⏳ Uncertainty around the government shutdown quickly impacted many local community, especially the community in Montgomery County, MD. Knine Rescue @kninerescueinc in Ashton, MD said dog surrenders increased as families faced reduced income and late paychecks.

“Many people are saying, ‘I can’t believe I’ve reached this point,’” shared Knine Rescue president Amy Creel, who has been fielding numerous calls from worried pet owners struggling with food and veterinary expenses.

📞 “Just today, we had six people contact us about surrendering their dogs,” she noted. “If they’re struggling to feed their families, caring for a pet becomes a bigger concern.” She described the current moment as “unprecedented.”

According to Montgomery County officials, economic fallout from government layoffs led to more pets being surrendered at the Animal Services and Adoption Center.

🏛️ In response, the county offered support through resources like a pet food pantry, with upcoming distribution dates on November 9 and December 14. Some families, particularly federal employees, surrendered pets as they cut costs.

Creel explained that private rescues often mirror broader social and economic challenges, saying, “We are the canary in the coal mine.” She emphasized that many of the pets turning up in rescue “come from loving homes” and cannot understand why they’re being given up.

#CAREequity #CARENews …

💔 Before COVID, a mobile vet visited the Lakewood Christian Manor senior living community regularly. But for years, residents like Mr. Upshaw and Ms. Fluker were left without pet care.

So when their beloved dog Spicey Lady developed a skin condition, they contacted their service coordinator Danielle Smith, who reached out to Direct CARE.

💙 We arranged an appointment with Dr. Norwood at Petsmart Veterinary Services – Smyrna @pvssmyrna, where Spicey received follow-up care, a condition review, and advice on her next steps.

The visit was just under $400 and fully covered by Direct CARE, thanks to donors like you!

🎁 Give $5/month this holiday season and help us keep pets like Spicey Ladey healthy and at home.

#DirectCARE #CAREequity #thankstomaddie #accesstocare #petwellness #communityanimalcare …

⚖ A western Michigan vet was convicted of larceny on September 19, 2025, after declining to return a dog to his owner, a homeless man from Grand Rapids.

In November, veterinarian Amanda Hergenreder came across a sick pit bull mix tied to a U-Haul truck. She transported the dog two hours to her clinic, where she treated a serious urinary tract infection and removed a rotten tooth. She later named the 16-year-old dog Biggby and said he was doing well under her care.

🐶 When Hergenreder chose not to give Biggby back to his owner, Chris Hamilton, prosecutors charged her with misdemeanor theft. She argued that her veterinary ethics compelled her to act and noted that the dog was unlicensed.

Hergenreder told jurors she would make the same decision again “in a heartbeat.”

🐾 Her attorney, Miles Greengard, said she kept the dog because she didn’t trust that animal welfare officials would investigate his living conditions thoroughly. She cited her ethical duties as a veterinarian and noted that the dog wasn’t licensed.

The two-day trial was held in Grand Rapids, about 150 miles from Detroit. A larceny conviction can lead to up to 93 days in jail and a financial penalty.

💬 “She believed she did what was right. The legal system doesn’t always align with that,” Greengard said.

Hamilton will not be reunited with his dog. Biggby, who he named Vinny, was euthanized in July due to age-related health issues. Hamilton told WOOD-TV he tied the dog to the U-Haul while walking to a nearby gas station.

💔 “Never felt the same after losing him,” he said.

#CAREequity #CARENews …

“My dog, Juicy, teaches me daily about the meaning of love and family. I believe that how we care for animals reflects how we care for one another. Compassion shouldn’t depend on zip code or background. I’m proud to do my small part to support CARE.” – Julee

💗 CARE wants to thank Julee and Juicy, and people like you that have contributed to our call for Direct CARE funds. We are working hard to get resources to communities and ensure their pets can stay healthy in their homes.

💙 For only $5/month, you too can help the pets in your community too. Follow the link in our bio to give back today!

#thankstomaddie #DirectCARE #accesstocare #petwellness #communityanimalcare …