 Tyson has been around the block a few times, even though he’s just a pup. An adorable 10-month-old boxer, he’s already in his third home, after the first two were found wanting. First, he was an uncared-for, unvaccinated, outdoor dog with no shelter. His second owner spotted him on his way to the local shelter and offered to take him in. Sadly, he was relinquished a short time later to an Oregon-based, AAHA-accredited veterinary practice after it was determined that he had a foreign body obstruction requiring immediate and expensive surgery. A ward of the veterinary team that cared for him, he recovered nicely and, with his puppy love intact, he has now been adopted by his third – and final – family. Already the owners of a three-year-old boxer, they know just what to expect from him and have offered a permanent, loving environment for him to grow in. We’re hoping that Tyson is finally home to stay!
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Coco, an eight-month-old Cocker Spaniel, was no match for the raccoon that came into his yard. Poor Coco suffered severe trauma to both hind legs. He was also suspected of having a body-wall hernia. He was probably glad to learn that not everyone was out to get him when he met his veterinarian. His veterinary team took great care of him, even though his owner had recently become unemployed and couldn’t afford the treatment. A grant from the AAHA Helping Pets Fund helped a lot, and when they found that Coco’s hernia did not require surgery, that helped too. The Fund was able to cover the entire cost of Coco’s treatment, and he is now home having fully recovered from his ordeal.
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 His name is Marley, and though he may not be the Marley you first thought of, he’s just as cute! Unfortunately, though, he was injured in a dog attack and suffered a broken jaw. Being just a pup, he healed nicely, but he was bandaged and had to be fed intravenously for two weeks! Marley’s veterinary team treated him with tender loving care, and when the cost of his care became too much for the family, found him a new, permanent home. He’s doing much better now and is once again playing the part of the mischievous pup.
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Ellie Mae came into the Scottsdale-based veterinary clinic with the long face of a Basset Hound, made even longer by the fact that she was very sick. In fact, she’d been vomiting for three days and was lethargic. Her veterinarian knew right away that Ellie Mae’s condition was serious and, suspecting she had a GI foreign body, prepped her for immediate surgery. She wrote of the deep bond the family had to Ellie Mae when she applied to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund on their behalf. Now, Ellie Mae has completely recovered, and all concerned feel that this was a happy ending to a very sad tale!
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Cookie is a beauty with the coloring typical of Australian shepherds, but she also was suffering from a mass on one of her mammary glands, and she needed help. Cookie’s doctor felt her condition was terminal without treatment, so he applied to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund to help with the cost. You see, like so many others, Cookie’s owner had lost her job in the recent recession. Unemployment benefits helped, but they were insufficient for the treatment Cookie needed. Happily, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund could help, and a grant was issued to help Cookie get the surgery she needed.
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Sierra, a Doberman mix, has been with her family for 10 years, and they have always done their best for her. But when they fell on hard times, they wondered how they could provide treatment for her very painful ear infection. Sierra’s veterinary care team knew she was suffering, and they applied to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund for assistance. It was granted, and Sierra was scheduled for surgery in August. Sent home with meds and one of those dreaded cones, she has now healed nicely and is once again her old playful and loving self.
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Dee Dee is a source of love and companionship for her family in Tennessee, as they struggle with job loss and serious medical issues. Unfortunately, Dee Dee had her own health scare recently when she was diagnosed with bladder stones – a very painful condition. With looming medical bills for thyroid cancer treatment, Dee Dee’s family had no idea how to help her, but their veterinarian did. Because Dee Dee was a longtime patient, her veterinary care team went out of their way to find help so that Dee Dee could have the cystotomy she needed. They asked us to help, too. With the efforts of the veterinary team, a lot of love, and a grant from the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, Dee Dee was able to undergo surgery on August 25th. She’s now pain-free and at home, offering her unconditional love and support.
