Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet

05/12/2026

Being cute for our shelter visitors is an exhausting job but somebody has to do it! These nine sleepy cats (and one dog who snuck in) are resting up for another day of adorableness!

05/08/2026

The guesses are in and we have a winner - in fact, we have two winners! While the majority of guessers picked chihuahua and Chinese Crested, according to Embark, Bert and Bart are neither.

But they do have a percentage of Yorkie which two of our entrants guessed. Brittany S. and Cathy S. - well done! Your gift cards are on the way.

And an update on the boys - Bert has been adopted to a wonderful family where he's become the best buddy of his human brother and sister and even the family cat. And he gets to go to work with his mom! Truly a Cinderella story! Bart's still with us dreaming of his future family. Visit our website www.maumeevalleysaveapet.org to fill out an interest form on Bart.

05/07/2026

Guess what?! Sandy completed his radiation at Ohio State on Friday with no side effects, and the oncologist noted on his discharge paperwork that "his nasal tumor is already looking much better!" She said it's dryer and less crusty and that's a good thing, although it will be weeks and months before we know if the tumor is going to shrink or be completely eliminated.

There are not words to properly express our gratitude to everyone who donated, shared, and sent encouragement. Because of YOU, Sandy is getting a chance instead of being a hospice kitty, which was the alternative. There is no guarantee radiation will be successful in eliminating the tumor, but it happens in about 40% of cats, and even if it doesn't, radiation usually prolongs life by 1-2 years. And after spending his whole life as an alley cat, he will know love and warmth and a full belly and ongoing veterinary care and a heated cat bed and churus for the rest of his life.

We want to say a great big, HUGE, gigantic THANK YOU (and that's an understatement!) to Jeff and Stephanie whose incredibly generous and unbelievable contribution made it possible for Sandy to start radiation on time. They paid the 75% that was required up front, and the rest of Sandy's Saviors came together to make up the remainder that is was due at pick-up on Friday. (We're just a teeny bit short, plus we're doing some additional veterinary care like a Diarrhea PCR panel and a recheck urinalysis - so if you missed the original post and want to be a part of Sandy's journey to a hopefully cancer-free life, we thank you in advance for your donation!)

Rescue work is not glamorous. It can be physically challenging, it's exhausting, it’s often heartbreaking, and stressful (especially when it comes to fundraising). And it’s being done by volunteers who also have families and children and sick or elderly pets and "real" jobs. When we're feeling so burned out, it is stories like this and the community’s amazing response that energize us and inspire us to keep going. Thank you all for loving a cat you've never even met and for giving the shelter staff and volunteers energy and hope. Our tribe - Sandy's tribe - is making the world a little bit better place through community and love.

04/13/2026

As multiple veterinarians suspected, Sandy's biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). That's the bad news.

The good news? He had a consultation and CT Scan at Ohio State this week and the oncologist feels strongly that radiation is a really good treatment option. His tumor was staged at 4/4, but she said cancer cells that multiply quickly - as the biopsy shows they're doing in Sandy's case - also die quickly. Sometimes the worst tumors are the ones that respond the best.

Radiation usually prolongs their lives by an average of 1 - 2 years. The statistics also show that radiation completely eliminates the tumor in about 40% of cats, meaning he could go on to live a normal lifespan if the tumor is eliminated and does not return. Stats also show that about 10% of cats have tumor shrinkage, and 50% have no response (but radiation can prevent the tumor from growing, even if it is not shrunk or eliminated).

There are different radiation options and protocols, but Sandy's best chance is the most aggressive - and therefore expensive - type of radiation. He will have it Monday - Friday for two straight weeks, and cats typically experience minimal or no side effects. The existing damage to his nose is cosmetic, and the open wound should heal post radiation. The oncologist said if this were her own cat, she would most definitely do radiation.

Here's the reality: There are no guarantees. And this is a large amount of money. We're talking $5,000 - $5,800. And quite frankly, it's more than a small organization can spend on one animal unless we raise the money specifically for him. Another reality: Sandy deserves a chance! Sandy has been an alley cat his entire life. He's a survivor. The condition he was in upon intake is proof of that. We don't want to not try when he finally, finally has a chance at a good life.

