Giving Every Dog a Chance at a Happy, Healthy Life

We support K9 cancer research, veterinary students, rural veterinary care, and dog rescues across the country.

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Welcome to the Penelope’s Promise Foundation

In Honor of Penelope Rose Grigio

Penelope's Promise Foundation - Non Profit for Caine Cancer Research

Read Penelope's Full Story

The Penelope’s Promise Foundation was created in honor and loving memory of Penelope Rose Grigio (aka Sweet P), the sweetest little cattle dog who ever lived. Penelope’s story started out in August of 2018 as a stray at the Finney County Humane Society in Garden City, Kansas, where she was deemed unadoptable due to a very large mammary adenoma that was determined by the Humane Society to be inoperable.

This mammary adenoma was so metabolically active it caused Penelope to develop severe diabetes with blood sugars over 500 that insulin did not help at all. After much research and many veterinary consultations, we found Dr. Metzen at Metzen Veterinary Clinic, also in Garden City, Kansas. At the time, he was unsure if the surgery would be successful but was willing to try it.

canine cancer research non-profit Long story short, the surgery performed by Dr. Metzen was successful, although the adenoma was so large it took multiple surgeries to get it all removed. Fortunately, Penelope made a full recovery, including a complete resolution of her diabetes. It was evident that she lived a hard life before she was adopted, so there was some damage that could not be undone – cloudy eyes from sun exposure and diabetes, an old fracture that didn’t heal properly and caused a slight limp, fly-bitten and scarred ears, and broken and rotten teeth.

But after her surgery and adoption, she healed and thrived. Penelope went on to live the most amazing life. She traveled all over the country, saw and did so many awesome things that most humans only dream of, and because of her calm, loving, gentle demeanor, and her adorable, doll-like appearance, she touched so many people’s lives along the way. No other dog has ever lived such a fantastic life filled with so much love.

Unfortunately, after a year of battling generalized sickness, with tons of testing and bloodwork, everything being negative, it was finally discovered that Penelope had developed
hemangiosarcoma that had metastasized from her spleen throughout the rest of her abdomen. On December 12, 2024, we had to say goodbye to the sweetest baby girl in the whole world.

All dogs are great, but some are just special – different. Penelope was that for me. Although Penelope has passed, I want her legacy to live on forever. I want all dogs, but especially the overlooked ones, to be able to get the best veterinary care possible, especially in rural areas like Garden City, Kansas, and I want K9 cancer research, especially that of hemangiosarcomas, to advance as far and fast as possible.

That is why Penelope’s Promise is to help fund veterinary students who desire to practice in rural areas, to help fund K9 cancer research specializing in hemangiosarcomas, and to help fund dog rescues and veterinary services across the country.

I, Michael Rein Ise, Jr., as the Founder and President of the foundation, will ensure the funds of the Penelope’s Promise Foundation are distributed in the best way possible to achieve Penelope’s Promise year in and year out.

Thank you for your support!

2024 Donation Total: $50,000
2025 Donation Total: $63,000
2026 Donation Goal: $75,000

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Our Mission

Every Dog Deserves a Fighting Chance

Our mission is to provide scholarships to veterinary students who desire to practice in rural areas upon graduation, to help fund K9 cancer research specializing in hemangiosarcomas, and to help fund dog rescues and veterinary services across the country.

Get a Free Gift With Your Donation

Help Us Make a Lasting Impact on K9 Health and Care

Your donation makes a real difference, and we want to show our gratitude! When you donate to The Penelope’s Promise Foundation, you’ll receive a special free gift as a token of our appreciation. Your contribution helps us advance our mission to support veterinary students, fund K9 cancer research, and assist dog rescues and veterinary clinics nationwide. For each $25 you donate, you’ll receive one special free gift of your choosing. Please specify which special free gift(s) you would like when you make your donation.

Penelope’s Promise children’s book
T-Shirts
Penelope Plushies
Custom printed Golf Balls
Jigsaw Puzzle (Coming in 2026)

Stay tuned for more details! No matter the size of your gift, know that your contribution helps save lives and supports the future of veterinary care.

Penelope’s Promise Book

Read the blurb below

“In a dark corner of a loud animal shelter, a little cattle dog waited-sick, tired, and dreaming of a home. When a gentle hand reached out and whispered, “You’re safe now,” Penelope’s new life began.

Through bandaged days and brave nights, Penelope learned that healing takes time, and love makes all the difference. As Penelope began to enjoy her new Life, she noticed something was missing… everyone in her new family had welcomed her into their lives except for one grumpy man. But she was determined to win him over. Follow Penelope’s journey to becoming best friends with her new dad.

Penelope’s Promise is a tender tale of hope, Love, and the magic of second chances. A story to remind us all: every dog needs love and deserves a second chance.”