A Wonderful Gift is Made to Frankie's Friends

"I love my pet." "He's the best member of my family. He doesn't talk and he's always there for me." "I couldn't imagine my life without her; she means the world to me." These are all statements that you've either made about your pet or heard pet owners make. What happens when your pet is diagnosed with cancer and you can't afford the treatments? If you live in the New York City area, this devastating news may be easier to handle thanks to the generosity of Dr. Agnes Varis and the Zeus Varis Fund. This fund provides funding for cancer treatments to pets from families that cannot afford the cost of care at NYC Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Varis recently gave $100,000 to Frankie's Friends for the Zeus Varis Fund. When making this gift, Dr. Varis said, "We're a team. I write the check. (Frankie's Friends finds) the families in need. (The doctors, nurses and staff) work with the animals. We all have a part in this."

But there would be no "part" to have if it weren't for her. She is a true friend of animals!

Zeus, a domestic long-hair cat, and his sister, Kallee, a calico, were adopted in 1995 as kittens by Dr. Agnes Varis and her late husband, Karl Leichtman. After being diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2009, Zeus enjoyed a high-quality of life under the care of Dr. Timothy Rocha and the NYC Veterinary Specialists team until he died in June 2009. Dr. Varis named the fund is named in memory of Zeus and in honor of Dr. Rocha, Dr. Karen Oberthaler, and the oncology team at NYC Veterinary Specialists.

Heat Stroke Is No Joke - Protect Your Pets

Sunscreen? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Protecting your pet from the summer heat? Huh? With the dog days of August upon us, heat and humidity should be a cause of concern for pet owners.  Veterinarians at across the country are warning pet owners of the dangers of heat stroke, which can be a leading cause of pet fatalities during the summer months. "Pet owners these days are very informed and most know it’s a bad idea to lock their pet in a car," said Dr. David Wohlstadter, an emergency veterinarian at NYC Veterinary Specialists, located in New York. "What most people don't realize is that heat stroke can occur in more common ways; such as a walk around a couple of blocks, a game of fetch or even roughhousing with a doggie pal."

Heat stroke occurs when the pet's natural defense system cannot dissipate the heat building up inside its body. Usually, a dog or cat regulates body temperature primarily through evaporative heat loss via panting. When the animal in question cannot pant away the heat its body will overheat. Keep in mind, that dogs and cats are also wearing a fur coat and don't sweat.

Wohlstadter recommends pet owners avoid taking pets out for a walk or outdoors during the hottest part of the day which is usually between noon and 4 p.m. Of course, in some cases, this may not be avoidable. In those cases, you should limit the walk to as brief a time as possible, carry bottled water with you to give to your dog and try and walk in the shade if at all possible.

Keeping the shades down in the home with the windows closed and leaving fans and/or the air conditioner on will help keep you companion cool. Your utility bill may be a bit higher that month, but it will be cheaper than an emergency visit to the vet, and definitely less emotionally wrenching than your pet going through the trauma or dying.

Breeds with short noses, such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers are more susceptible to heat stroke, although it is important to remember that any dog or cat can suffer heat stroke. Heat stroke is a veterinary emergency and should be treated immediately.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Excessive panting
• Profuse salivation
• Glazed eyes or staring
• Anxiousness or restlessness
• Bright red or purple gums and tongue
• Confusion
• Trouble standing or walking
• Collapse
• Vomiting

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke, Wohlstadter recommends that you contact your veterinarian and rush them to the animal hospital immediately. Using ice or ice cold water is not recommended because this may lead to vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels. When blood vessels constrict, the flow of blood is decreased, and more body heat is retained, which is exactly the opposite of what you want in this situation.

Wohlstadter recommends pet owners follow these tips to prevent heat stroke:

1. Avoid excessive outdoor activity on hot days.
2. Always have fresh water available. If you go for a walk or an outing, take plenty of water along.
3. Keep pets well groomed. If their coat is matted and tangled the fur may actually trap heat.
4. Maintain a healthy weight for your pet. Obese pets have more trouble regulating their body temperature.
5. Keep walks at a gentle pace and if your pet seems tired, rest a bit or try to go someplace with air conditioning that allows your dog. Limit longer walks to early morning or evening when the sun is not directly overhead and temperatures are more comfortable.

