Helping Paws Foundation

I am a disabled veteran who served in combat as an Army Infantryman, fighting in Ar Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq from 2004-2005. As a result of my combat-related injuries I have been unable to work since 2015.

My 10 year old Tibetan Spaniel mix, Hunter, was recently diagnosed with needing a full tooth extraction so that he could eat and breathe properly again. Hunter is always by my side. As a result of my injuries, I'm not able to leave the house often and I have lost contact with many of my former friends. Luckily, I have Hunter to keep me company and to help me through my difficult days. Although he is not a trained service dog, he always seems to know when I am at my worst and how to comfort me.

When I was informed of the extent of Hunter’s surgical needs and the cost of the operation, I knew that I was unable to afford his treatment. I put it out of my mind for a few months because I didn’t know what other options I had. Finally, when I could no longer ignore the effect that it was having on his health, I began researching non profit organizations and, fortunately, found Helping Paws.

Asking for help has been extremely difficult for me. I’m accustomed to being a person who others can ask for help, not being in need myself, and to an extent, I still view myself that way. However, I realized that I needed to put Hunter’s well being above my pride and ask for help.

I’m so thankful that I did and so grateful to Helping Paws for everything that they have done because I don’t know if could cope with the loss of Hunter at this time. Whenever I suffer from a bad PTSD episode or a particularly bad migraine, Hunter is the one who always lies by my side and reminds me that I’m not alone and not forgotten.

These are my three remaining children. Chapo loves to be on top of the world, Ms. Bonnie knows she is a movie Star, and Rex is the Grouchy one of the bunch. Rex picked up a Fungal infection about 2 months ago. Unemployed and with no one to turn to for help, I was given one option by Humane Society; We can help you by putting him to sleep for 20$. I reached out to my VA case worker, and she in turn reached out to her co workers. Someone had heard of Helping Paws Foundation and passed it on to me. I had already asked a few other ORGs online, but for one reason or another I did not meet their requirements for assistance. I was running out of time, and Rex was getting worse by the day. After contacting Helping Paws, I was sure that I would be turned away again. Their response was surprisingly quick, and from the start I felt that help was on its WAY! Sure enough I received nothing but positive support and encouragement that Helping Paws Foundation would do anything they possibly could to help Rex and my little pack get through this terrible crisis. Although Helping Paws Foundation is not as well founded as the Humane Society, they jumped right in and went way out of the ordinary to help me with Rex. They provided well over One Thousand dollars to cover the surgery and medications that were necessary to start Rex on his recovery . Thank you SO very MUCH. HELPING PAWS FOUNDATION. IF ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE IN OUR SITUATION AND CAN DONATE IN THE NAME OF REX, GOD BLESS YOU

As a Veteran of the U.S. Navy & Marine Corps, my family contacted these awesome people at Helping Paws and they provided gentle care for my service dog Papi. Papi stayed with me by my bed at night, one eye open for me so I could rest. Papi got very sick but the great Doctors at Helping Paws brought him back to us in good shape and we got two more good years with our beloved Papi. He had to have many tests often, and expensive medications we could never afford on my pension, but Helping Paws was there all the way. They took such good care of my little buddy. I lost Papi three years ago. He fought a tough battle but he couldn't make the mission anymore. Now, three years later, I have to type through tears as I write this. I do though, so you will know not only how much Papi meant to me and my family, but more so, so that you will know just to what level they will go to to help Veterans and their pets. Dr. Craig Mohnacky and his team of fine Doctors & Staff are simply awesome. It's true. We know first hand. Helping Paws "Serving Those Who Have Served Us So Proudly" ! Thank you Helping Paws and God Bless !!!

Outstanding foundation that helps our military families in need! i have never see a foundation step up so fast in making sure that these pets and families get the exceptional care that they need! so blessed to have a foundation such a Helping Paws!!

If you are looking for an excellent Non Profit Organization that you can trust, look no further than Helping Paws. This Organization has very Caring Professionals with Big Hearts! They will treat you & your pet with the respect & care you both deserve.
John M.

Helping Paws Foundation has helped so many military families who already struggle to make ends meet. Pets are everything to many people and if one falls on hard times the last thing that one wants to do is have to give up a pet. Bless everyone that donates to Helping Paws and the people behind that logo, you are the best!

if you are looking for a non profit organization that you can trust to take care of your pet, this is an organization that you can truly count on. They have your interest at heart. They take the time to assess the situation, and work hard to provide life saving procedures for your furry friend. They have helped many people and families in the military with their pets, and it is so wonderful to see an organization be there for so many people who have been there for us.
Kim M.

Absolutely wonderful organization. They support military and we can not be more grateful for them to help us saving our kitty.

Helping Paws is an amazing nonprofit that helps so many veterans in need. I’ve read so many of the veterans stories, saying they or they’re pet wouldn’t be here anymore without Helping Paws. I’m really glad that an organization like this exists. Thank you to Helping Paws and to all our veterans as well.

This is such a good resource for military families that are struggling. Often, care for our pets take a backseat to care for us and our own children. I'm so thankful that our Military have a little financial support for their pets, especially with how the past few years has been. Great work being done with this organization. Keep up the good work Helping Paws!
L.E.S.

