MILTON, Ont., Sept. 25, 2017 – Michelle Stolz and her dog, Thor, do everything together. Even when Michelle uses the treadmill at the gym, Thor walks right beside her. A loyal guide dog, Thor gives Michelle independence, and he loves his job.
When Thor fell ill one evening after eating dinner, Michelle was worried. But after rushing him to her veterinarian at Perth Veterinary Services in Stratford, Ont., the diagnosis was much worse than an upset stomach: Thor was suffering from gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. GDV is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach flips over and expands, trapping air and gases. Thor needed emergency surgery. But for Michelle, who relies on government assistance income, paying for the treatment was an obstacle.
Her veterinarian turned to the Farley Foundation, and applied for funding to help cover Thor’s veterinary care.
“One week after surgery he was back in his harness and excited to be on the job again,” says Michelle. “I’m so thankful this was a positive outcome for both of us. From my heart to the Farley Foundation, thank you for everything you do!”
Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month
On Oct. 1, the Farley Foundation kicks off its largest annual fundraising campaign to help low-income pet owners in Ontario. More than 300 veterinary practices across the province will organize events for Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month. Funds raised will help pet owners in financial need — including seniors, disabled individuals, women at risk of abuse and others receiving government assistance — by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. Last year the campaign raised more than $253,000.
To support the campaign, people can donate at a participating veterinary clinic to receive a free Farley Foundation tote bag, or online at www.farleyfoundation.org.
Since its establishment in 2002 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation has disbursed over $3.8 million to assist more than 9,000 pets in need.
It subsidizes up to 100 per cent of the cost of care to a maximum $1,000 per pet or pet owner per year for vital treatments, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and medications. Pet owners demonstrating financial need can apply for funding through their veterinarian.
Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month is generously sponsored by Merck Animal Health.
To make an online donation, visit www.farleyfoundation.org/donate.
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