Remembering Onyx With Love & Gratitude

Thank you so very much for all of your support and compassion throughout this very difficult time. Onyx and I appreciate all of the help that you and Frankie's Friends have given us. There aren't words that can even begin to express how grateful we are. You made us part of your family. You treated us both with love, compassion and respect and gave us hope when we thought there was none. Bonni, you were there with me through one of the most saddest and difficult times in my life. You reassured me that I was doing the right thing and stressed how lucky my Onyx was to have me for his mom.  All I can do is stress how fortunate Onyx and I were to have you, Frankie's Friends and all of the great doctors and staff at NYC Veterinary Specialists by our side.

Although my heart is still heavy, it is bursting with gratitude for all of your help. Thank you for taking such good care of my Onyx. Thank you all for loving all of the beautiful pets that you guys take care of each and everyday.

God bless each and every one of you. You guys are truly a blessing to all pet parents. I will be forever grateful for all of you.

Sincerely,

Mary & Onyx aka Mr. Man

Extra Time Spent With Klowdy

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, I would like to thank you for the support from the  Zeus Varis Fund and Frankie's Friends during my dog Klowdy's chemotherapy treatments for her lymphoma.Without your help, Klowdy would probably not have been around for another year after she was diagnosed in April 2009. With school loans and other bills, it was certainly difficult to treat Klowdy and afford the treatments, I am grateful for everything, from the support at NYCVS and Frankie's Friends. Although Klowdy recently passed away, I know I did my best in trying to prolong her life with lymphoma, thanks to the Zeus Varis Funds. I will definitely miss my best friend of nine years, but I know she is in a better place now. Klowdy gave me the best nine years!!!

Thank you greatly Dr. Agnes Varis!

Sincerely, Catherine K. & Klowdy

BJ Is Back to Being Warm & Fuzzy

BJ will be 13 this October. He was brought into the animal hospital to be euthanized three days shy of his 10th birthday. The vet had the owner relinquish him and long story short, he has since wiggled his way into my heart and home.  He has been the sweetest, most mellow dog I have ever known. This was a welcomed addition to my now soon to be 15-year-old mixed breed Lady (who was also scheduled to be euthanized by an owner who did not want her at the age of eight) and my three-year-old crazy cat Dinky (who was found on the side of the road at two weeks of age). In April I noticed that BJ's lymph nodes were enlarged and he was diagnosed with lymphoma. My heart sank as I had just lost my favorite aunt to lymphoma earlier that month after a 10-year remission. Immediately I was interested in pursuing chemo in hopes of achieving the ultimate goal of remission for my sweet baby boy. The nurse gave me the estimate and I started to cry because there was no way that I would be able to afford the treatment. I decided to take it one week at a time and approved the first treatment and swiped my nearly maxed out credit card. The nurse and vet then turned my world right side up again when they mentioned Frankie’s Friends. To my delight BJ was approved for 75 percent coverage!

After his first treatment his lymph nodes literally shrank right before my eyes…unbelievable! He just received the third treatment of the Madison-Wisconsin protocol and his lymph nodes are now normal sizes. He did suffer from vomiting and diarrhea after the second treatment but that was short-lived with the help of anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea medication. He is back to his normal self and is just as warm and fuzzy as ever.

The stars have shined on us thanks to Frankie’s Friends. I saw a picture and story of Frankie and lit a candle in his honor. I plan on donating regularly to the fund as soon as I get back on my feet. This support has literally saved BJ's life and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Thank you again for all your thoughtfulness and support,

xoxo

BJ and mom

Gem Glick Update: After a Long Road, He's Doing Great

Dear Dr. Varis, There are not enough words that can accurately express my gratitude to you.  Your generosity has afforded me the opportunity to continue celebrating my friend Jason’s legacy through Gem.