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Bubba
We think it’s the big things that will get us, but sometimes the opposite is true. Poor little Bubba, a Bichon Frise, found this out when he suffered a bite wound while playing with another dog. It could have healed on its own, but it did not, and Bubba needed surgery and a round of antibiotics to clean up the infection that developed. Like so many others, one of his owners had recently been laid off, but that didn’t stop the family from getting Bubba help. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund chipped in to cover the bulk of the cost of Bubba’s treatment, and the family paid what they could. Bubba is now his spunky and adorable self once again, after having healed with just a little help from some friends.
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Chico
A 10-month-old pit bull puppy was accidentally shot during a police chase through his fenced yard. Chico’s owners rushed him to the nearest veterinary practice for treatment. Chico’s dedicated veterinary team called upon the AAHA Helping Pets Fund to help with the immediate cost of treatment. The bullet in Chico’s shoulder broke a bone but his youth and resiliency allowed him to regain his normal life without requiring surgery.
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Shortt Dogg learned his true identity when he was diagnosed with a common feline ailment – bladder stones. Despite their tight finances, Shortt Dogg’s owners wanted to provide their beloved feline with proper care. Their veterinary practice was able to use a grant from the AAHA Helping Pets Fund to help with the cost of a cystotomy. Although Shortt Dogg is still suffering from an identity crisis, he isn’t suffering from bladder stones. Shortt Dogg’s owners are very thankful for their wonderful veterinary team and the AAHA Helping Pets Fund.
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Duke recently lost his owner to cancer. To make matters worse, Duke suffers from a chronic skin condition and Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a condition resulting from tear deficiency. Because Duke’s owner was unable to finalize arrangements prior to losing his battle with cancer, Duke’s AAHA-accredited veterinary practice took responsibility for his care. They provided medical care and helped him find a new home where Duke will continue to receive the ongoing care and love he needs.
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Lucky, a seven-year-old Border collie, didn’t quite live up to his name recently when he tore his ACL. His owner, a retired senior with medical bills of her own, needed help paying for the expensive surgery. Luckily, Lucky’s veterinary team knew about the AAHA Helping Pets Fund and applied for a grant on his behalf. Lucky, truly living up to his name now, is on the mend and will continue to share good times with his owner.
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Boo Boo found herself in an unsavory situation after her original owner passed away. When her new owners took her in to be spayed, Boo Boo’s blood work showed she was heartworm positive. The family asked that she be euthanized. Boo Boo’s veterinarian didn’t want to give up on Boo Boo so easily, so she called the AAHA Helping Pets Fund. In their application letter, the practice team wrote: “Boo Boo is such a sweet girl and has been through so much. We just couldn’t let her be destroyed.” The Fund awarded a Good Samaritan grant to help with the cost of Boo Boo’s treatment, and the practice found a longtime client willing to give Boo Boo a permanent home.
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 Twinkle, a sweet female kitty, was brought to an AAHA-accredited veterinary practice for treatment of chronic and severe stomatitis. Her family had always done their best to care for Twinkle, but found themselves in a difficult position when her condition worsened. Because they could not afford the expensive surgery she needed, they asked that she be euthanized. The veterinary team chose to make Twinkle their ward instead, explaining that they had become “quite attached to her during her stay.” They agreed to take responsibility for Twinkle and find her a new home following her recovery. The veterinarian wrote: “Twinkle has no idea that she has a large open wound on the side of her face. She has maintained her spirit and sweet personality throughout and she surely deserves every chance we can give her.” The AAHA Helping Pets Fund awarded a Good Samaritan grant to help with Twinkle’s treatment.
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Prince and Shadow are fortunate little canines. Their owner recently suffered a house fire in which she lost everything, including her beloved cats. Fortunately, Prince and Shadow survived the devastating fire. They were treated for smoke inhalation and corneal irritation before being released. To help the family through their crisis, their veterinarian applied for and received a temporary hardship grant from the AAHA Helping Pets Fund. Although the family is still mourning the loss of their beloved kitties they are thankful that Prince and Shadow are healthy and still with them.
