. Does anything stand out to you in the picture?

Of course it features King, an adorabull pocket pittie. Jonathan lost nearly everything in the fire. And yet, what does King have in the motel? A basket full of toys. Even in desperate times, or maybe especially in desperate times, people do what they can for their dogs. This pet family may not have much, but they have each other. And a few toys certainly helps!

Your donations make this support possible. Knowing that King is healthy and has what he needs eases Jonathan's mind. It's one less struggle in a sea of uncertainty. This is why we Krusade!

Celebrating 15 Years

One of our favorite events through out the years was the Dog House Build Off. In the early days, there was a great need for insulated dog houses for dogs in the Western MA area who had to spend some time outdoors. We worked closely with area Animal Control Officers who gave us referrals of pet families needing some assistance.

Once a year, we recruited teams of Krusaders from the community. They raised the funds to sponsor the building materials and we all got together in one day to build Kane's Kondos. With support from area businesses and contractors, Kane's created and evolved our very own Kondo design - fully insulated, shingled roof and a wind wall to create a "bedroom" that we stuffed with straw.

This was an amazing experience - so much fun, so uplifting. Krusaders even signed the inside of the Kondos they built with messages of hope. Various community groups participated over the years, including Springfield YouthBuild. The Beaver Club in Chicopee built many Kondos for us, as well as some Eagle Scouts. Even Berkshire Bank had a Build Day with some branch employees. Kane's Family Krew volunteered as well to build, paint and help deliver Kondos. And let's not forget our dear furrends at Juno's Place for their amazing support!

Thankfully, the needs and laws have changed over the years and we no longer need to build Kondos. We still work closely with ACO's to meet needs in our community.

Feel Good Fri-YAY!

Cracker Jack is a six year old English Bulldog. She lives in Springfield MA with her hooman Gary who is disabled.

This pet family was referred to Kane's by Dakin Pet Health Clinic. Cracker Jack needed some bloodwork which Gary could not afford.

Thanks to your support, Kane's sponsored $239 for bloodwork, an ear cytology and ear medication. Cracker Jack went back for a re-check on her ears and needed more medication. Because of you, Kane's sponsored an additional $93.

We can only do this work because of you, so thank you for fueling our mission to keep loved dogs with their furever families!

Celebrating 15 Years!

From December 2017:

Operation Tank was a huge success today! We are so proud of our Kondo Krew made up of family members. So many people were a part of this project which has been in the planning for a month and a half. Thank you to Kristina Emanuele for advocating for Tank and his family. If it wasn't for Kristina contacting us, we wouldn't have today's result. Thank you to Pat, local animal control, for her support and guidance. Thanks to Jill L., our fundraising director, for donating towards the cost of the UHaul.

Tank is a retired junkyard dog who was saved by this family. Tank has some animal control orders that must be complied with. He spends time in a heated basement and quite a bit of time outside. We were able to loan the family a Kondo and thanks to Cathy who donated a wonderful kennel, we were able to add a roof for Tank as well!

Tank instantly went in his Kondo and was thrilled with the jumbo size bone we brought for him. (Apparently he had removed one of the big knuckles at the end right after we left!) Our next goal with Tank is to sponsor his neuter, shots and chip.

In a world filled with such division, hatred, greed and apathy, how wonderful to see people coming together to help each other through the love of dogs. Life is complicated. Compassion is simple. Krusade On!!