After my dear friend’s passing I was certain that things could not get any worse, but they did, his dog and best friend Gem was diagnosed with Lymphoma just two short weeks after.  I was left feeling lifeless.  Not only did I endure the passing of a dear friend, I was then left wondering how I was going to care for Gem.  The diagnosis did not seem promising, until I was introduced to your foundation.

After reading your story I was deeply saddened to learn that Zeus’s life was cut short.   Your story was truly inspirational.  I spent many days hoping and praying that Gem’s quality of life would be like Zeus’s and other animals you have helped.  When my phone rang that day at work and Bonnie told me that the Zeus Varis Fund would be assisting Gem with chemo treatments, I was certain that Gem would have every opportunity to enjoy a full and happy life.  Since beginning treatment, Gem has been gaining strength and enjoying life just like the good old days.  I know I can rest easy knowing that Gem is receiving the very best care, thanks to your generosity.

This journey for me has been one filled with many emotions.  Gem’s zest for life has provided me with so much strength during this extremely tough time in my life.  Everyday I am so grateful for what you have done for me, Gem and Tiggie.  Even though Jason is not here anymore, I am certain his spirit lives on through Gem, and for that I am forever grateful to you.

Many Thanks,

Lauren Glick, Gem and Tiggie

Q.B. is Feeling Like a Cutie!

I would like to thank everyone who made funding possible for our dog Q.B. I appreciate Frankie's Friends' help so that Q.B could have cancer treatment. I never thought Q.B would be diagnosed with lymphoma. He is such a sweet and loving dog who's been through a lot in his years. When he was 3-weeks-old he had major surgery to fix his jaw. Sadly, his previous owner left him at the hospital and never came back for him.  Q.B was put up for adoption, and I took him home.  I felt Q.B and I were meant for each other.

He is such a beautiful pit bull who has had years of happiness and lots of love in his life. When I got the news that Q.B has lymphoma, it crushed my heart. Both of my parents are cancer survivors, so we have gone through this before, but it was still heartbreaking to me and my parents, to find out about Q.B.'s cancer diagnosis.

I am so grateful to Dr. Agnes Varis and Frankie's Friends for making this possible for Q.B.

From Q.B. and his grateful family

Simon Is Back to Purring

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, I just wanted to thank you so much for your wonderful help for Simon. It has been a really tough time both mentally and financially for me and my family since Simon's diagnose and his treatment. When he was diagnosed with lymphoma, it was devastating news because I really thought there is nothing I can do to help him feel better. He couldn't breathe well, and he continued to loose his appetite. He is such a precious pet, because he was there for me comforting and cheering me up everyday for a decade. When I heard that there was such a generous person who would help us, I just cried and smiled simultaneously because I really felt like it was an answer to my prayers. With your generous help and Dr. Oberthaler's and oncology department staffs' care, Simon is doing very well so far. He is eating and breathing well, his quality of life has improved so much. Thank you very much for helping us. I really appreciate your kindness.

Sincerely,

Chiyoko

Senorita's Blessings

Dear Dr.Varis, I write to thank you on behalf of our dog Senorita.  Senorita has begun her treatment thanks to the generosity of the Zeus Varis Fund of Frankie's Friends, and she is doing great.  Senorita is not only my dog, she belongs to the whole parish family of St.Joseph of the Holy Family located right on 125th St. in Harlem.  Senorita came to us 12yrs ago as an abandoned little puppy and she quickly adopted us.  She has not only been an honored member of our family she has done an incredible job of watching over the parish for the last 12 years.  She is loving and kind to all our folks and has received much love in return.  Five years ago my mother came to live with us as a result of health concerns.  The move was a difficult one, leaving a home she had lived in for many years and familiar surroundings.  Senorita solved the problem right away, she became my mother's best friend and daily companion.

I believe that Senorita's presence in my mother's life has made a discernible difference in the quality of her life these past five years.  She fusses over Senorita daily and in return is given love and devotion by Senorita.  They make quite a pair.  Senorita is also valued by the parish in general.  Everyone knows her as she is the official "welcome wagon" at the front door, ready to sniff, wag her tail and with the occasional bark for anyone she deems suspicious!  I can't tell you how happy we are to be able to see her improve in health and spirits these past few weeks.

