HAPPY TAILS OF PETS WE'VE HELPED
Without care, Dobe would have just a few weeks to live. Flash forward more than a year later, and you’d never know he was the same dog. Some days I just hold him and cry for joy. If it were not for Frankie's Friends' Zeus Varis Fund, this would not have been possible. I could not have continued Dobe’s care without your help. You made the memories of this past year possible. Thank you, thank you. We can never thank you enough. Truly yours, Dobe and his “Mom”
Please, meet Barney! Barney is a character. Barney loves everyone and everyone loves Barney. I live a simple life and Barney is the most important part of my existence and my days. He makes my life full.
When I first learned of Barney's diagnosis, I was in shock, I was desperate. Barney 's veterinarian recommended Dr. Timothy Rocha at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Finding Dr. Rocha and his staff gave me a sense of security and hope. It's a wonderful place.
It was Dr. Rocha that told us about Frankie's Friends and it felt like a 1000-pound rock had been lifted from my shoulders. Receiving a positive response was like opening the doors for Barney's cure. It will be an enormous help for us and we are forever grateful for that. On behalf of Barney, myself and all the dogs and cats that are helped through your foundation, a sincere thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Since all this happened Barney and I have had incredible support of friends and neighbors. Barney turned 8 years young on December 5th and our friends threw a birthday party for him at John Jay Park!
Barney's rehabilitation will mean more smiles, laughter, love and a neighborhood coming together to help bring Barney back to health and save a creature of God. And I will keep the gift of his loyalty, companionship and unlimited source of love by my side for much longer!
We love you for that.
Yours sincerely, Barney & his “Mom”
(The above was edited from a much longer, even sweeter letter of thanks from Barney’s “Mom”)
During the entire treatment process for Orion there had been an underlying struggle that I didn't want to have to think about. It seemed unfair to Orion to even have to consider something like a price tag getting in the way of providing him with the help that he needs. But it unfortunately is something I had to consider. I am writing to express my sincerest thanks! Thank you for the gift that saved his life. I cannot put into words how much Orion’s well being and happiness means.
With all of my heartfelt thanks, Orion’s “Mom”
We recently received the following update from Shorty (aka "Spooky") and his mom, Lillian: Spooky has passed his 1 year chemotherapy protocol. Spooky is now in remission, thanks to the Dr. Agnes Varis and Zeus Varis Fund. Spooky would never have gotten this far without Dr Varis.
It was not an easy year for Spooky. Even though Spooky had no major side effects with his chemotherapy, he did have a few small ones. I think if Spooky could talk he would tell you how happy he is to be given the greatest gift of all, another chance at life.
Spooky loves Dr. Kyles, Dr. Lachowicz, Dr. Oberthaler, and the entire staff at (BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Manhattan). I hope that many other cats and dogs can be as lucky as Spooky has been.
Thank you, Dr. Varis and Zeus, for believing in Spooky
The following was from the fall of 2010, shortly after treatment had begun: How do we -- Shorty and I -- begin to thank you for your compassion and generosity in paying for Shorty's chemotherapy treatments? You have given my cat, Shorty, the chance to beat lymphoma. I am a great believer in miracles and I feel Shorty will complete his chemotherapy treatments and be cancer-free.
Shorty and I will be forever grateful. Thank you so very much.
Sincerely yours, Lillian and Shorty
Our family would like to thank you for your generous support. Ever since our beloved golden retriever Yellow underwent surgery, our lives changed. We wanted to help him to our fullest extent, but when the doctors told us that he only had 6 months to live unless he had chemotherapy, we were shocked and deeply saddened, because we could not afford the cost. We went out of our way just to give the dog something we should all cherish every single day: life and love. Frankie’s Friends’ grant made that possible. Thank you so much! Yellow’s family
Words cannot express my thanks and appreciation on being a recipient of a grant from Frankie’s Friends Zeus Varis Fund, which is providing chemotherapy for Amber, my four-and-a-half-year-old cocker spaniel. As a senior citizen, my only family and companion is Amber. Learning that she had cancer came as a shock, as did the reality of costs associated with her treatment and on the possibility of her demise. I am grateful for your interest and concern for the many wonderful pets you save and their owners who are so blessed. Amber’s "Dad"
My pet Clementine and I thank you for funding a portion of Clementine's radiation treatments. Clementine and I appreciate your help! Thanks again, Leslie Farer
Frankie’s Friends recently received a donation in honor of BluePearl Veterinary Partners surgeon Andrew Jackson, DVM, DACVS, and the staff of BluePearl’s Blaine, MN, facility. The gift also honored Sassy Bunch, an English setter seriously harmed in a lawn tractor accident. Donor Rhonda Ganske, DVM, of Elm Creek Animal Hospital in Champlin, MN, was inspired by the care provided at BluePearl in August 2011 for Sassy, who was trapped under a lawn tractor for several minutes. Sassy suffered severe burns and trauma to her face, neck and shoulder. Sassy’s family brought their dog to Dr. Ganske, their family veterinarian, who stabilized the dog and arranged for her transfer to an emergency hospital for follow up care.
