The Mia Foundation Monthly

Welcome!

Expecting a litter of puppies or kittens can be a very exciting time! Seeing these new babies arrive is miraculous! But what if things don’t go according to plan? You may notice that one (or even more) of the new arrivals seems “off ”. Something just doesn’t seem right. A quick trip to your vet may result in devastating news. Birth defects, as a whole, aren’t uncommon. Many conditions can be treated successfully. However, the cure may come at a sizable cost. Most pet owners and breeders are then left to make a heart-wrenching decision. The unexpected costs often end with the pet owner opting to humanely euthanize. The Mia Foundation is here to offer another option. We believe that if they are born, they deserve to live. That’s the truly HUMANE decision. We have successfully cared for animals born with cleft lip, cleft palate, heart issues, plumbing issues, hydrocephalus, swimmer syndrome, missing limbs, and much more. Our highly trained and caring volunteers work closely with vet specialists to ensure that every animal in our care receives the best possible care. The majority of Mia babies go on to live long and happy lives with their forever families. We are working tirelessly to expand our network and ensure that every animal with a birth defect gets the opportunity to grow up and be loved. BECAUSE WE ALL MATTER!

12 x 12 Pledge

We’ve pledged to save animals with birth defects. Each animal that comes into our care is given every opportunity to survive and thrive. Your monthly contribution of just $12 for 12 months helps us provide lifesaving medical care. We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our wonderful supporters. Monthly donations can be sent directly to:

The Mia Foundation

3177 Latta Road #188 Rochester, NY 14612

Online donations can also be made via PayPal by visiting themiafoundation.com and clicking the DONATE button. Please consider taking the pledge today!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Name: Susan Winslow,

Title: Mgr. of Southern Chapter

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Favorite Breed: Chihuahua

Hobbies: Reading

Six years ago, a terrible tragedy struck Susan Winslow’s family. As with any loss, darkness and despair set in. Several weeks later, Susan noticed a plea for help on the Mia Foundation page. Nothing could fill her void, but the thought of having something positive to focus on gave her the strength to offer to help.

Susan’s first foster was a tiny cleft lip Shih-Tzu puppy named Marcy. She was initially told that Marcy also had a cleft palate and should be euthanized. Susan soon realized there was no cleft palate, only a cleft lip. She tended to Marcy’s every need until she was ready for her forever home. Susan credits the foundation with getting her through one of the hardest times in her life.

Six years later, Susan has become an expert in cleft babies. Each one must be fed every few hours, which means little sleep and, often, frazzled nerves. It’s a huge commitment on her part, but many lives have been saved thanks to her! For Susan, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the Mia pups all grown up and living happy lives. The hardest part is losing one. The bond between pup and foster is almost immediate and runs deep.

If you visit her today, you’ll be greeted by a “herd” of Chihuahuas, a couple of Boxers, a Yorkie, a Frenchie, a Labradoodle, and of course, Lucifer, a cleft palate cat. From all of us here at the Mia Foundation, and our supporters all over the country, we salute you Susan Winslow! We thank you for all that you do!

Anne Trexler- Staff Writer

Upcoming Events

• June 2 - Hamlin Wheel Fest 1503 Lake Rd (Hamlin Fireman Field) Hamlin, NY 10am-6pm

• June 10 - Dog Days of Kenmore Mang Park Kenmore, NY 12pm-4pm

• July 21-22 - Five Sons Winery Inc. 1360 W Sweden Rd Brockport, NY (7/21) 2pm-8pm (7/22) 1pm-5pm

• August 4 - Mia Day - Details soon!

• September 22 - Paws in the Park Beaver Island State Park Grand Island, NY 8:30am-1pm

• October 28 - Central PA Pet Expo Blair County Convention Center Altoona, PA 12pm-4pm