On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank you and assure you of our prayers and best wishes for the good work your foundation is doing.  While I am a diocesan priest, Fr. Neal O'Connell a Franciscan lives and works in the parish, so he adds a special Franciscan blessing to all animals and to all who love and care for them.  Each Feast of St. Francis we have a blessing of the animals in the church, this year we will remember in a special way all the pets who have been helped and continue to be helped by your generosity.  We will also continue to pray for you and the good work you do.  One other member of the family wants to say thank you, and that is Paddington our other dog, who would be lost without Senorita.

Peace!

Rev. Philip J. Kelly Pastor

Great Karma! Krisna Gets Surgery

Dear Dr. Agnes Varis, On January 29th, 2010 my dog, Krisna, a German Sheppard mix, was diagnosed with Fibro sarcoma cancer which later turned out to be Melanoma. This diagnosis came one week before my birthday. Words can not describe how devastating this time was for me.  Krisna has been a significant part and love of my life for over 14 years. The vet said there was nothing they could do further, so I researched this terminal disease online. This is how I came across the NYC Veterinary Specialists. Out of all the veterinary oncology teams out there NYCVS seemed to be the best.

Since the moment I walked into the hospital on February 10th, I knew I made the right choice. Everyone was extremely helpful and considerate of Krishna’s and my own well being. Dr. Karen Oberthaler took extra time out of her busy schedule to explain the disease to me and what the possible treatments were, as I was extremely nervous of making the right decision. As it turned out, surgery was the best and only option for Krisna, to remove the tumor out of her mouth. However the cost of the surgery was way past the amount I could afford as I hardly had any employment in 2009 and therefore I was worried I would not be able to save Krisna’s life. As I was waiting in the examination room Bonni Voiland introduced herself as the executive director of Frankie’s Friends and explained to me what the foundation does and that the Zues Varis fund would be able to help me fund the surgery.

Dr.Oberthler and the oncology team’s services, along with your generous contribution saved Krisna’s life. I can’t describe my gratitude to you giving Krisna another opportunity at life. Because of this miracle she is now able to live a normal-quality full-term life. I only wish that you and the entire hospital experience the joy and happiness in your lives that I feel at this time.

I asked Bonni what I could do to help Frankie’s Friends and if she had any extra fliers for me to give out. At the time I was working at the Gershwin Theatre where the Broadway show Wicked was being performed and Bonni mentioned to me that Wicked happened to be her favorite Broadway show. So, I passed along one of those fliers and told the theatre's company manager the miraculous story of the help Krisna and I received.  I hoped to get just a few tickets as a thank you to give to you, Bonni, Dr. Oberthaler, and the oncology team. The company manager ended up donating 100 tickets to Frankie’s friends and NYCVS so that the whole hospital could attend Wicked on Thursday March 4th. I was hoping to meet you at the performance  so that I could personally thank you, but Bonni informed me that you were unable to attend. You were missed and in my thoughts that night.

This sums up the amazing story of how you and Frankie’s Friends saved Krisna’s life! Up to this date, she is doing great and living a high-quality of life; eating and drinking normally and playing with her toys and stuffed animals that she loves. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Best wishes to you and your family and all the staff at NYCVS!

With all of our love,

Krisna and Zofia

Meilo's Golden Years

My dog, Meilo, and I are recent beneficiaries of a grant from the Zeus Varis Fund to cover treatment for Meilo’s oral melanoma.  I send this letter to express my thanks to you for your tremendous generosity.  I am just overwhelmed by our good fortune and your remarkable altruism. Meilo is a male, apricot, mini-poodle.  He is 15 and ½ years old, deaf and has no teeth.  It is my understanding that they were removed due to infection (the same infection that impaired his hearing) at some point in the last five years.  Meilo came to me last June when his original owner, Dr. David Bauer, a pediatrician at NY Hospital, passed away due to complications of multiple sclerosis.  Dr. Bauer was confined to a wheelchair and had around-the-clock live-in nursing care in the last months of his life.  Meilo was his best friend and companion.