Dr. Jackson, a board-certified veterinary surgeon performed reconstructive surgery, closing the gaping wound and allowing Sassy to heal quickly with less risk of infection.
“I would like to recognize Dr. Jackson’s talents and generosity,” says Dr. Ganske. “It is my hope that another animal can be saved whose family is unable to pay for an unexpected illness.”
Tampa, FL, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 -- More than 225 pet lovers went back in time to create a brighter future for Tampa Bay families whose cherished pets need life-saving veterinary care. Rock Around for Pets, a 1950s-themed charity event, raised a net total of about $55,000 to benefit Frankie’s Friends. A nonprofit foundation, Frankie’s Friends was founded in Tampa in 1999 to assist financially strapped families with veterinary bills for emergency and specialty treatments.
“The evening was a wonderful success,” says Bonni Voiland, Frankie’s Friends executive director. “For our first-ever event in the Tampa Bay area, we set a goal to raise $25,000. Remarkably, the community really stepped up, and more than doubled our original target.
“Frankies’ Friends funds treatments provided at one of the BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospitals (formerly called Florida Veterinary Specialists) in Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater and Sarasota,” says Voiland. BluePearl adds to Frankie’s Friends funding by providing additional discounts to each pet who is helped.
The T. Pepin Hospitality Centre came to life as guests -- donned in poodle skirts, bow ties, rolled-up blue jeans and white t-shirts -- enjoyed the live vocal harmony and doo-wop sounds of the ‘50s by Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs. A costume contest, pet-themed games of skill, and assorted appetizers and desserts donated by some of Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants rounded out the evening.
Lucky winners of the silent auction scored more than 85 fantastic donated items, including a Harley-Davidson Sportster, compliments of Jim’s Harley-Davidson of St. Petersburg; a 6-day/5-night Paris culinary experience including airfare, accommodations at a four-star hotel and cooking lessons at the Cordon Bleu; and a guitar autographed by country stars Lady Antebellum.
The event was chaired by Lisa DeBartolo Miggs.
Presenting sponsors for Rock Around for Pets were well-known Tampa Bay benefactors Candy and Eddie DeBartolo and the DeBartolo Family Foundation. Johnnie Level sponsors for the event were the A.D. Morgan Corporation and Carlton Fields P.A. Daisy Level sponsors were Jean & Jim Palermo and Jim’s Harley-Davidson of St. Petersburg. Dudley Level sponsors were Bayshore Animal Clinic; BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Bob’s Busy Bee Printing, Fundraising for A Cause, Get the Picture, State Farm Agent Pamela F. Patterson, and R.S.B.P. Events. Polly Level sponsors were Aimee Bany; Dominguez & Edwards SCI Companies; Nadia Grannon & Benjamin Heldfond; Lauren & Chris Kwilecki; Charles Saulino Jr.; and Bonni Voiland.
If you’d like to help save the life of a pet whose family cannot afford the cost of medical care or supplement the cost of care for a police officer’s k-9 partner or search-and-rescue-dog, please visit www.frankiesfriends.com or call 888.465.PETS.
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I just wanted to take the time to say thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me with my Sunny. He is looking so much better now and has gained weight. Now I have hope for a future with my Sunny Bunny. I would like to tell you his story. He was born in the basement of my building. His mom was feral and she was eventually trapped and sent to a sanctuary. His twin sister died of poisoning from licking oil based paint that was stuck to her fur, and his other sister is still living out in the streets on my block, and sometimes still sleeps in the basement of my building. A sweet old lady feeds her. I remember his mom being pregnant and I remember Sunny being so tiny following his mom around the block. One day he disappeared. A year later a crazy alcoholic woman in my building that is known for taking in kittens and then throwing them out when they are grown, came to me and said that she had a boy cat named Sunny. She said that she had no money for cat food. I bought her cat food and took it to her home instead of giving her money. I knew if I didn't she would just buy alcohol and cigarettes. I offered to have Sunny fixed for her, she refused. I warned her that his behavior would change if she didn't let him get fixed, she also had another unaltered female cat in her home. She still refused. A week later I was walking my dog in the back of the apartment building when I noticed a large yellow cat that I haven't seen before looking lost. He followed me into the building and up the stairs to my apartment. I realized this was the kitten that went missing from the front of my building, and the one the crazy lady called Sunny. The crazy lady had thrown him out, as expected. I asked her where was Sunny, and she lied and said she gave him to a friend. I told her I found Sunny out in the back and that he had started to sniff at her apartment looking for her. She said Sunny was a bad cat. Well, he's mine now, and is the sweetest baby in the world. He is so good and never does anything wrong.
