When Hattie first arrived at the Roanoke Valley SPCA, she was just a little hound pup with big, floppy ears and an even bigger heart. She and her brother were adopted together, and for a while, life was wonderful. They had a loving dad, a warm home, and a family that adored them.
But life can change in an instant. When their adopter suddenly passed away, Hattie and her brother were returned to the shelter—heartbroken and confused.
While helping them adjust, our medical team noticed something troubling. Hattie’s left eye was red, swollen, and painfully sensitive to light. At first, we thought she might have scratched it or suffered a minor injury, but despite careful treatment, her eye didn’t improve. After further examination, our veterinarians discovered the true cause: severe Entropion, a painful condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to scrape against the surface of the eye.
If left untreated, Entropion can lead to constant discomfort, scarring, and even blindness. To make matters worse, tests revealed that both of Hattie’s eyes were affected—and she would need surgery on both eyes to relieve her pain and prevent permanent damage.
Thanks to the Sara Jane and Mickey Second Chance Fund, Hattie was able to get the help she needed. This special fund at the Roanoke Valley SPCA provides critical medical treatment for animals with serious health issues—care that goes beyond routine shelter services and quite literally saves lives.
Hattie underwent surgery with the incredible team at Vinton Veterinary Hospital, who repaired her eyelids and made sure she was comfortable and cared for throughout her recovery. Today, Hattie is thriving—her bright eyes full of joy, curiosity, and gratitude. She can finally see clearly, without pain.
Stories like Hattie’s are why the Roanoke Valley SPCA exists. Every day, our staff and volunteers work to help animals heal, find homes, and start over. But we can’t do it without community support.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help more pets like Hattie receive the second chances they deserve. Your donation to the Sara Jane and Mickey Second Chance Fund will provide lifesaving medical care for animals in need—ensuring that no pet’s future is limited by pain or circumstance.
Because every animal deserves a second chance—and every act of kindness makes a world of difference.