When Ryker came to the Valley Oak SPCA, he was starving. According to executive director Lydia House, it was obvious to the staff and volunteers that he had a hard life.

“He was found emaciated, in an area known for gang violence and dogfighting,” House said.

His body was covered in punctures and sores. Extremely anemic, he was weak and had a tick-borne disease known as ehrlichia. All in all, he was a sad sight.

But thanks to the loving care at Valley Oak SPCA, Ryker became a new dog.

A New Chance at Life

“Ryker went through months of surgeries and treatments to heal his injuries and illnesses and bring him to a healthy weight,” House said.  “After he was fully healed and rehabilitated, he was adopted out to a loving home with the perfect canine brother to play with.”

Valley Oak SPCA is full of stories like Ryker’s, which is why there were selected as a recipient of a PetSmart Charities grant.

A pet rescue dedicated to finding loving homes for all, it also operates a low-cost veterinary clinic in California’s Central Valley. Their mission is focused on providing shelter, adoption services, low-cost veterinary care, and community education to eliminate the suffering of animals.

Adequate Funding Is a Challenge

But like many shelters, Valley Oak SPCA faces significant challenges.

“One of Valley Oak SPCA’s highest expenses is medical supply costs,” said House.  “Offering high-quality, high-quantity surgeries at a low cost is challenging, because medical supplies and equipment are quite expensive. We strive to keep our prices affordable, and so we work hard to supplement our expenses with donations and grants.” 

Grants from organizations like PetSmart Charities are essential to the shelter’s operations. The grant will be used to help spread the word about the organization’s great work.

“The PetSmart Field Grant enabled us to create and print informational brochures about our organization’s mission and services,” said House. “The colorful, professional brochures are available to the public at our clinic and adoption center as well at all of our adoption events and fundraisers.”