I couldn't ask for a better companion. He does wake me up in the middle of the night with head bumps while I'm trying to sleep, but who could get angry with that? He plays with my rat named Local and is so gentle with him. I found another cat in front of the building that is his brother from another litter. They love each other. I am sending you a picture of Sunny with his brother Fela, one with me and Sunny, and another of Sunny with Local, my rat.
Sunny is only 3 years old, and I was so devastated to hear he had lymphoma. After all this poor guy went through in his life, to end up like this breaks my heart. My family came to visit him in the hospital when he was hospitalized. He's stayed in my sister's home, and my mother's home when I needed them to babysit Sunny, and he was so well behaved that they asked me to bring back for a visit. If I hadn't had your help, the help of Frankie's Friends, and Dr. Lachowicz (the oncologist), Sunny would be gone from my life. I just suffered the loss of my dog named Stranger from old age (14-1/2 years old) in January, and the loss of my cat Butterscotch from old age (16 years old) last September. It's just too much pain to endure losing another family member so soon. The day he was diagnosed with cancer I had been laid off from my job. I thought to myself, "What else could go wrong?" With your help things finally got better. The doctor said he is reacting positively to the chemo and he will be weaned off of the chemo little by little. What a relief. I just wanted you to know where Sunny came from, and now his life is turning around for the better. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Sincerely, Miguel
Our dog Angel was diagnosed with stage II lymphoma in September of 2009. Thankfully, Angel was a candidate for a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant at NC State; the bone marrow transplant is the only possible cure for dogs with lymphoma. The only thing standing between Angel and her cure was money. We were able to fund the chemotherapy, and we had to raise the additional $16,000 needed for Angel’s BMT. We applied everywhere for financial aid, and after several weeks we finally had a breakthrough. Angel’s vet emailed Frankie’s Friends asking if they had any grants available in our area. Frankie’s Friends wasn’t able to offer a donation, however their offer was incredible. Frankie’s Friends agreed to accept donations on Angel’s behalf. This was just the breakthrough we needed! Once Frankie’s Friends decided to help we had instant credibility and were able to offer donors a tax deduction. Suddenly, doors flew open where walls once stood. It was amazing! Because of Frankie’s Friends we were able to fund-raise for Angel on Facebook, and we raised close to $2,500! Frankie’s Friends donated directly to the school when Angel checked in and the rest is history.
May 6, 2011 marks Angel’s 7th birthday and her one-year post-BMT anniversary! Angel just received her one-year post-BMT test results and she is still 100% CANCER FREE without medication or radiation. : )
THANK YOU Frankie’s Friends for helping us Save Angel’s life! We are forever grateful for your kindness. You are TRUE SAINTS!!
Sincerely,
Kristie & Angel
Words can really not express how thankful we are that our Bear was chosen to receive funding for his cancer treatments. Bear means the world to us, and you gave him the opportunity to become healthy. You also gave us hope. You are very much someone we think of daily and we are so grateful to cross life paths with you. Your generosity has truly inspired us to become involved in foster care of both dogs and cats, and to strive to give. We hope to someday be able to provide funding for a pet in need like you have done for our family. Bear has been through two surgeries recently and has recovered remarkably well from both. Our biggest issue was trying to have him not run around. He is finishing radiation today and still enjoys coming in for treatment each day. He has been having some really happy days lately! We get him out of bed in the morning by saying, “Want to go to see Dr. Lachowicz, Alba, and Darlene!" He jumps right out of (our) bed with his ears sticking straight up and heads to the door. We are very grateful to NYC Veterinary Specialists who have “spoiled” our Bear. We joke that we are leaving him at daycare each time we drop him off.
Everyone (really everyone) at NYCVS has been amazing and Bear has been given wonderful care. Bear is a gentle soul, who is happy just to be loved. We raised Bear from day one, when our other Dobie, Chyna, gave birth to a litter. He was a round pup that loved to cuddle so it is easy to see how we fell in love with him. Bear has done wonders for the Doberman breed. He is kind and gentle, and very friendly. His amazing demeanor and warmth has helped others become more interested in the Doberman. He has helped people who are not Dobie owners see what we see; that they are the best “cuddlers”, are sweet, smart, and very sensitive to our moods. Bear and Chyna are our “kids”, and we both credit them with getting us through some very difficult times. They saved us, and your kindness helped our family immensely.
