Scholarships
Thanks to generous offering of two FAR families, we are proud to offer two scholarships that covers 100% of the cost of adoption for animals that meet the criteria.
Click each one to find out more:
Apollo's angels
Sponsored by Apollo's wonderful family, Apollo's Angels covers the adoption fee of any animal 15 years are older to encourage adopters to bring home a senior animal into a loving home.
On March 14, 2025 at 2:45pm, our sweet senior Apollo transitioned to the next life in the arms of his mom and dad, surrounded by his fur siblings, flowers, and a warm late winter breeze. While his death brought us to our knees, it is his life that we hope will inspire others to open their hearts to a senior cat.
Apollo was 17 years old, abandoned by his humans, and minutes from death at ACCT Philly in December of 2022 when we saved him with the help of Dr. Cohn. Unsure of how long we would have him, we were determined to let him have the best golden years possible. He got an earful from his dad on the way home. He heard all about his new house, his new fur siblings, his new parents who couldn’t wait to love him. Once he got home and surrounded by love, he flourished. It seemed being loved and protected allowed him to be like a kitten again, albeit with some arthritis and mild kidney disease, but nothing a heated bed and some truly stinky renal diet wet food didn’t solve.
Apollo was the king of the house. He was loud, demanding, and sometimes grumpy if the dog walked past him too closely or his brother Buca tried to ”share” Apollo’s aforementioned stinky food, but mostly he loved; perhaps harder than any animal I have had in my 35 years. He seemed to deeply appreciate this new life he was given and was grateful to be given it. His love felt all encompassing and understanding, like that of an old friend. When his time with us was nearing its end, despite knowing he was older when he was adopted, only two years together felt like we were being cheated. He had become an integral part of our family and we felt like we were losing him way too soon, even though he was cresting 20 years old. He made us understand that it truly is the life in your years, not the years in your life, that matter.
Our home is much quieter now but Apollo’s legacy will live on in every senior cat saved from a fate they did not choose when being abandoned at a shelter or dumped on the street. Please consider opening your heart to a distinguished older cat. They are often overlooked and underappreciated. We hope you all find a love like we did in Apollo.
Til we meet again, polliwog.
Mom and Dad
A tribute to apollo
There is no need to apply for this scholarship. You will see any animal with the "Apollo's Angel" logo qualifies.
Bunky's Buddies
Sponsored by Bunky's wonderful family, Bunky's Buddies covers the adoption fee of any animal with diabetes and provides adopter's support to encourage people to welcome a diabetic animal into their loving home.
There is no need to apply for this scholarship. You will see any animal with the "Bunky's Buddies" logo qualifies.
Our Inspiration: Remembering Bunky
Bunky was, in a word, perfect.
From the moment we met him, we knew he was a "foster fail" in the making. I remember telling my mother on day one “He’s perfect. There’s no way I’m not going to adopt him” There was an instant connection, a certainty that he was meant to be part of our family forever. And he was.
Lucy, our one-eyed blind cat was only used to her dog siblings before we fostered Bunky. She was separated from her littermates due to needing an emergency eye removal and alone time to recover, so she never really learned to “cat” before we adopted her. Bunky was a gentle soul who knew how to approach Lucy and, after slow introductions, they became best of friends. Lucy loved having her big brother.
Bunky spent his nights curled up in our bed and loved. He loved his daddy with a special kind of devotion and often curled up with him for naps. He loved to lay on his mommy's back while she worked. He was just the perfect boy. In our eyes, he did everything right, and we couldn’t have asked for a better, more loving companion.
We took Bunky in as a foster specifically because he had diabetes. His former family dumped him because of it. Despite how easy the routine is, it’s hard to find a foster for a cat with special needs. Bunky was a superstar and was so easy to give insulin to, and this twice-a-day moment became just another way for us to show him our love. His care was a small price to pay for the immense affection he gave us every single day.
His absence leaves a profound void, but his spirit inspires us to give back. We miss him dearly, and this scholarship is our way of ensuring his perfect, loving spirit lives on by helping other special animals like him get a second chance.
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We love you forever, Bunky. Our only wish is we had more time with you, but we're so lucky we got the time we did. You forever changed our lives for the better. Your mommy, daddy, and sister miss you immensely.
A Note on Pet Diabetes: It's Simpler Than You Think
The word "diabetes" can sound intimidating, but we want to reassure you that for many pets, it's very manageable. For most, managing their care involves a simple insulin injection twice a day, usually during breakfast and dinner. Many pets, like our Bunky, barely notice the tiny needle.
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It’s a quick routine that becomes a predictable moment of connection in your day. It's a simple act of care that allows an otherwise happy and healthy pet to thrive. Our team is here to show you just how easy it can be!
What's included in the scholarship:
100% Adoption Fee Sponsorship: The full adoption fee for any cat or dog at Fishtails Animal Rescue diagnosed with diabetes will be completely covered.
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Diabetic Care Support: Adopters of a "Bunky's Buddy" will receive support to help them begin their journey. This may include a starter kit with essential supplies (like Lantus Insulin) and an informational guide to help you feel confident and prepared as you care for your new family member.
