Lauren's Wing The Fund for Animal Care

Home
United States
Latrobe, PA
Lauren's Wing The Fund for Animal Care

Please know that 100% of all donations to Lauren's Wing are used for surgeries and post-surgical care for the animals.

Honoring the memory of Lauren Thompson, Lauren’s Wing provides gravely ill or injured animals needed finances to receive extraordinary lifesaving care through Action for Animals Humane Society, giving them a second chance at a happy and healthy life. Honoring the memory of Lauren Thompson, Lauren’s Wing: The Fund for Animal Care provides gravely ill or injured shelter animals needed finances to re

ceive extraordinary lifesaving care through Action for Animals Humane Society, giving them a second chance at a happy and healthy life. No deductions are made for any administrative costs. Lauren's Wing is a completely volunteer-supported fund.

06/01/2026

Greetings to my New Friends! 💐

My name is Betsy, and I’m a one year old Boston Terrier mixed breed.

Not long ago, I was found hiding in the bushes at a Walmart parking lot in West Virginia. At the time, those bushes felt safe for me - I was alone, lost, frightened, and in pain.

I waited and watched, until a kind person noticed me and reached out for help.

You see, I wasn’t just scared - I was injured. My hind leg was badly broken, and my only way to get around was to drag it behind me.

Then something wonderful happened…..

One phone call to AFA, and thanks to the incredible generosity of Lauren’s Wing supporters, I was able to get the medical care desperately needed. A nearby Animal hospital determined my leg couldn’t be saved, and surgery was performed quickly to relive my pain.

Within several days, I was strong enough to travel to my new home state of Pennsylvania. I am grateful for the loving care provided by the awesome AFA staff .
Thanks shelter manager Lu, for taking the call that made me the proud 103rd recipient of the Lauren’s Wing Fund.

Today, I am a happy girl! My tail never stops wagging when I meet new people because I finally know what love, kindness and safety feels like. 💕💝💕

My stitches are healing, and before long I will be ready to begin the search for a forever family!❤️

Please. check back for updates!

Lastly, my new friend Norman sends a big “ Hello” as he patiently awaits word from the OSU team determining his best path forward.

With love and gratitude from your 103rd recipient,

XOXO ❤️Betsy 🐾

05/15/2026

Here’s the update…as promised ❤️

Here I am patiently waiting for my appointment at Cheat Lake Animal Hospital yesterday.
I’ll admit… it was a little scary.

After examining my leg, the doctor confirmed there is a problem. One option was to simply wait and do nothing for now, but that could lead to bigger issues down the road. Arthritis or muscle atrophy may eventually cause pain and could even require surgery later in life.

Because everyone wants what’s best for me — and for my future family — it was decided that I’ll be visiting a specialist at Ohio State University for a second opinion.

Lauren’s Wing 100th recipient, BUTTERS, once said,
“Love doesn’t stop at 100” ❤️
As your 102nd recipient, I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you all for the love, prayers, encouragement, and interest in my journey. Your support means the world to me.

Please keep checking back for updates! ❤️
Xoxo Norman 🐾🐶

05/08/2026

Greetings Friends! 💕

I arrived at the AFA shelter with a group of fellow canines on a transport from the Lancaster area. The staff named me NORMAN, inspired by the beloved TV show CHEERS! My traveling companions were named Diane, Sam, Cliff, and more. 🐾

Everything was going well until the AFA veterinarians noticed an issue with my front leg. It may be a congenital birth defect where my elbow did not properly attach to the joint. X-rays have already been sent to Cheat Lake Animal Hospital. I will travel there with AFA shelter Manager Lu Hutchinson on May 13th for an examination and consultation about the best path forward.

In the meantime, I just want to say how thankful I am to everyone who supports the Lauren’s Wing Fund. Even though I’m only a 12-week-old Dixie-Poo (Dachshund/Poodle mix), I already know there are so many kind hearts cheering me on. ❤️ Your help has given me - your 102nd recipient - a brighter future.

Please check back for updates after my visit to Cheat Lake Animal Hospital. I’m hoping my journey as “little” Norman will bring smiles to all watching my story unfold in the weeks ahead.

🎉CHEERS!!!!🎉

Love and thanks, NORMAN ❤️🐾

02/04/2026

A BUTTERS announcement......

