Update: Have a Heart

Our fund is growing well, thanks to the generosity of our clients. For those who have not heard of this fund, let me take a moment to explain our goals. As veterinarians and animal lovers, we hate to see an animal suffer due to lack of financial ability on the part of its owner. While we cannot possibly provide care for everyone that asks, we hope to be able to assist pet owners who are in a true monetary crisis. Each case will be considered individually, with the doctor on the case having the discretion to use the fund. We also will use this money to provide basic preventative care for the numerous strays we care for each year. All animals that we adopt out from now on will be spayed or neutered, heartworm or feline leukemia tested, and vaccinated (if appropriate for the animal’s age). We will contribute doctor and staff time at no charge to the fund, but will charge our supply cost through the fund. This is just one way that we can contribute to our community and help strengthen the bonds people have with animals.

Many of our clients have contributed to the fund in memory of their own pets or those of their friends.

Contributors during this past quarter include:

* Debbie Kalski
* Tena Stewart
* Diane Disse
* Rosemary Good (monthly contributions) and Kim Buel (in memory of Maugie).

We have also had some suggestions for other ways to raise money (see the article about the July Fourth parade). Mrs. Hughes (mom to Ruffles, Gemini and Kirk) is going to contribute crafts to sell to benefit the fund. Ms. LaFave (Gretchen and Lynette’s mother) has donated time and fund raising experience to help us get the concept off the ground. She has also offered to host a fund-raising party this summer. Receptionist Jennifer has put many hours into generating ideas for managing the fund. We are still in the embryonic stages of this, and would greatly appreciate any ideas that anyone has. I think everyone agrees that this is a good idea, and I have been so encouraged by the excitement it has generated. I always knew we had the kindest clients around, and this has just proven that to me. Thank you so much to everyone.