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Scotty, a feline nomad, was determined to settle down. Despite a soft spot for strays, the family he chose was struggling with serious health issues and the resulting medical bills. But Scotty was determined, and one night, he broke through a window screen and settled into the most comfortable chair he could find. When he was discovered, the feline “felon” was given a home. Unfortunately, Scotty was soon diagnosed with cancer, creating an additional medical bill the family couldn’t afford. Scotty’s AAHA-accredited veterinary team fell victim to his “purr-sonality” and applied for assistance from the Fund on behalf of the family. Scotty is doing better now and remains happily at home with his loved ones.
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Mo
Tragedy can strike anywhere, anytime. Mo, a German Shepherd, was suffering from abscesses caused by debris embedded in his skin after a serious motor vehicle accident he and his family suffered. The accident left one of his owners a quadriplegic, and Mo, terrified at being thrown from the vehicle when it rolled, ran away and was missing for nearly two months before a Good Samaritan found him and returned him to his family.
“We were in shock and couldn’t believe our beloved Mo had been found. It was wonderful to have a little good news for a change since the car accident,” his owners wrote to the Helping Pets Fund.
The family was thrilled when they learned that Mo had been found but concerned, because he had lost about 20 pounds and was still suffering from the injuries he sustained in the accident. Though their financial situation was changed by the accident, they never questioned the value of providing the treatment Mo needed. Mo’s veterinarian and her staff were aware of the family’s difficult situation and applied to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund on their behalf. They cited the family’s devotion to Mo as their motivation for doing so.
“It is wonderful that there are programs such as yours out there to help people in need with their pets. I know I speak for many people that our pets are like family and we love them so very much and truly appreciate [the] help.” Mo and his family continue to adjust to their changed life circumstances, but all are on the road to better days.
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Boo
Boo was suffering from a common but life-threatening illness, a urinary blockage, which needed immediate treatment. Already faced with limited means, Boo’s owner took him to the nearest vet. Less than a week later, Boo’s bladder blocked again. Boo’s owner was understandably worried and, this time, he needed a little help. He found the AAHA Helping Pets Fund and contacted an AAHA-accredited hospital in Ontario, Canada. They agreed to see Boo right away and, because the cost of treatment was as troubling for the owner as Boo’s illness, they applied to the Helping Pets Fund.
“Without your assistance I would be grieving the loss of another loved one,” Boo’s owner wrote to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund. “As for the care and dedication the staff of [the hospital] has shown, well, I just can’t find any other word but STUPENDOUS.”
Boo is a very lucky kitty. A part of his owner’s family for less than two years with a history that includes multiple rescues, he has become a vital part of the household. “The mere thought of losing him was devastating, and I would not accept that as an option. I made a promise to this little guy when I first got him that as long as I am alive I was going to provide him a happy home and a healthy life. And thanks to your assistance it looks like that promise will be kept.” The goal of the AAHA Helping Pets Fund is to provide assistance for emergency veterinary treatment of pets that might not receive it without help from an outside source. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are pleased to be able to help families such as Boo’s stay together through difficult times.
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The Stack Veterinary Hospital practice team and Willy. |
Willy
One Friday in April, a Good Samaritan rushed an eight-month-old pit bull mix to Stack Veterinary Hospital, Syracuse, NY. The woman had found the injured puppy on the side of a major highway.
Upon arrival, both the woman and puppy were covered in blood. The puppy was in shock, and intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications were started immediately. The examination revealed a severely swollen and painful left eye, as well as other injuries.
While he was monitored by practice staff over the weekend, the puppy found his way into everyone's heart. By Monday morning the eye had deteriorated and had to be removed, and the practice turned to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund to help with treatment expenses.
The practice named him Willy, and a staff member fostered him during his recovery, bringing him with her to work every day, where he continued to win hearts.
“The AAHA Helping Pets Fund really gave Willy a second chance at life and a good home,” said Katie Murphy, Stack Veterinary Technician. “Without the Fund’s help, he would have had to be euthanized.”
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Ralphie
Ralphie, a 12-year-old Sheltie, was treated in January 2006 for renal failure and wounds suffered in a dog fight. An AAHA Helping Pets Fund grant helped.
“Ralphie’s story is especially difficult because his ‘mom’ Chris Simkins has cervical cancer,” wrote Valerie Fystro, Countryside Client Relations Department Head, in a letter supporting the grant application. “She has had cancer for two years and has been devoted to her dogs the entire time.”
In response to Ms. Simkins’ plight, the practice asked their clients for donations. When combined with the AAHA Helping Pets Fund grant, their generosity reduced Ms. Simkins’ bill to zero.
Sadly, Ralphie’s renal failure worsened over time forcing euthanasia. Within two months, Ms. Simkins succumbed to her illness.
“When one of our patients needed help, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund was there,” says Valerie. “Ralphie’s story really touched our hearts.”
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 George
Postal worker Earl “Woody” Lazenby’s world was turned upside down on June 29, 2005, when he was shot eight times during his regular mail delivery route in suburban Atlanta. His assailant, unknown to Lazenby, was motivated by a desire to escape insurmountable debts by becoming incarcerated.
Fortunately Lazenby survived, but while recovering from his extensive injuries, Lazenby’s beloved Greyhound, George, developed a mass on his leg that needed to be removed. Faced with his own mounting medical bills, Lazenby wondered how he would afford to pay for George’s treatment.
That’s when the AAHA Helping Pets Fund came into the picture. The Fund provided a grant to pay for George’s surgery through local AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, Centerville Animal Hospital, Snellville, GA.
“We are so grateful that the AAHA Helping Pets Fund was available to help the Lazenbys in their time of need,” says Sherri A. Bradley, DVM, of Centerville Animal Hospital, PC. “They are longtime clients and dedicated animal lovers, and we wanted to do everything we could to help them — the Fund made that possible.”
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 Shadow
Imagine leaving your home and seeing an injured and abandoned puppy. Joshua Ridgeway and Charity DeFabris knew that the poor, abused pup outside their apartment community needed them.
The couple rushed her to Noah’s Westside Animal Hospital, an AAHA-accredited hospital in Indianapolis. The puppy was around 16 weeks old and depressed with multiple oozing burns on her back, neck and leg. She had no tags or microchip and was in dire need of medical attention.
“Mr. Ridgeway and Ms. DeFabris were desperate to help this estranged puppy, but are also very limited financially as they have young children at home, one of which has cancer,” says Office Manager Patsy Campbell.
The couple agreed to foster the puppy during her convalescence, and gave her a new name – Shadow.
After several return visits and a few setbacks (sutures that wouldn’t stay put), Shadow was on the road to recovery.
“Shadow’s wounds appear to be healing nicely and she is learning to be a puppy again,” says Campbell.
“Mr. Ridgeway’s and Ms. DeFabris’s hearts went out to this puppy and they have made great sacrifices in helping her with home care and daily trips to the clinic,” says Campbell. “We, too, have taken into consideration our clients’ financial and personal situation and have helped in any way we can – staff members helping with treatments off the clock, donated materials, and courtesy procedures.”
A grant from the AAHA Helping Pets Fund helped. “We’re glad to team with the practice to cover the costs of care,” said Jack Hoopes, AAHA Foundation General Manager. “Cases like this are why the Fund exists.”
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Brewster
Brewster is a large handsome, male, grey tabby who suffered a broken leg. His owners couldn’t afford to fix him, so he was placed in a splint for five weeks, but the bones didn’t heal. The leg was very painful, and wasn’t healing on its own. His only option was to have his leg amputated. Unfortunately, his owners didn’t want the surgery, and asked that he be euthanized.
