💔 Before COVID, a mobile vet visited the Lakewood Christian Manor senior living community regularly. But for years, residents like Mr. Upshaw and Ms. Fluker were left without pet care.

So when their beloved dog Spicey Lady developed a skin condition, they contacted their service coordinator Danielle Smith, who reached out to Direct CARE.

💙 We arranged an appointment with Dr. Norwood at Petsmart Veterinary Services – Smyrna @pvssmyrna, where Spicey received follow-up care, a condition review, and advice on her next steps.

The visit was just under $400 and fully covered by Direct CARE, thanks to donors like you!

🎁 Give $5/month this holiday season and help us keep pets like Spicey Ladey healthy and at home.

#DirectCARE #CAREequity #thankstomaddie #accesstocare #petwellness #communityanimalcare …

⚖ A western Michigan vet was convicted of larceny on September 19, 2025, after declining to return a dog to his owner, a homeless man from Grand Rapids.

In November, veterinarian Amanda Hergenreder came across a sick pit bull mix tied to a U-Haul truck. She transported the dog two hours to her clinic, where she treated a serious urinary tract infection and removed a rotten tooth. She later named the 16-year-old dog Biggby and said he was doing well under her care.

🐶 When Hergenreder chose not to give Biggby back to his owner, Chris Hamilton, prosecutors charged her with misdemeanor theft. She argued that her veterinary ethics compelled her to act and noted that the dog was unlicensed.

Hergenreder told jurors she would make the same decision again “in a heartbeat.”

🐾 Her attorney, Miles Greengard, said she kept the dog because she didn’t trust that animal welfare officials would investigate his living conditions thoroughly. She cited her ethical duties as a veterinarian and noted that the dog wasn’t licensed.

The two-day trial was held in Grand Rapids, about 150 miles from Detroit. A larceny conviction can lead to up to 93 days in jail and a financial penalty.

💬 “She believed she did what was right. The legal system doesn’t always align with that,” Greengard said.

Hamilton will not be reunited with his dog. Biggby, who he named Vinny, was euthanized in July due to age-related health issues. Hamilton told WOOD-TV he tied the dog to the U-Haul while walking to a nearby gas station.

💔 “Never felt the same after losing him,” he said.

#CAREequity #CARENews …

“My dog, Juicy, teaches me daily about the meaning of love and family. I believe that how we care for animals reflects how we care for one another. Compassion shouldn’t depend on zip code or background. I’m proud to do my small part to support CARE.” – Julee

💗 CARE wants to thank Julee and Juicy, and people like you that have contributed to our call for Direct CARE funds. We are working hard to get resources to communities and ensure their pets can stay healthy in their homes.

💙 For only $5/month, you too can help the pets in your community too. Follow the link in our bio to give back today!

#thankstomaddie #DirectCARE #accesstocare #petwellness #communityanimalcare …

Pay it Forward!

@wckitchen and @chefjoseandres have been feeding humans well and doing the heavy lifting across the world. CARE was incredibly blessed to be a small part of supporting Federal workers and local DC residents.

Thank you David for saying YES to the idea if adding dog food and sharing the space. Thank you Jill for helping set us up! And Thank you @chefboyaregee777 for coordinating all the amazingly delicious restaurant quality food. Lastly, thank you to the 3 amazing men who helped us unload and the lovely woman who sorted the chicken from the salmon.

@tara.kellermeyer and Rob… your compassion leads to this generosity. @kismet has been an absolute blessing.

And we would never have this opportunity without our CAC National Leader Michelle George and Mikki Arnold.

Lastly special shout out to Jen. A longtime monthly donor who we finally got to meet in person who showed up to help us hand out food.

Love is a Verb!

📸 @blackbirderjames

#thankstomaddie #communityanimalCARE #accesstocare #dogfood #wellbeing #chefsforfeds …