As a volunteer for the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) in their Pets Project program, I was one of many who received an email plea for Meilo’s foster care on Dr. Bauer’s passing.  I was in also in a prime position to foster Meilo; as a graduate student of social work at Fordham University, I had a full month off from study/work obligations.  I took Meilo on and worked with JASA to find him a permanent home, but we never managed to engage a serious adopter.  This was lucky for me, because by the end of the month, Meilo had settled into my home (and my heart) and I was set on keeping him.

Without Zeus Varis funding, I simply would not have been in a position to opt for the treatment recommended and provided by Dr. Rocha and NYC Veterinary Specialists.  Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for having that option made possible.  I lost hours of sleep wondering, in those days that passed between Meilo’s tissue biopsy and a definitive diagnosis, how I would bring myself to say “I don’t have the money.  I have to decline treatment.”  After all that had been invested in Meilo to date, to come to a moment where there was a remedy at hand, only to be in an unaccommodating financial position was just unbearable.  Thanks to the Zeus Varis Fund, that bleak scenario was not realized.

Meilo had tumor and lymph node removal surgery with Dr. Kyles on April 22.  His recovery is nothing short of remarkable, given his age, and that the surgery necessitated the partial reconstruction of his lip. He received his first melanoma vaccine on May 12, with 3 more rounds to go through mid-July.

Meilo’s restored health could not come at a better time.  He so loves to take long walks and sit outside with me in the temperate weather.  Whenever possible, he accompanies me on outings and errands.  He is the center of attention in the wagon at Home Depot, and is the recipient of treats all along the avenue, from the dry-cleaner to the wine shop.  After years of being the only dog in the house, Meilo has taken beautifully to sharing space and affection with my 10-year-old Boston Terrier, Truman.  Truman may be a bully-breed, but it’s Meilo who regularly lets everyone know who’s boss!  Meilo also enjoys weekly visits with my mother’s five-year-old rescued Foxhound, Pearlie Mae.  He is a joy to everyone in my family, and is the “preferred” pup to bring on visits to the home of my six-year-old niece and nine-year-old nephew.

Again, Dr. Varis, thank you so much for providing the means to cover the costs of Meilo’s cancer treatment.  Meilo is such a joy, and though he’s 15+, he’s still new to me!  I certainly was not ready to part with him, or even consider doing so.  I am so grateful that this is no longer an immediate concern.

With warm regards,

Michele

Atticus Finch Fighting the Toughest Case of His Life

Atticus Finch is my four-year-old boxer.  He is sweet,  kind-of-lazy, comical and definitely in charge of his other fur siblings.  I got him at 10-months-old from a young couple who were recently married and had more dogs than they could care for.  He was bought for my female boxer who seemed depressed after the death of her doberman buddy just a couple of months ago.  While she did love Atticus she didn't perk up like my daughter and I expected and we shortly found out she had a brain tumor, so at three years we had to euthanize her. As time went on Atticus got a little chunky so we put him on a diet.  One year later he lost some weight....then more....then more. Everyone commented how good he looked but I felt it was too sudden a weight loss to be normal.  During his yearly routine exam, the vet commented on how good he looked but seemed a little quiet when I mentioned the "sudden" weight loss. After examining him he had me feel two lymph nodes behind his knees.  They were quite enlarged and I knew that combined with the weight loss this was not likely an infection.  My vet treated him with antibiotics but on recheck all of his lymph nodes were now enlarged.  I could not believe I was facing cancer yet again in a young dog!

I didn't want to sit by once again, watching one of my dogs dying in front of me.  When my vet told me how much the chemotherapy would cost I spent days trying to figure out how to come up with money I didn't have.  He referred me to Florida Veterinary Specialist oncologist Dr. Kane to see if there was any other options.  FVS got me in right away and Dr. Kane (who is quite awesome!) pretty much gave me the same treatment options and price as my regular vet.  I saw a pamphlet for Frankie's Friends and asked the vet tech about it.  She said she would refer my name to the "powers that be".  It took about three days and I received a call from Bonni Voiland telling me that Atticus was approved for Frankie's Friends and FVS to cover the cost of his chemo with a small co-pay from me every week!

