Those of us who have been doing “rescue” for many years/decades, especially at Animals In Distress, understand that some animals (like some people) go through horrendous things, both physically and mentally debilitating them to such as extend that their lives are in jeopardy. When we “rescue” them, we have one basic policy: we will do whatever we can to help them heal, both physically and mentally. Once an animal is “rescued” by Animals In Distress, they have a home with us for a long as necesary – for life if we don’t find them a loving, forever home.
Our annual WAEB Radiothon devotes 100% of donations to rescue and rehabilitation of some of the most desperate and friendless cats and dogs – those who would probably not be saved otherwise.
- Radiothon Events and Information
- How To Donate
- Click here to see some of the rescues your donation makes possible. These animals would have no hope without Animals in Distress and YOU. Some of the photos may be graphic so please use your judgment. These animals can’t talk in words, but they are so appreciative of our help—and their lives.
Alden
With your help and support, we have been able to provide many senior pets with a loving place to spend their final days. A recent example of this is a cat named Alden, who was seen starving and wasting away by a nice woman who tried to help him. She couldn’t afford much in the way of medical care but did what she could. She spent one month calling various places for help. Either she was ignored, or told to euthanize the cat, or to just put it back outside where “Nature would take its course.”
Cocoa
Just recently, we saved an 8 year old dog who had been neglected for a long time, shuffled from house to house as the various human dramas played out. The dog was subjected to domestic abuse in several of the homes. In fact, it got so bad at one point, that the drunken abuser actually kicked in the front door and beat the dog’s owner so badly that she would up with a concussion. The abuser was sentenced to prison for awhile, but got out and tried to resume the abuse.
Gucci
One of our volunteers was driving along a country lane between fields. By some miracle, he noticed what appeared to be a small carrying case in the tall grass, almost hidden from sight. Out of curiosity, he stopped to take a look. As he moved closer, he heard a pathetic sound, like a wounded animal. Imagine his surprise when he finally got to the object: A terrified and starving young cat in a small cage filled with feces and urine. Not only was this animal abandoned, but it was left to die a most horrible death.
Mercedes
Mercedes, a 6-8 week kitten we rescued from certain death on the streets. People saw her from time to time, but no one claimed her: she was Nobody’s Cat. Where she slept was Nobody’s concern. Whether she got food was Nobody’s worry. She was a Nobody, almost invisible, certainly not worth anyone’s effort.
This is a picture of Mercedes when we first rescued her. She was literally blind and in great discomfort due to the infected and grotesque swelling and decay of both eyeballs.
Stanford
It was obvious to the people visiting the neighborhood that this stray cat had had a very rough life. A very elderly man felt sorry for him and put food out. However, he had to go into a nursing home, leaving no one to give the poor cat even food.
He was starving, filthy, suffering from a horrible smell coming from his many rotting gums and broken teeth…the list of symptoms goes on and on.
Thomas
This year, we were contacted by a desperate person who found a cat unable to walk. All four feet had open wounds, and in those wounds were maggots crawling around and eating the cat alive. The kind person reached out for help from several places and was turned away. Someone suggested that she call Animals in Distress, and she knew this was her last hope.
Ziggy
Many of the rescues we get involved with are high pressure: the animals might survive IF we get immediate medical help for them, and their chances of survival if we don’t do anything are very poor.
The story of a white cat we named Ziggy illustrates that point quite dramatically. Ziggy was a stray observed for months, living in a barn area. Ziggy started to appear to have a problem with his face/ear area.
There Are No Words…
No words needed. Without your help, these animals have no hope.
Your donation makes saving them possible. Please help us help them.