A five-month-old Cane Corso named Sidon was saved by Penn Vet’s Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Project, making him the 100th dog aided by the program since its launch in March 2015. The life-saving program is made possible through the generosity of the Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs.

When a shelter dog has a medical problem that requires specialty care, shelters often do not have the resources necessary to address the animal’s needs. Experts from Penn Vet’s Shelter Medicine Program and partner facilities select dogs to enroll in the

Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Project. Through this program, veterinarians at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital provide specialized medical care to dogs from area shelters that are in need. All diagnostic and medical services are covered free of charge to participating shelters. Following treatment, dogs are placed in foster homes and made available for adoption.

“It is incredible that we’ve been able to give 100 dogs a second chance at life through Richard’s tremendous support,” said Dr. Brittany Watson, Director of Shelter Medicine and Community Engagement at Penn Vet. “The Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Project has been so impactful for our students, staff, and shelter partners, enabling us to collaborate with the shelter community to save the lives of dogs in need.”

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to give a helping hand to dogs who just need some medical assistance in order to be adoptable,” said Richard Lichter.

Sidon arrived at the Pennsylvania SPCA with an extremely swollen neck and shoulder. The swelling appeared to be progressive, so he was sent to Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital for advanced diagnostics, intensive care, and possible surgery. Sidon was placed on antibiotics, which helped to lower his fever and swelling. A CT scan revealed a fluid-filled tract that spread from the base of his tongue to the thorax and the mediastinum, as well as to the shoulder blade and along the back. The extensive infection was the result of an unknown injury, most likely a penetrating foreign body.

Drs. Lillian Aronson and Christine Hsueh performed surgery to debride and flush out the abnormal tissue. They also placed a closed suction drain to remove additional fluid post-surgery.

Sidon recovered very well and the drain was removed after 36 hours. Today, he is happily residing with his foster parent, Allison Vetter, CVT, one of the nurses who cared for him at Ryan Hospital.

“I tell everyone how wonderful the Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Program is,” said Vetter. “It makes a big difference for dogs who wouldn’t otherwise have a second chance at life. I have high hopes for Sidon.”

Established in 2006, the Penn Vet Shelter Medicine Program programs consultative, educational, and veterinary support to regional shelters and residents of the Greater Philadelphia community. The program has a significant impact on how many homeless animals are given quality care and placed into permanent homes. In addition, the program provides interdisciplinary and authentic instruction to veterinary students through the lens of shelter medicine, by integrating best practices in educational techniques and research with community outreach, collaborative partnerships, and service learning.

Ranked among the top five veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling nearly 35,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles nearly 4,900 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats more than 38,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.

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The seven year-old mixed breed is currently a resident at the Humane Society of Utah but we predict his days at the shelter are numbered based on this adorable series of adoption photos they recently posted on their Facebook page.

“With a larger than life personality, Tippy will surely make you laugh. He’s eager to show off his tricks and even has a goofy, toothy grin that could break the internet,” the society wrote on its Facebook page.

“Tippy can be a bit of an escape artist so he’ll need an extra diligent home that can keep him entertained,” shelter staffers say.

The pics had racked up 1.7k likes and 371 shares at press time. So if you’re interested in this hambone, you should get over there fast.

Good luck, Tippy! We know your new family is right around the corner.

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Barry Stewart is the amazing teacher inspiring kids to do more for other. He wanted to motivate his students to learn skills they will use as adults, helping them better prepare for the future, and in 2002 he started a program where his shop students learned basic construction skills while building dog houses. The houses are donated to the Houses for Hounds program run by the Forsyth County Animal Control.

Since the beginning of this program, the students have mastered construction skills and donated more than 600 dog house to low-income pet owners and animal welfare groups.

The teenagers have not only learned a wonderful skill, but this opportunity have also led them to design better homes for dogs in need. The houses now feature removable roofs, doorways positioned on the side of the homes to protect pets against wind, and a two-inch raised entryway to prevent pets from removing their beds.

This shows how the right guidance helps our future leaders to think of others first. Doing good things doesn’t take much, and the world would be a better place if compassion is taught at a young age.

The shop students now plan to add feeding stations to their goals and help even more animals in need. Think of all the homeless animals these feeding stations will help.

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To celebrate and honor Martin Luther King, the young girls from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), attending the Macon Youth Development Campus wanted to do some special and make a difference in someone’s life. With help DJJ’s Rescue 2 Restore program, juvenile participants spent Martin Luther King Day baking dog treats to donate to their local shelter.

Their efforts are being tagline #treats2restore and the girls hope to inspire people across the nation to join in and help improve the lives of local shelter dogs one treat bag at a time.

“These girls are asking you to join the cause and donate a bag of treats to help homeless pets in your area,” posted Rescue 2 Restore on their Facebook page.

The organization asks anyone willing to help, to please take a picture of themselves as they donate the bag of treats and post it on their Facebook page.

Your pictures will help show these young women how they are making a difference, and with your help, the lives of shelter pets can be changed.

“We will be collecting photos to show your support through January 25th, and we’d love to see this spread nationwide,” posted Rescue 2 Restore.

Consider participating in #treats2restore. Visit your local shelter, change the life of a shelter pet and don’t forget to post your picture.

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