Words cannot express the joy I felt knowing that Atticus would get the opportunity to fight this lymphoma that was trying to take him away at such a young age.  I felt that I had won the lottery! How can I explain how much hope is worth in mere words?

Atticus has started his treatment and is doing well so far.  He is a young, strong dog so I have faith that he will do well.  If it were not for Frankie's Friends, Bonni and Dr. Kane,  Atticus would probably not be here but for another couple of weeks.  You are all awesome and I am encouraging everyone I know to donate so the next dog with lymphoma can be give the same hope Atticus is being given.

In Gratitude,

Maureen

More Time Spent With Nena

I want to take this time to express my gratitude for all the help I have received in the last few weeks at NYC Veterinary Hospital. I want to thank Dr. Varis for the Zeus Varis Fund and Bonni Voiland, Executive Director of Frankie's Friends Pet Foundation, and also Dr. Mark Greenberg. I would have still been struggling to fend for the help I needed to help my cat Nena without the combined efforts of you wonderful people.

Thank you,

Ben

Come Join Us for a Great Night of Baseball!

Mindy and Randy Levine (Mr. Levine is president of the NY Yankees) are hosting a fund-raiser for Frankie's Friends in a private suite at Yankee Stadium on June 1 for the Yankees-Orioles game. The Levines pull out all the stops to make this a memorable event: private behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, dinner in the suite, visits from past Yankee players and VIPs.

It is an amazing evening, a once-in-a lifetime experience. $500/ticket and the capacity is extremely limited. Email giving@FrankiesFriends.com to reserve tickets by May 24.

Juneau: On the Road to Recovery

A big sigh of relief is being breathed by Juneau's family after his last chemo treatment. Juneau will follow up with Dr. Kane monthly.  We are hoping and praying for a long remission.  We know he can't and won't live forever, but we can't imagine our lives without him.  He is such a funny and happy dog, and brings us joy every single day.  He has been such a good sport about all of his chemo! Thanks again to the awesome docs at FMV

Alan and Lisa

A Boxer's Fight: Diva

I cannot adequately express my thanks for your generous help with my dog Diva's cancer care.  I have been unemployed since June of 2009 and it is has been increasingly difficult to make ends meet.  Your kind gift will literally extend the life of one of the sweetest and gentlest boxers that many have encountered. In your debt,

Sincerely,

David

Chemo Saves Zoey's Life

I can’t thank you enough for your generous fund you have set up for sick pets. Zoey is my six-year-old puppy who almost died from an aggressive and rapid case of Lymphoma. When I first came into the NYC Veterinary Specialists hospital, she was laying on the floor, her lungs filled with fluid,  anemic and skinny as a rail. Her ears were always down and she was tired all the time. She fell once down the stairs once and it was the saddest thing in the world to see.

I had tried everything to get her to eat for weeks and tried herbal and cheaper alternative cures.  I had avoided chemo because I couldn't afford it.

Because of your huge heart and incredibly generous fund, Zoey is alive and back to being herself! She has gained back the 10 pounds she lost, her ears are up, she runs up and down stairs and is back to begging for treats and chasing squirrels. The day she ate meat was an exciting day! She came up to me after she finished eating it and gave me a kiss. I cried, I was so happy.

We just visited my sister who lives in northern rural Vermont to get out of the city. Zoey was well enough to climb an uphill trail and run in the snow off-leash for several days which made us very happy. She is prancing again is a very happy creature.

Zoey was a rescue from the pound in Los Angeles, when I was a graduate student. She was two months old when I rescued her at the adoption fair. The pounds in LA are overrun. All the other dogs that weren't adopted that weekend I were euthanized. I’ve always felt blessed and felt she was a gift. She has an unusually gentle and angelic spirit.

I just can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for my family and for her. She is still in treatment, but is responding really well, so hopefully she won’t need too much more. I hope some of her results can help science in the study of cancer in dogs.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love and Peace, Zoey’s mom