Big news, everyone… drum roll please and sound the trumpets—I’VE BEEN ADOPTED! 🎺🥁
The timing? Absolutely awesome. My future DOG MOM came in for a visit at the exact moment my foster mom Amanda and I were strolling into the lobby. One look was all it took—LoVE at first sight 😍

Now here I am, doing my happy dance and packing my bags for my forever home today.
A true fairy-tale ending for your 100th recipient!

A very special thank you to AFA staff member Amanda, her family, and my best buddy Walter, who provided the very best foster care any pup could ask for. Thanks to their love—and my adoption today—I leave without ever spending a single night in the kennel.

Your 100th “heartbeat” is forever grateful to everyone who supports Lauren’s Wing. You have made the next chapter in my story the happiest new beginning imaginable! ✨🐶💕

Forever grateful,
BUTTERS

02/03/2026

A Diesel Update!

My journey began when I found myself homeless and hurting. . My owner was moving and couldn't take me along. On top of that, I was struggling with a serious leg issue that might have required surgery. Homeless, in pain and uncertain about my future, who would want me?..

Thankfully, Kelly from Mutts of Merit Indiana Pa, believed I was worth fighting for. She reached out to AFA manager Lu Hutchinson, asking if Lauren's Wing could help. (I think you already know the answer to that one!)

At first, a local veterinarian diagnosed me with Lyme disease. I wasn't feeling well at all ..... and yes I'll admit, I was a little grumpy. Can you blame me? The initial round of antibiotics didn't help my pain or symptoms, but AFA veterinarian Dr. Mucci adjusted my Doxycycline
dosage. Slowly, but surely, I began to improve. My back leg was still a concern, but the doctors decided it was best to finish my Lyme treatment before making other decisions.

And then came the news we were all hoping for!

After completing treatment, I was sedated for X-rays of my hind leg and neutered at the same time. WONDERFUL NEWS! My leg showed no issues- no surgery needed! The serious leg problems were entirely the result of Lyme disease!

As the 101st recipient of Lauren's Wing, I arrived, received care, and found a NEW PURPOSE-: spreading awareness about Lyme disease and the devastating effects it can have on animals and human, too!. I will share some basic information, please visit the websites for more..

Many animals can be bitten by a tick and show no additional signs. Others may have a fever, loss of appetite, swollen joints and lymph nodes, or shifting lameness from one leg to another. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys and nervous system, causing facial paralysis or even seizures.

There is good news though. When detected early, 2 to 4 weeks of the antibiotic Doxcyclinoften stops the disease, with dogs showing some improvement in 48 hours. Dogs can be vaccinated to prevent Lyme as well.

Prevention is so important, please remember to check your pets and YOURSELF for ticks. They love crevices, skin folds and areas with little or no hair.

I am endlessly grateful to everyone who helped me on this journey, especially the incredible supporters of the Lauren's Wing Fund. Your generosity and compassion have once again, at a moments notice, given hope to an animal whose future once looked dim. Since 2013,.
The Lauren's Wing Mission has given 101 animals a 2nd chance for a better life.

As your 101st recipient, it’s now MY MISSION to continue spreading LYME AWARENESS and help prevent another animal - or human friend from suffering needlessly. Please help me by being informed and spreading the word!

I've survived being left behind, battled Lyme disease, and come out the other side stronger that ever! All that's missing now is a family to call my own. ❤️.
If anyone is looking to open their heart and home to a big handsome German Shepherd, I may just be your guy!!! I’M READY! ❤️

XOXO, DIESEL

https://www.vet.cornell.edu
www.avma.org

01/13/2026

A BUTTERS Update!🐾💕❤️💕❤️💕💕

Good morning friends! It is a wonderful morning for me! ☀️Yesterday, my surgery was successfully completed. I did so well that I am coming home today! 🎊

Here I am leaving Ebensburg Animal Hospital a short while ago after my official discharge. So happy to be reunited with AFA manager Lu once again knowing we are traveling back to the shelter together. I know there is plenty of love and lots of TLC awaiting. 💕❤️💕

Upon my arrival in Ebensburg yesterday, I weighed in a little over 8 lbs. A big difference from my initial exam’s 3 pound weight. Thanks to all who patiently awaited my growing spell. Life is good and will only get better as I heal and begin my forever home search someday soon.

Please know that although still a tiny one, my heart 💓has immense gratitude for all the wonderful people who support Lauren’s Wing. Your kindness has made my future a promising one!

Please check back for updates on me. …. Sending much gratitude from your happy, healing and proud 100th recipient!

