Affordable Pet Care Coming To an End

4/10/24 - UPDATE

Last night, Tail Waggers received a frantic call from some factory workers in the depths of Detroit regarding a dog that had been "running for over 3 weeks" but could not be caught. Seeing pictures after they successfully were able to lure her with food, told us she needed to be rescued. Completely emaciated and able to count every rib, joint and toes, this terrified little girl had open wounds, fly-bitten ears, a tail tucked so far under that it appeared to be stuck. Getting her off the streets and to our office for the night with small amounts of food and water, then into see our Romeo doctor in the morning, it is determined that she needs emergency care, bloodwork, x-rays, heartworm testing and a hospital stay with fluids.

Please help. This has made our Go Fund Me appeal even MORE dire now that we are adding an extensive medical bill to our already depleted funds! The story we told becomes secondary to the life and well-being of this animal!

This is our story......

Tail Waggers 1990 is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization located in Livonia and Romeo, Michigan. Because of our commitment to animals over the past 35 years and the 37,000 animals that have walked through our doors in the last 14 years, we are now telling our story to humbly ask for financial assistance from pet lovers and supporters, so we can continue moving forward and helping even more animals for years to come.

Starting in a garage handing out pet food to those struggling to feed their animals, and conducting low-cost vaccination clinics in multiple communities, allowed us to hear stories of real people who needed help for their animals, but couldn't find it. With eyes closed and taking a leap of faith, in 2011 Tail Waggers opened their first store-front to hand out pet food and provide booster vaccines for those who attended our low-cost clinics. Suddenly, this unique concept of feeding and vaccinating animals at a reduced cost became an invaluable resource for pet owners who would not otherwise be able to afford these services.

Barely surviving a global pandemic, fundraisers canceled for a two-year period, and unemployment still on the rise, Tail Waggers has even more pet owners walking through our doors because of our affordable, preventative care programs that allow people of ANY income to use our services. It is often heard that people can barely feed their families, let alone take care of animals and because of Tail Waggers, people can do both!

With costs rising EVERYWHERE, Tail Waggers has continued to be committed to animal health and has kept prices low for many years. Vaccines, preventatives, medical supplies and even truck rentals to bring in pet food for our Pantry 4 Paws is causing us a hardship that we have never had to face before. It seems like we have given so much, to so many, that we have literally put ourselves in a financial strain that needs to be resolved quickly.

While Tail Waggers cannot show you injured or tortured animals that other rescues do to raise money, what we CAN tell you is that our services are needed! Working with "owned" animals, the affordable pricing and community programs we have - including the Pantry 4 Paws Pet Food Assistance Program - KEEPS animals in their homes versus being turned over to a shelter, where they sit, behind bars, scared and alone looking for their family.

Tail Waggers is unique, we need to help, we want to help, but are in jeopardy of closing our doors due to the lack of financial support. We know that raising our prices can help, but does it REALLY help the pet owner who is facing a challenge and needs us? We don't want to be like all the others. We WANT to move forward with the reputation we have developed over the years, but can only do it by raising the much needed funds to keep a roof over our heads.

Tail Waggers has fallen behind on paying rent, utilities and medical supply bills. It has become so difficult that we are no longer able to carry preventatives, medications and the necessary supplies so that pet owners go home with everything they need to keep their pet healthy. Our suppliers have raised prices and, because of our non-profit status, we must pay upfront for every purchase. Sadly, due to these financial constraints, we are unable to carry all the products and preventatives we should be offering, but we are unable to afford both a paid professional staff and keeping our shelves fully stocked.

You've heard our story about the thousands we have assisted and now, we humbly ask for your help. Please consider making a tax deductible donation, any amount helps, so that Tail Waggers continues being a name and Organization that pet owners can trust to turn to for help. Times are tough, but no animal deserves to be given away because their owners are struggling. Help us keep them together by providing the services and food necessary so that no more animals are unwanted.

Thank you for caring.

Tail Wagger's 1990 Mission: Helping people help animals by offering affordable preventative veterinary care and pet food pantry assistance to dog and cat owners of any income level.