GivingTuesday is December 2, 2025! This global day of giving is an opportunity for people around the world to use the collective power of individual generosity to benefit their entire communities. At APS of Durham, we know that without the contributions of our incredible donors, we would not be able to accomplish the life-saving work we do every day, serving the animals in Durham who need it most. It’s because of your amazing support that we can tell stories like Ivy’s.
GivingTuesday 2025
Meet Ivy: The dog who chose to smile
Have you ever met someone who smiles in the face of adversity? Who refuses to let pain and hardship dim their light? We have. Her name is Ivy.
Ivy was brought to APS on a cold May morning by a concerned Durham resident. She was in heartbreaking condition—painfully thin, with bones showing through her skin and lesions that told the story of her recent neglect. And yet . . . Ivy smiled.
Despite her suffering, she looked at us with hope, and her tail gave the smallest, sweetest wag. Our team knew she needed urgent care, so we rushed her to our emergency veterinary partner. The moment she arrived at the vet, Ivy captured every heart in the clinic. She was nervous and a bit unsure of all the attention, but her gentle spirit shone through.
That’s when Jessie, one of the vet techs, felt an instant connection. Ivy reminded her of a beloved pet she had lost, and she couldn’t ignore the pull to help. Jessie offered to foster Ivy, and from that moment, their bond was unshakable.
With every check-up at APS, we watched Ivy blossom. Her wounds healed slowly, but her spirit soared. Her tail wagged a little faster each visit, and her smile grew brighter. Everyone who met her fell in love! You simply couldn’t resist giving her a pet or a squeeze.
And Jessie couldn’t resist either. She realized quickly that Ivy wasn’t just her foster, she was family. Jessie adopted Ivy, giving her the forever home she deserved.
Today, Ivy’s scars tell the story of survival, but her joy tells the story of love. She’s proof that with a lot of care and compassion, healing isn’t just possible. It’s powerful.
Listen to her story:
Because of your generosity on GivingTuesday and throughout the year, Ivy’s story—and so many others like hers—can become a reality. Your support makes rescue, recovery, and second chances possible. From all of us at APS, and from Ivy herself, thank you.
