In Honor of Compassion, Community, and Second Chances

Every day, animals suffer quietly because veterinary care remains financially out of reach for the people trying desperately to help them.

Some are beloved family pets.

Some are rescue cases.

Some are survivors of neglect, displacement, disaster, or medical crisis.

Too often, lifesaving treatment is delayed — or never happens at all — simply because families and rescuers lack the financial resources to access care in time.

This fundraiser is dedicated to supporting the extraordinary work of the Wanuza Pinheiro Cruz Animal Medical Care Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Dr. Rita Rivero in honor of her late mother, Wanuza Pinheiro Cruz.

Based in New Jersey, the foundation was created to provide low-cost and pro bono veterinary care to underserved communities, rescue animals, and families facing financial hardship.

At a time when both animals and caretakers are struggling more than ever, this foundation continues to offer something increasingly rare:

compassion without judgment.

About Dr. Rita Rivero

Dr. Rita Rivero is a veterinarian, advocate, educator, and lifelong supporter of animal welfare.

As founder of both Demarest Veterinarian and Mahwah Veterinarian Groom & Board, she has spent years providing ethical, mindful, and accessible veterinary care rooted in empathy, prevention, and education.

Dr. Rivero treats her patients with the same compassion and commitment she would offer her own pets. She believes veterinary medicine begins not only in the exam room, but through communication, trust, and empowering people with knowledge.

In 2016, she founded the Wanuza Pinheiro Cruz Animal Medical Care Foundation in memory of her mother and in honor of her Brazilian family, friends, supporters, and community whose compassion helped inspire this mission.

The Mission

The Wanuza Pinheiro Cruz Animal Medical Care Foundation exists to ensure animals are not denied care simply because their owners or rescuers are struggling financially.

Their mission includes:

* Providing free and low-cost veterinary care

* Supporting rescue organizations and emergency rescue efforts

* Assisting underserved pet owners

* Preventing unnecessary suffering and euthanasia

* Offering treatment beyond routine medical care

* Promoting humane education and community outreach

* Expanding access to compassionate veterinary services

Their long-term vision includes:

* Free mobile veterinary popup clinics

* Community outreach programs

* A state-of-the-art medical facility in New Jersey

* Expanded advocacy for animal welfare

* Internship opportunities for future veterinarians

Why This Work Matters

Animal rescue is often emotional, exhausting, and deeply misunderstood.

Behind every rescued animal is usually a network of ordinary people doing extraordinary things quietly:

transporting animals late at night,

fundraising for emergency surgeries,

comforting grieving families,

providing foster care,

coordinating medical treatment,

or simply refusing to abandon animals in crisis.

Many rescuers and pet owners are navigating hardships of their own — including disability, trauma, illness, financial instability, housing insecurity, and burnout.

Yet they continue showing up because compassion compels them to.

Foundations like this provide something critically important:

support without shame.

Community Education Matters

Compassionate rescue work also depends on education, outreach, and community support.

For those interested in learning more about humane rescue practices, fostering, colony care, advocacy, and animal welfare education, we encourage exploring the workshops and resources offered by:

Neighborhood Cats https://www.neighborhoodcats.org ?)

Stronger education creates stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities for both animals and people.

How Donations Help

Your support helps provide:

Veterinary Care

* Wellness exams

* Emergency treatment

* Diagnostic testing

* Vaccinations

* Parasite treatment

* Dermatology care

* Dental procedures

* Geriatric care

* Nutrition consultations

* Humane end-of-life care when necessary

Rescue & Emergency Support

* Medical stabilization for rescued animals

* Support for displaced pets

* Follow-up treatment

* Rehabilitation assistance

* Transportation coordination

* Crisis intervention support

Essential Supplies

* Food

* Medical supplies

* Recovery materials

* Cleaning supplies

* Bedding and comfort items

* Foster care support resources

A Personal Reflection

In moments of crisis, we often remember the people who chose compassion when it would have been easier to look away.

The Wanuza Pinheiro Cruz Animal Medical Care Foundation represents that kind of compassion.

Not performative.

Not political.

Not transactional.

Simply human.

A belief that animals deserve dignity, medical care, comfort, and advocacy regardless of circumstance.

And a belief that struggling families and rescuers deserve support too.

How You Can Help

* Donate if you are financially able

* Share this fundraiser

* Support accessible veterinary care

* Volunteer when possible

* Advocate for humane treatment and community outreach

* Help create a culture rooted in compassion instead of indifference

Contact & Foundation Information

Wanuza Pinheiro Cruz Animal Medical Care Foundation

Demarest, New Jersey

Phone: (551) [phone redacted]

Affiliated with:

Demarest Veterinarian

Mahwah Veterinarian Groom & Board

Learn more about Dr. Rita Rivero and the foundation:

Mahwah Veterinarian https://mahwahvet.com

Thank you for believing in compassion, accessible care, and second chances — for both animals and the people trying to help them.

Together, we can make sure fewer lives are left behind.