XOXO ❤️🐾 Butters

12/30/2025

Lauren’s Wing wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the Janessa Fleming Memorial Fund and the entire Fleming Family for a generous gift to the Lauren’s Wing fund. The donation came to us with the following message:
“The Janessa Fleming Memorial Fund was established in loving memory of Janessa (JJ) Fleming to carry on her loving and caring spirit. Janessa, a friend to all, always expressed a love for animals. With this in mind, the Janessa Fleming Memorial Fund presents Lauren’s Wing with a $1000 donation.”
We are truly grateful that the Fleming family has chosen to honor Janessa’s memory through our fund. It is our hope that there is joy in knowing JJ’s vibrant spirit, boundless energy, love and enthusiasm will live on in the lifesaving care animals will receive through this donation. It is a blessing to have known Janessa during her lifetime and witness firsthand her gifts of love, inclusion and compassion to everyone she met. Although her years on earth were short, the moments that she touched the lives of those around her are monumental.
Lauren’s Wing Family wishes to humbly express our deepest appreciation to Paula Fleming (Janessa’s mother) and the entire Fleming Family and extend our gratitude for your support and friendship through the years.

To learn more about the Janessa Fleming Memorial Fund please visit: ‪www.janessaflemingfund.com‬.

12/24/2025

Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring
except for Walter, the Great Dane!

The stockings were hung with hopeful care,
But Walter was worried,
Butters wasn't there!

Walter decided to start his own search-
he had to find Butters
though he feared the worst!

He sniffed through the yard
Under the new fallen snow ❄️☃️
Then asked for help from the Lauren's Wing Gang
He had now come to know...........

So mustering the biggest voice that he could
He barked his loudest to all in the group:
Now Addison! Now Remy! Brulee and Nori!
On Rootbeer, On Gabby! Diesel and Toby!

Then inside the house came such a clatter-
Walter raced inside
To see what was the matter.

When what to his wondering eyes should appear,
but Santa Claus Smiling, 🎅🏻
with Butters held near!

"Why did you leave?" Walter asked with a whine,
Butters replied, "oh Walter, don't worry, I'm just fine!"

"I went to find friends who were my Santas you see,
They gave hope and help to their 100th recipient- that's me!"
Walters just grinned as his tail swept the floor,
for Christmas felt fuller than ever before!

So with wagging tails,
and hearts full of delight,

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL 🎁🎄
and to ALL a GOOD NIGHT!!!

XXOO XXOO,🐾❤️🐾❤️
Butters (now 7 lbs)
Big Foster Brother Walter
and the 2025 Lauren's Wing Gang.....

Butters Update......My surgery is scheduled for Jan.12!
I am lucky to be celebrating my first Christmas with my favorite big foster brother Walter in a loving home.
Thank you AFA staff member Amanda and Family, for opening your heart and home to me.

11/25/2025

Meet Our 101st Recipient!

Hello, new friends! My name is Diesel, and although I’m only 11 months old, I’m facing some very big challenges. Not only am I homeless after my owner moved away, but I also have Lyme disease and a back leg that isn’t functioning.

I’m lucky to have found a friend in Kelly from Mutts of Merit in Indiana, PA. Kelly knew that finding me a home might be nearly impossible while I recover from Lyme disease and face possible surgery for my leg. Thankfully, she also knew of a place where I would be welcomed with open arms and loving hearts. She called Action for Animals to ask for shelter and help from the Lauren’s Wing Fund.

I traveled to Action for Animals, where my Doxycycline treatment continues. Their in-house vet, Dr. Mucci, will sedate me this week to complete a leg X-ray. No one is certain yet what my treatment plan will involve, but I do know that whatever it requires, AFA and Lauren’s Wing will move mountains to make it happen.

My heart is beyond grateful to have found so many compassionate animal lovers willing to help—especially all who support Lauren’s Wing. Your generosity has given me hope and renewed my ability to trust.

Please check back as I share my medical updates in the coming weeks.

With love and endless gratitude,
Your 101st recipient,
🐾Diesel🐾

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AXSJittML/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/31/2025

🎃May your day be full of plenty of TREATS and no tricks!
Happy Halloween!!!
XO XO,
Butters🐾💕
and Eugene🐾 💕
Lauren’s Wing 100th and 85th recipient…

Address

Latrobe, PA
15650

Website

http://laurenswing.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lauren's Wing The Fund for Animal Care posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Lauren's Wing The Fund for Animal Care:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service in Latrobe?