Love in Bloom Raffle Supports Sophie’s Journey

This spring’s Love in Bloom 50/50 Raffle achieved a new high total for the organization, with a final jackpot of $16,605—a significant increase from our inaugural raffle in summer 2025.

Back in May, we congratulated Dorothy O. on her raffle win of $8,302.50. A fellow animal lover, Dorothy had the opportunity to meet some of our cats and learn more about the work we do here at LAWS when she came to pick up her cheque. Supporters like Dorothy contributed to a fundraiser that is making a tangible difference for animals like Sophie, a playful seven-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever who was preparing for major orthopedic surgery this spring.

Sophie arrived in our care with several medical challenges, including a diagnosis of Lyme disease. The infection worsened a pre-existing knee injury, affecting her mobility and complicating treatment options. Once the active infection had been treated, she was scheduled for a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), a specialized surgery estimated to cost over $5,000.

However, after Sophie was prepared for surgery and assessed more thoroughly, her veterinary team determined that the procedure would not provide the long-term outcome they had hoped for. Due to the nature of her injury and the potential for worsening arthritis, the developed an alternative treatment plan focused on rehabilitation, mobility support, and long-term comfort.

That plan led Sophie and our staff on a road trip to Mount Albert, Ontario, where she was fitted for a custom brace by the team at Canadian Animal Rehab Services. The appointment was an educational and encouraging experience for everyone involved. Sophie received a brace designed to support both hind legs, and she quickly began adapting to her new support system. She has shown promising improvements in both comfort and mobility since then.

This fundraiser allowed us to say yes to a sophisticated solution for Sophie—one that supports her active, joyful nature while helping her avoid a more invasive procedure and lengthy recovery. From her first days at LAWS through her ongoing rehabilitation, Sophie’s enthusiasm for life has never faded, and we have been delighted to watch her progress.

We are immensely grateful for the response of our community during our Spring 2026 raffle, which also coincided with the slightly delayed arrival of kitten season. While cooler, unpredictable weather may have slowed things down initially, our foster homes are now caring for litters in various stages of development, and some kittens have already found their forever homes.

LAWS does not receive any government funding; we rely on community support to provide everything from emergency veterinary care to kitten formula, litter, and foster supplies. The success of the Love in Bloom Raffle will help us continue responding to animals with urgent needs while preparing for the busy months ahead.

To everyone who purchased a ticket, shared the raffle, or encouraged others to participate, thank you. Your support helps ensure that animals like Sophie, and the many kittens now arriving in our care, receive the compassion, medical attention, and second chances they deserve.