30/01/2023
Dear Phinney's volunteers,
It is with a sad heart that, on behalf of Phinney’s Board of Directors, I tell you that Phinney's is starting the process of dissolution. In approximately two months, we expect to be closing our operations. In the meantime, we will focus on making provisions for the pet parents we regularly help, as our promise to them always stated, and helping financially as many low-income pet parents as we can, until we run out of funds.
The pandemic impacted the whole planet, and Phinney’s did not escape it. We have not been able to find enough volunteers to cover key positions, and we can no longer keep up with the tasks essential to maintaining the organization in good order.
After much deliberation, we decided that the best we can do is close down. This way, we will allow all of us who feel overwhelmed to regroup. And when we recover, maybe we can all go out into the world again to do some more good.
But I would like to take this moment to remind you of Phinney’s wonderful accomplishments. They should not be forgotten, as we saved countless lives, made thousands of people and pets happy, and kept them safe.
The good we’ve spread during these 26 years is incalculable. After meeting thousands of loving pet parents and loyal furry and feathery friends (and some scaly too!), I feel grateful for having been part of it all, especially beside such generous people.
I will always cherish the countless times I got together with you, volunteers, to do something for Phinney's. From the board meetings at the MSPCA in Boston in the early days, to the countless get togethers in the basement in Lincoln. The home visits to clients. The days and nights organizing – and finally enjoying - the festivals. The preparations and celebrations with Phinney’s bike riders. The many tables we manned at Cotting School, churches and parks. The bags of pet food we carried and sorted together. The pets we rushed to the vet, and the ones we fostered. One of them is still here with me - Mr. Bojangles, now Graffiti, cozily sleeping on my couch while I write this letter.
I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to experience all that with you. You mustered the will and strength to give your time and energy to the ones who needed the most, even when it was not easy or convenient.
Also, I must mention that all this good work wouldn't have been possible without the financial power provided by our loyal donors – companies, business owners, and regular people who, at times, also volunteered. Our donors generously sacrificed part of their wealth to assist again and again. And for that I am deeply humbled and grateful.
Regarding the pet parents and animals we help, we will do everything we can to buy them time, so they can make plans for future needs. I remember with fondness every pet I met during Phinney's duties, and every person I helped. I am sure you do too. All the home visits and all the pictures that came through the email made us love those pets instantly, and we gladly helped as much as we could. So, please rest assured that we will do our very best during those final months to help as many as we can.
We certainly cherished every smile and tear of joy from grateful pet parents. All the thank you's and all the hugs. And when the messages came through the internet, we rejoiced in every note telling us that their pet was saved and happy.
All these experiences transformed me. They made me feel useful and grateful for what I have. I hope you do too.
We have made great friends along the way. Not to mention the precious memories of all these years working together toward such a noble mission. This gift can never be taken away from us, and will live on in our hearts.
I sincerely hope you feel proud of being part of such wonderful accomplishments. The world is a better place thanks to you, volunteers, and thanks to our donors.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your extraordinary service during these 26 years helping low-income pet parents and their beloved animals. For me, and for the Board of Directors, it's been an honor to have taken this amazing journey of learning, humility and kindness alongside you.
Daniela Caride
Phinney’s Board Advisor
