“Her Whole Heart” – Zoey’s Happy Tail
April 1st, 2026
By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –
“Zoey means everything to me. She has been my loyal companion for more than ten years now. She has been by my side through some of the most difficult times in my life. Her gentle presence brings comfort, warmth, and unconditional love to my home every single day. Along with her brother, we made a bonded family, and through Zoey, we’ve learned what true love, patience, and devotion mean.”
Zoey was diagnosed with an oral mass. The mass growing in the 15-year-old Shih Tzu’s mouth could have been nothing…or it could have been the same aggressive cancer that took her brother, Cash, just a few months before. It was growing fast, and at her age, they didn’t have time to wait. Zoey needed oral surgery right away, and pet parent Michael wanted to give her the best care possible, something he wished he could have done for Cash.
“Due to Zoey’s old age, I am doing everything possible to prevent the same painful cancer battle and potential euthanasia that Cash endured. When Cash became ill, I was unable to afford all the palliative care he needed to live comfortably, or even to consider oral mass surgery after his diagnosis. This time, I am desperately hoping to do better for Zoey – to give her relief, prevent further suffering, and provide her with the comfort she deserves in her senior years.
Michael had only been able to find work up to three days per week, and wanted more than anything to provide his dogs more regular care through normal visits to the veterinarian. With his income barely enough to cover his expenses, Michael needed to turn to a friend for help with Zoey’s surgery, a FurEver Friend.
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“Zoey has always given me her whole heart, and now she deserves the best medical care and the best possible outcome for her tumor – just as she has always given me her unconditional love in return. Losing Cash earlier this year through oral cancer was heartbreaking, and the thought of losing Zoey in the same way is devastating. Zoey is truly a part of me, not just a pet.”
With those heartfelt words, Michael applied for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant. He had already been denied a grant from another organization, but he wasn’t discouraged. He still had some savings he could contribute to Zoey’s treatment, and an Urgent Care grant would be just enough for him to guarantee she got the care she needed. When families in crisis apply for a grant, we can always say yes because we can count on the recurring support of our FurEver Friends. In fact, FurEver Friends contribute enough every month to make more than 200 Urgent Care grants like Zoey’s possible.
Zoey’s surgery was a success: the mass was removed before it spread to any of her vital organs.
“I wanted to share a heartfelt update – and a huge thank you – to all of you who helped fund my dog’s emergency surgery. Because of your generosity, she was able to have her oral tumor removed right away, and I’m so grateful to tell you that she’s recovering beautifully. Zoey is eating well again, full of energy, and is truly back to her sweet, spunky self.
None of this would have been possible without your support. This surgery gave her comfort, relief, and a real chance to heal – and you all made that possible. Thank you for stepping in so quickly and giving her this opportunity. We are deeply, deeply grateful.”
Your gift every month is the opportunity pets in crisis need to spend more time, healthy and happy, with their families. Thank you for being a FurEver Friend to the animals!
