Hodgepodge Pets, Inc

11/20/2025

Has anyone tried this?

11/19/2025

11/19/2025

We would really like to start transitioning from plastic to stainless steel litter boxes. There are many benefits, most important being maintaining a clean environment, especially in a multi-cat rescue.

Some excerpts:

"Corrosion-Resistant for Longevity
Unlike plastic, stainless steel has a non-porous surface that doesn’t absorb odors or harbor bacteria. This makes it easier to clean and more hygienic for your cat. Stainless steel litter boxes are designed to resist scratches, which means no hidden dirt, bacteria/germs, or lingering odor over time."

"Stainless steel is built to last. It won’t rust or degrade like plastic, even with frequent cleaning. This durability ensures your litter box remains in top condition for years, saving you money on replacements."

If you'd like to contribute, our Amazon link is here:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1RQYSNEE5SMC3?ref_=wl_share

Thanks for your support!!

11/18/2025

Last week when we were picking our dogs up from 's spay/neuter clinic, we had our old boy, Duke, euthanized.

He had been being treated with palliative care for his mast cell tumors. After a couple of surgeries to remove them as they popped up externally, and him having a terrible time healing, we decided to just keep him comfortable. Tumors on his spine pressed on nerves, which eventually made him unable to walk. We took him outside in his sling several times a day to use the bathroom, and he decided that he liked to hang out on our (gated) covered porch, on his big bed. As long as the weather was nice, we obliged him but made him come indoors at bedtime. It was hard watching him not to be able to walk, but he was so determined and happy and energetic, it didn't seem to bother him. Unfortunately, he developed a new tumor on his hock where he previously had one removed, and it started to grow very rapidly. We were afraid that it would rupture, so we made the decision to let him go before that happened.

Duke LOVED car rides and would happily ride along for hours, not making a peep. I'm not sure that he even changed positions. He was the best road trip buddy! A couple of rescue supporters, Heather and Linda, took Duke out for "Best Days" that included rides, treats and adventures! Linda got very attached to Duke on their many afternoon outings.

On the way to the hospital, we stopped at Mcdonalds and got him a 10 piece nugget and a vanilla ice cream cone. A bit later, I called to let them know that we were there, and asked if they would euthanize him in the car. I climbed into the back seat and sat beside him and finished feeding him his treats. He ate every bite, then turned from looking out the window and layed down, putting his head in my lap. The vet came out and opened the back car door and gave him an injection in his rear leg to sedate him. He barely realized that she was there. I kept thanking him for being a great helper to me at the rescue, and telling him how much he was loved. We (I) talked about all of his old friends that he'd soon see, and I told him thru tears to wait for me and we'd be together again. He peacefully fell asleep as I talked. After a few minutes, the vet came out and injected him with the euthanasia material and he passed moments later.

In all the years of doing rescue, plus years of working for a vet and being involved in countless pets being put down, Duke's was the most peaceful and uneventful. He literally just took a fun car ride, ate his favorite junk foods, and with a full belly, layed down and peacefully fell asleep against me. The Best Day!

I'm grateful to the staff at Small Miracles for their help. They made a heartbreaking situation so much more bearable.

Duke, I'm sure that Miss Jody will treat you well in Heaven. Luckily, she loves road trips as much as you do - and McDonalds.

11/18/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16imQ8pHoW/

11/03/2025

Monday morning update:

We have 4 dogs at Small Miracles getting vaccinated and fixed today, plus one having corrective nares surgery to enable her to breathe easier.

We have received 3 donations totaling $75.00. Our estimate for today is $1,255.00 -$1,515.00!!

Some of these dogs have been waiting nearly a year in foster homes for the resources to come in for them to be fixed, thus enabling us to place them in their forever homes. That's not acceptable and something has to change! While we have some permanent fosters in sanctuary in the rescue, the goal is to socialize them, vet them, and place them, to make room for others in need.

