Pope Memorial Humane Society: Emergency Medical Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
To help a little Chihuahua-mix dog who had been stepped on, her leg severely fractured. The injury required an orthopedic surgeon to place a pin down the center of the bone, a bracket and several permanent screws. After six weeks of confined rest, this young dog was able to be placed in a loving home and has a second chance at a quality life. The Petfinder Foundation grant covered over half of the total vet and surgeon fees.
More than ever before, we are seeing pets surrendered because owners cannot pay for a needed procedure. The demographics in our area are such that no vet will extend care that is not fully paid for up front. Unfortunately, this means that owners have only the choice of euthanizing their pets or surrendering them. This shelter is the last resort for these pets having a chance at life, literally. The financial burden of any one of these situations takes precious donations away from other areas -- medical care, operations, quality food -- for the other residents, and so we are incredibly grateful for this award and for the Petfinder Foundation having this program.
How many pets did this grant help?
One super cute one
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Recently we were asked to take a 6-lb. Chihuahua mix named Millie. Her owner had accidentally stepped on her and Millie sustained a compound fracture of one back leg. Her owner could not afford to have it repaired. The break was serious, shearing off the top of her leg bone, and would require a pin, bracket and screws. Off Millie went to the vet and orthopedic surgeon. After six weeks of crate rest with a foster, Millie has been happily adopted by a wonderful person who insists that she is now owned by Millie, not the other way around.
This shelter literally exists because of our donors, and this type of rescue is very costly — in fact, the total cost was close to $2,000. We reached out to the Petfinder Foundation through its Emergency Medical Grant program, and were thrilled when we were awarded $1,000 to help offset the cost. Petfinder.com is already a great partner in finding animals new, loving homes, and now the Petfinder Foundation has directly helped a little dog get a second chance at a happy life. Thank you to our donors, and thank you to the Petfinder Foundation!
