| We thought we had seen it all - birdies, eagles, bogeys and even a few handicaps and mulligans. However, nothing compares to the $150,000 raised for Wonder Paws Rescue on Oct. 23rd at the Pembroke Lakes Golf Club. Our hearts go out to all our golfers, friends, volunteers and supporters who made this dream a reality. This year alone, our medical expenses have surpassed $170,000. However, as a result of your generosity, we will continue to save thousands of cats and dogs throughout South Florida. Wonder Paws takes great pride in rescuing medical cases from high-kill shelters and rehabilitating dogs and cats who would otherwise be put to sleep. With your generous support, we will not only will be able to cover our huge medical expenses but we can now move forward with our plans to fund a volunteer center where we will educate the community on animal care. In addition, we will be able to start a very exciting project which will be announced shortly. A special shout out goes to all our amazing sponsors and @marceloclaure for matching all donations made during the event. Together we proved that we can “Change the World a Few Paws at a Time.” EMERGENCY SUPPLIES NEEDED |
 L-O-V-E is a Four Legged Word? Hunter has suffered a harsh and cruel puppyhood as a bait dog who was found injured and emaciated on the streets of Miami. However, he is really just a big cuddle bug who loves other dogs and people. He is kid-friendly and prefers to not be alone for too long. He is ready for movies and popcorn, exploring the neighborhood alongside you or going for a joy ride. This 45-pound bundle of fun is about two years old and ready to play with the family. Click here to apply! |
 Wanda Adopt Me? Our long-haired beauty Wanda came to us at two months old from a terrible hoarding situation. She was extremely sick and had a terrible eye infection. After three months and tons of TLC from her foster family, she is fully recovered and ready to find her forever home. Wanda is the sweetest and most loving kitty. She would be happy in a home where she can kiss everyone and play with your hair once in a while. She grew up around other cats and dogs, so she is well socialized. Wanda’s adoption fee is being sponsored to ensure she finds some tenderhearted new turf! She is fully vetted, up to date on all vaccinations, microchipped, spayed and comes with a FREE vet exam and lifetime microchip registration. Click here to apply! |
| SECOND CHANCES By: Rachel Davis |
 From the moment I saw Sandy’s plea calling for a rescue from Miami Dade Animal Services, I knew that we needed to save this sweet girl. Sandy sat in the shelter lonely for weeks, matted to the bone with various overwhelming and unknown health conditions. Sandy had numerous tumors the size of my fist covering her stomach, masses in both of ears causing severe infection, she was completely blind, and it was clear that she had carried countless litters of puppies. I don’t know much about Sandy’s past, but it’s obvious it was not filled with love and care. Sandy is the sweetest senior dog that you will ever meet. She brings such a positive and relaxing energy to any situation. She doesn’t ask for much but will accept any love and attention you are willing to give. We sit in the park together, go on lunch dates, and she gives me kisses whenever I tell her she is a “pretty princess". Since Sandy is blind, she relies heavily on her hearing to know that I am near. Unfortunately, Sandy was found with large masses in her ears. Even though our vet originally recommended removing her ear canals, we decided to treat them aggressively instead and try to save her hearing. Sandy jumps for joy and will light up an entire room when she hears my voice. As a compromise, I clean and medicate Sandy’s ears 1-2 times daily; as I promised Sandy to do whatever it takes to keep that spark alive when she hears my voice. I will continue to be an advocate for not only Sandy’s physical health – but most importantly, her happiness. Sandy has undergone two surgeries to remove numerous tumors from her stomach area. Both fairly invasive – leaving Sandy in the hospital overnight, and stitches all the way up her stomach. I prepared myself to spend the following days tending to Sandy’s every need – but the moment I brought Sandy home, she was wagging her tail as if nothing happened; just happy to be home with her mama. Unfortunately, those tumors came back cancerous, and it has spread to other parts of her body. We are so blessed to work with an amazing rescue! Wonder Paws Rescue is helping us navigate our next steps. Last week, Sandy received her first round of chemotherapy. I’ve never been so scared in my life; but once again Sandy wasn’t the least bit phased. Within hours she was wagging her tail, eating, and playing as if nothing happened. We will continue with chemotherapy over the next few months, but Sandy’s strength and bravery has left me with zero doubts that she can overcome anything. |
 |
| *Send us your pet’s story for a chance to be featured in a future Wonder Paws newsletter. |
| WELLNESS VIBES November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month |
| Cancer is a word no one ever wants to hear, especially when it comes to your pet’s health. Yet, every year, more than 12 million dogs and cats are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Pet cancer is typically caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. In veterinary oncology, they have discovered that nutrition, hormones, viruses, and carcinogens such as smoke, pesticides, UV light, asbestos, waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste can increase the risk of cancer in pets. However, there are steps families can take to help protect their pet such as: Avoid exposure to lawn chemicals Exercise your pet regularly Avoid exposure to paints and solvents Get to know your pet as behavior changes often signal a pet isn’t feeling well Avoid secondhand smoke Monitor your pet’s weight Become an expert on your pet’s breed(s) as certain breeds of dogs and cats are more prone to different diseases, including cancer Have regular veterinary checkups |
| EXTRA BUZZ: Best in Show What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? We will be partaking in our annual holiday tradition of watching The National Dog Show which airs at noon on NBC on Thanksgiving Day and we won’t be alone. More than 20 million viewers across America tune into the National Dog Show every year following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade broadcast. This year’s show will feature over 3,000 dogs in 150 different breeds. Of course, the “best” dogs are really the ones laying on our couch. |