I'll say it again. We are willing to do the never ending work: the 18-20 hour days, the cleaning, the feeding, the rotating; the vetting; the emails, phone calls and texts; transporting; the required filings and paperwork; the socializing and training. We are willing to forego vacations and dining out. We work very hard and are willing to continue.

We are willing to spend our own money to make sure that everybody is fed and cared for. But, is that fair? Is it OK that we've been forced to cash out personal retirements and annuities to keep us afloat? That we've had to sell our valuables to survive? Is it smart? Is it right that only the same, small handful of supporters donate regularly? We have 2,100 followers on our page, many of them prior adopters or folks that we've helped with surrenders. Nearly 40 years of helping animals and serving others, and yet here I sit. Where is everyone?!

Is it OK that I have had to borrow money to cover these surgeries today? That I am personally on the hook to repay it?

The answer to all of the above is a resounding NO!!!

We're tired of asking, even begging, for support. We're really tired of people offering support, then not following thru. We're tired of carrying this weight. When is enough, enough?

11/02/2025

Please donate! These kids are scheduled for spays/neuters on Monday, and we haven't had even one donation come in to help cover it. We really don't want to cancel because they need to be fixed so they can move on to new homes. Plus, there are four dogs scheduled for surgery and canceling last minute would be very inconsiderate. Especially, when there are so many people trying to get low cost appointments. Please help and please share!

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

Dewey, Turtle, and Banjo were all neutered at Small Miracles Rescue's Clinic yesterday. They also received rabies and combo vaccines. The boys are resting and healing up well, and in a couple of days, will be ready for adoption!

The surgery/vaccine total was $680.00. Our volunteer, Sarah, sponsored Turtle's neuter @$180.00 and also rode shotgun for transport both ways (thank you!!). We raised $178.00 at our event on Wednesday night, which went towards the balance. Banjo was cryptorchid, so there was an additional fee attached to his surgery.

IMPORTANT!!
NOW, we have for more surgeries scheduled for next week on 11/3/25 for Daisy, Bella, Jeffy, and Lyla. Because Lyla is a brachycephalic breed and that comes with greater anesthesia risks, there are additional costs associated with her surgery: $75.00 for meclazine and close monitoring. and $340. - $600.00 for nares surgery. (It is important to have it done during the spay surgery to lesson the anesthesia risk of being put under a second time. The surgery involves removal of part of the outer fold of each nostril. This procedure will widen the nostril opening allowing your dog to breathe more easily through their nose.)

The costs total for those appointments is $795.00 for spays/ neuters, $120.00 for vaccines, and $340.00 - $600.00 for nares, bringing the total needed to $1,255. - $1,515.00.

Can you please donate so that we can get these kids done and out of foster homes? Two of them have approvec adopters and homes and families waiting for them!

I paid the balance due for the boys' bill, but I can't swing it again, especially this soon. If we can't raise the funds, we will have to cancel the surgeries and I really don't want to do that.

Please share and please donate!

Venmo:


PayPal:
[email protected]

https://www.paypal.me/hodgepodgepets

Mail:
Hodgepodge Pets
P.O. Box 42
Monkton, Md. 21111

Thank you!!

10/31/2025

Thank you, Manor Mill, for hosting our fundraiser this week! We raised $178.00 towards our neuter appointments yesterday, and we had two approved adopters come and chose their new friend!

You're going to have great lives, Winkle and Clyde! Can't wait for updates!

10/20/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GZULrC4kF/

It’s HOWL-OWEEN! Join us on Wednesday, October 29th for an exciting evening featuring a costume pawty & parade, a costume contest, raffle items, and a photographer. Most importantly, you’ll have a chance to visit with rescues and adoptable pets!

This is a FREE event, but donations are appreciated! Please consider bringing canned pet food or adopting a rescue pet.

Hodgepodge Pets Inc is a small, dedicated family run animal rescue, in operation for over 30 years. They are committed to helping animals and people in need through their military, senior, therapy, foster, owner hardship, and volunteer programs.