The Sandy donations we've received to date have been used (plus about $1,000). We are incredibly grateful to these generous donors for making it possible for Sandy to have multiple office visits, bloodwork twice, treatment for worms, a biopsy, a CT Scan, and more. But if you believe Sandy deserves a chance, we need you too! No donation is too small. If we're going to raise almost $6,000 in the next week, we're going to need our tribe - Sandy's tribe! - to donate, share, and even consider hosting a fundraiser at your business or putting out a donation jar. You can even create your own Facebook fundraiser to share with your Facebook friends! The best way to donate is through our Web site or by sending a check to the shelter. Please note that it's for Sandy.

OSU can do his first week of radiation as soon as April 20th, and given that we're talking about a fast growing tumor, postponing treatment isn't really an option. They require 75% of the estimate paid up front and the remainder due at the end of his second and final week. Sandy has his heart set on being a Buckeye! Will you help pay his "tuition" and give him a chance?

04/04/2026

Beyond his medical updates, we wanted to share a little about how Sandy is doing day-to-day. He absolutely loves the heated cat bed in his foster home—and there’s a box of 120 Churu treats with his name on it waiting for him!

He continues to eat well, has gained nearly a pound in his first week with us, and his anemia has already improved to the low end of normal. He’s been treated for two types of worms, received a B12 injection, and is currently on a probiotic to support his recovery.

So far, Sandy has had three veterinary visits, and we’ve consulted with six different specialty practices. We truly are doing everything possible to give him the best chance.

As for next steps: based on exams and photos, multiple veterinarians are concerned this may be cancer. Our plan is to move forward with a biopsy, followed by a consultation and potentially a CT scan at Ohio State. Depending on the results and prognosis, radiation therapy may be recommended.

Thank you all for continuing to support Sandy—we’re taking this one step at a time and keeping him as comfortable and loved as possible. 💛

03/30/2026

Have you entered the contest yet to guess Bert and Bart's breeds? Watch them in action for more clues then head to our website to enter the contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card! https://www.maumeevalleysaveapet.org/

03/27/2026

Can you guess the breeds of our two shelter pups Bert and Bart? Enter our contest for the chance to win a $100 gift card (to go along with your bragging rights)! We will announce the winner with the closest guess when the DNA results come in. Entries are being accepted through April 10th. A minimum donation of $1 is greatly appreciated to enter. Good luck!

Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet has been rescuing, sheltering, and rehoming animals in Northwest Ohio since 1977. Adopt, donate, or volunteer to make a difference today.

03/19/2026

Diamond is an absolutely lovable bully mix with a bright spirit and a heart full of joy. Since joining us in August 2025, she’s brought endless energy and personality into our lives. At 4 years old, she still has that irresistible puppy-like enthusiasm—always ready to play, explore, or soak up attention. Her zest for life shines through in everything she does, from her excitement for daily walks to her pure happiness during car rides.
She has been fantastic with potty training, showing how smart and eager to please she truly is. Diamond also has a gentle side, especially when it comes to respectful kids, whom she absolutely adores. She’s learning to coexist with cats and does well under supervision, though her playful energy can sometimes get the best of her—leading her to chase or bounce toward them when she’s especially excited.
When it comes to other dogs, Diamond can be a bit selective. She tends to prefer male dogs and has formed a great bond with one of our smaller pups, showing that with the right match, she can be a wonderful companion. Overall, Diamond is a fun-loving, affectionate, and lively dog who just needs the right environment to continue shining.

https://www.maumeevalleysaveapet.org/adoption-application

02/06/2026

Whoa. 😮 Wednesday was a lot here at MVSAP.

In one single day, we took in 10 cats — not one, not two, not three… but TEN. Two sweet mama cats and eight kittens came to us from a family who is leaving the area for several months and needed immediate help in placing them or they would have no choice but to put them outside. With no other safe options, we stepped in.

To be honest, it was a bit of a shock. Just the day before, we had already taken in several other cats/kittens, so this sudden intake has definitely put a strain on our space, time, and resources. But when animals need help, we do everything we can to say yes. ❤️

This group of ten kitties alone will cost over $2,000 in vet care, including exams, vaccinations, and ongoing care for the moms and kittens. Right now, we could really use your support.

If you’re able to help, we are incredibly grateful for:
Monetary donations
Supplies from our Amazon wishlist
(Both can be found on our website!)

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this post is just as powerful. Every share helps us reach someone who can help.

Thank you for always showing up for us and for the animals who depend on this community. 🐾

Anything and everything is truly appreciated.

01/29/2026

Please support our resale shop! All proceeds support the animals at our shelter. Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated!