Progressive Wednesday

9 Lives in Dog Years: Contribute or Apply

One of the most frustrating things that my wife has to deal with on the constant emotional roller coaster that is being a veterinarian, is going from a client that has the means to fix his/her treatable pet, but won’t, to one that would do or pay anything to save their terminally ill pooch, to a client that would save their pet, if only they had the monetary means to do so. There may be little that we can do about the former two, but thanks to several brilliantly progressive programs, it’s easy to lend a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or iguana-loving hand to the latter.

The Pet Emergency Fund is a non-profit organization in the Western New York area that takes contributions of any size from individuals in order to provide financial aid to those whose pets need emergency care but cannot afford it. Those who are truly in need of assistance with that unexpected vet bill just need to apply at their veterinarian’s office. If approved, a portion of those contributions goes to the animal in need. I say “animal” because it’s important to remember that it’s the animal that suffers most from improper health care, not their owners.

How many have they helped? Try 1,100 dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, and bunnies, almost two-thirds of those coming in the last year, and has written checks totaling over $137,000 dollars over the program�s seven year existence. Every penny of it has come from private contributions.

So, if you live in western New York, the next time you take Mrs. Whiskerson to the vet, drop a small contribution into the Pet Emergency Fund box. Or you can send it to this address. (Check the list below to participate with national organizations)

On the other side of the proverbial coin, if you have an opportunity to improve the quality of your pet’s life but don’t think you can afford it, consider applying for aid. Those who live outside the “snow belt” need not worry. There are many programs, both Great Dane-sized and Chihuahua-sized, that provide the same service in your area and around the country. Here is a list of many of those national organizations, put together by the good people at itchmo.com. Click the link or give them a ring.

• American Animal Hospital Association, (866) 4HELPETS
• Angels 4 Animals, (916) 941-9119
• Care Credit, (800) 859-9975
• Cats in Crisis
• Feline Outreach
• Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance
• Help-A-Pet, (630) 986-9504
• IMOM
• Shakespeare Animal Fund, (775) 342-7040
• The Pet Fund, (916) 443-6007
• United Animal Nations, (916) 429-2457