I first heard about Helping Paws when I took my pets to the vet- they were providing free spays and neuters to military families. How great is that! Any organization that gives back to the military gets my support!

I have volunteered for Helping Paws since it achieved 501c3 status quite a few years ago. This group sincerely cares about military members, their families and their furbabies. They have helped keep so many families together, especially in these times of COVID 19. It is an honor to give back to those service members who have so selflessly given us everything for our freedom.

My name is Pegi Lubic and I am a Disabled Veteran. Just months after adopting a 10 yo German Shepherd Mix named Missy, from the San Diego Humane's Society, Missy tore into her skin badly; frantically itching a mass under her skin between the area of her ear and shoulder. She was bleeding badly and when I took her to the Vet that I normally go to, they gave me a quote well beyond the $82.00 I had in my checking account to perform the surgery and remove the mass that was clearly growing under Missy's skin. I didn't know what to do as in just the few months I had Missy, I quickly grew to really love this precious dog.

The only foundation I knew of was F.A.C.E., and although Missy's condition was 'urgent', not life-threatening, my application was quickly rejected. I didn't know what to do. I didn't even have the money to euthanize this precious dog at alone pay over $1500.00 for this urgent surgery. I am very financially challenged and at least two financial businesses that will give you a credit card for medical emergencies, either rejected my application or requested a small limit with huge interest rates. Again, I had no idea what to do and I do not have family to help me out. After crying for a long time and asking God for some type of miracle, I got onto my computer and set out to find some type of organization / foundation that could possibly help me out.

I remembered seeing a flyer at a dog park about 'P.A.W.S. San Diego' a long time ago and went to their web site. Since P.A.W.S. stated they help out Military and Veterans, I prayed this would be the one that would hopefully hear my pleas and grant me some type of financial help so Missy's horrible wound would be surgically repaired. An incredibly kind and compassionate woman named Hannah Mullins and I spoke on the phone for quite some time. Hannah determined that I would qualify for financial help but Missy would have to be taken from the Vet that she still remained at and transferred to Mohnacky Vet Hospital; I replied, "That's NO problem Hannah. I'll go get her right now and transfer her."

Although San Diego was experiencing a horrible rain storm that evening, along with this
COVID-19 Pandemic, through Hannah's speedy arrangements with Mohnacky Animal Hospital, their Rep's were outside, in the rain, waiting for me to deliver Missy so surgery could be quickly be performed that evening.

What Hannah Mullins did for both Missy and I, I'll NEVER forget. She was amazingly compassionate and SO kind in 'quickly' handling my dilemma in efforts to not only keep Missy comfortable, but alive. Hannah Mullins truly is my favorite 'Earth Angel'. I feel in everyway, she felt my deep pain of being financially challenged and unable to help this precious dog that I love so much. I will always be so grateful to Hannah for her kindness and her ability to expedite my case. If God permits and I have the ability to come into money some day, Helping Paws Foundation will be the first Foundation / business that I will give back to. For Hannah Mullins' incredible kindness, Helping Paws Foundation deserves my utmost gratitude and appreciation.

Hannah once asked me to send her a photo of myself with Missy and I sent it through a text. At this current time, I don't have a photo of Missy and I in my camera so I hope, if requested, Hannah would be able to send you this photo she has on file.

To Hannah and 'Helping Paws Foundation', a FOREVER 'Thank YOU'! And to everyone that is involved in making this Foundation possible, I 'Thank you' as well .

Pegi Lubic,
U.S. Army Vet

The Helping Paws 501(c)(3) is a wonderful organization for military families. It is able to help active duty, retired, and veterans to care for their pets when their financial situation is dire and the pet is in a serious condition. It has been heartwarming to see the organization be able to help veterans who served their country in the past and are now having difficulty making it from day-to-day. Their pet provides physical and emotional assistance but may have health concerns or illness that the veteran owner cannot fully cover. It is wonderful to hear and see how they are able to provide the support needed.

My husband is a retired Navy veteran of 24-years and it is comforting to know that organizations such as Helping Paws exist should the need ever arise.

Helping Paws is amazing! They are truly dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our military families. Our pets are part of our family and organizations like this one help keep families together. Please help support this program so that they can continue to help pets and families in need.

I've had the pleasure of working closely with this foundation from the beginning. I am so happy for how far it has come and look forward to continue to watch it grow and help more military families with the hard work of its administrators!

I have volunteered for Helping Paws and this organization is doing amazing things. It was such a great experience...Hannah is fabulous, passionate and such a hard worker!

I love the Helping Paws Foundation mission! I can not think of a better way to give back!

This non-profit is the only reason I have my fur baby Toothless a silly energetic cat who’s the best friend of my toddler. She needed emergency surgery or to be put down if we didn’t have the money for it and this non-profit helped us when we needed it most.

Helping paws foundation has been such a lifesaver for so many of our military (both active and retired) clients and thier pets in need. They have a simple application process and stay in great communication with our hospital and client through the whole medical treatment. We are very thankful for this nonprofit due to thier support many animals have been saved!