Tragically, a few months later we got a call that Gizmo was taken by animal control to a local animal shelter when his dad was found deceased in his apartment. Unfortunately, nobody was aware of his passing and Gizmo stood by his side for a week until he was found. We were unaware of his dad being ill, so this news came as a huge shock to all of us. We had recently spoken to Gizmo's dad to arrange for him to pick up Gizmo's medications from our local vet office. We do not know the details of how he passed, but the coroner’s office is investigating.

A few months later we received a message from Gizmo’s caretaker, letting us know that Gizmo took a nap and never woke up. Finally, our sweet boy is at rest and reunited with his dad.

Thank you to all our donors who supported Gizmo. We are thankful to have a program that supports our low-income community members who need our help the most.

Rest easy, sweet Gizmo.

RIP GIZMO

One of our WOTS volunteers met Gizmo and his dad while handing out supplies. His dad was unhoused but had recently gotten into Section 8 Housing and was living on a budget of only $200 per month. Gizmo had started to get lumps all over his body and his dad could not afford veterinary care. We set up an appointment with our vet where he was examined, had a few of the tumors aspirated and sent for testing, and also received x-rays, bloodwork, and nail trim. The vet found over 20 tumors, lumps and skin tags on his body! It was also determined via x-rays that he had a mass on his spleen, and the lab results came back that he did, in fact have Mast Cell Cancer. Unfortunately, there was not much we could do for Gizmo and his dad elected not to do Chemotherapy. We provided his dad with a few options and respected his decision.

Gizmo was pulled from the shelter and placed in the care of a close, trusted friend of his dad. Our volunteer drove him there, and we offered our condolences and continued to provide medical care, food and supplies as Gizmo transitioned into his new home. His tumors had been bothering him a bit so he was on meds to help with the itchiness and prevent infection. Despite his cancer progressing and all that he had been through, Gizmo was a happy boy and was in good spirits.