The staff at Kulshan Veterinary Hospital stepped in to save Brewster’s life and find him a new family. The Helping Pets Fund gave them a grant to help out with Brewster’s surgery. He is up for adoption and is healing nicely. We received this message from the practice…
“Brewster had his left rear leg amputated on October 12, and is now doing wonderful! He is confined while he heals from the surgery, but he doesn’t understand why he has to be confined because he moves around great! He walks around and plays as if he never lost a leg. Brewster is a special needs kitty, but he doesn’t know it. He has a great personality with lots of expressions.”
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Pixie
Annie Edison is getting older and isn’t as active as she used to be. Pixie is her only company. That’s why Annie was so distraught to learn that Pixie had neck lesions on her right mandible, as well as periodontal disease. The note from the practice read...
“The owner always keeps cat vaccinations current, but due to her limited funds and her being on a lot of medicine herself, there aren’t enough funds for this procedure. She has never asked for assistance from anyone before. This cat is all she has. We were so pleased that the AAHA Helping Pets Fund was able to pay for Pixie’s entire treatment. Now she and Annie are back together again, happy and healthy!”
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 Stormey
This abandoned Pit Bull was left tied up outside of Greene Animal Hospital in Memphis. Stormey was badly injured and spent the night in a harsh thunderstorm (hence her name). Although she was afraid, she welcomed the attention of the practice staff who came to her aid. She was treated and eventually placed in a new home.
The Fund helped with a “Good Samaritan” grant for part of the cost of Stormey’s care. In acknowledging the grant, the practice wrote “Thank you very much. She is recovering nicely. Without the grant we would have had to euthanize. You saved her life.” We hear this quite often, but Stormey's experiences are, unfortunately, all too common. Luckily, things are looking up for this sweet girl.
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 Chucky
In April 2005, the Fund received this desperate plea from Jill S. of Fargo, North Dakota...
“I’m applying for your grant to help my long-time companion and therapy dog Chucky. I’ve been clinically depressed my entire adult life, but with Chucky nearby, things are doable. I got Chucky as a pup. He will soon be 8 years old.”
Chucky had a tumor, a huge growth the size of a tennis ball on his right shoulder. Jill had her own problems over the years and had let it go. It was getting increasingly bigger and could no longer be ignored. Now her vet was worried and wanted to do blood work, skin growth removal, and hospitalization – necessary, but very expensive treatment.
Jill was on food stamps and not earning an income. She had no idea how she was going to afford Chucky’s care. The Fund awarded a grant of $500 to the practice (Valley Veterinary Hospital), which made a big dent in the charges for Chucky’s treatment.
Chucky is doing great today and is still helping Jill get through her daily life. We received a thank-you card with the above photo of Chucky and this note from Jill…
“Chucky and I want to say Thank You for the grant you gave us that made his surgery today possible. I am grateful to say it went well and he’ll likely be playing ball soon. Thanks a lot!”
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 Dayna
Valorie Puluso knew something was wrong with Dayna, her Border Collie/German Shepherd mix. Upon closer inspection, Valorie discovered that Dayna’s paw had a serious injury. Valorie rushed Dayna to the veterinarian but worried about her condition and how she could ever afford the treatment.
You see, Valorie had recently lost her job. An AAHA Helping Pets Fund grant allowed Dayna to get the care she needed. Dayna is doing fine today – her paw is healed and she’s back to her old self.
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 Pepper
Shanelle Cooper was horrified to see Pepper, her Chihuahua/Poodle mix, in pain and limping. Pepper had jumped from a friend’s arms and broken her leg in a watch band. Shanelle rushed Pepper to the vet, but was worried about the cost.
The AAHA Helping Pets Fund and Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital provided funds to help defray the cost of the treatment. “I’m very grateful to Harrison and the AAHA Helping Pets Fund for making it possible for me to get Pepper the help she needed,” said Shanelle. “Pepper is part of our family — she really makes us happy, so my son Jordan and I are very pleased to have her home now.”
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