I have enclosed some pictures of Bear for you to enjoy. He is quite a sweet boy and we believe these will bring you enjoyment. We will keep you updated on Bear’s continued progress! Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts.
Warmest regards,
Amy and Joseph Bear & Chyna
By Amy LiebermanMarch 28, 2011
Frankie’s Friends helps pets receive lifesaving treatment.
When Jeanine Russo and Jason Mays learned their nine-year-old cat, Avery Mays, had lymphoma, they feared that the worst – not only for their beloved cat's prognosis, but also for their ability to cover the costs of her treatment.
But soon after, Avery Mays was referred by her regular veterinarian to NYC Veterinary Specialists, a BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospital, they realized they had options they never thought existed. A nurse told them about a financial grant through Frankie's Friends, a non-profit foundation dedicated to saving pets from cancer and other deadly diseases. The couple applied and received an affirmative response within 24 hours.
Within the past six months they have received $7,500 to cover the vast majority of Avery Mays' ongoing treatment. The shorthaired domestic tabby is now in remission and Russo is hopeful for her future, despite the difficult odds facing cats suffering from lymphoma.
“People could say, 'Oh, it's a cat, don't give it chemo, that's crazy,' but when you have had a cat or an animal for nine years it becomes a part of your family,” said Russo, an artist living in Brooklyn. “The idea of letting it suffer is just unbearable.”
Without the grant, Russo says, she and Mays would have had to watch their cat die a slow death, given their relatively low joint incomes. Now, Avery Mays is more or less back to her old self, eating, purring and walking around.
“I feel like we have our old cat back,” Russo said.
And without the help of a specialty hospital like BluePearl, Russo says she doesn't know where she or the cat would be. Their regular veterinarian initially wanted to operate on the tumor, which the doctors at BluePearl later advised against.
BluePearl hospitals, specializing in treatment of cancers, urological disorders, diabetes and cataract surgeries, now exist in 21 locations in nine states and are expanding at a rapid rate, paying homage to the growing field of specialized veterinary medicine.
In its latest acquisition, BluePearl Veterinary Partners recently assumed ownership of Animal Emergency & Referral Center (AERC) in Northbrook, Ill.
Dr. Neil Shaw, a founder and co-medical director of BluePearl, says that as BluePearl continues to expand, it works with the needs of the existing veterinary facilities in a particular community, since those vets will often refer emergency and specific cases to BluePearl.
BluePearl's veterinary services run the gamut, but the patients and owners often find common ground, Shaw explains.
“Probably the most consistent factor at BluePearl is not the disease, but the relationship that the pet owner has with the pet,” Shaw said. “If people are referred to BluePearl, you can bet that the pet is very much seen as a part of the family, and that is more consistent than any type of disease we treat.”
“It is about the bond between the owner and the pet. And the owner is willing to do whatever it takes to help keep the pet alive and improve its quality of life.”
That task, however, can be costly, and out of reach for many pet owners, much like Jeanine Russo and Jason Mays.
Shaw says this makes working closely with a group like Frankie's Friends – named after a Greyhound who died of heart disease in 2007 – very important.
Ninety percent of Frankie's Friends efforts and funds go toward helping owners who could not otherwise afford their pet's specialized pet care, according to Bonni Voiland, Executive Director. In 2010, Frankie's Friends provided grants to 75 families.
Voiland hopes that number will only increase in the coming years.
“We've grown a lot in the last two-and-a-half years,” she explained. “In 2010 we raised about $400,000, and the years before than it was $200,000.”
In 2008, Frankie's Friends raised just $50,000.
“We want to focus on raising more money and helping more families across the U.S.,” Voiland said. “Eventually our goal is to partner with a national organization to raise enough money to help find a cure to pet cancers.”
For more information about Frankie's Friends, visit www.frankiesfriends.com.
For more information about BluePearl Veterinary Specialists, visit bluepearlvet.com.
This article originally appeared on Zootoo.com.
I cannot begin to thank you enough for funding my cat’s lymphoma treatments through your foundation, the Zeus Varis Fund. Without your assistance, Loki and I would have had little hope as my limited financial resources could never have supported the world-class care he is currently receiving. I rescued Loki (and his sister, Freya) over eight years ago, and he has been a fearless and loving little character since the day I brought him home. I’m often inspired by his tireless curiosity, and his warmth and unconditional affection have helped get me through more than a few tough days. Needless to say, Loki’s diagnosis before Christmas broke my heart.
After researching possible courses of treatment, I was very lucky to reach Dr. Oberthaler. My experience with her and the staff at the NYC Veterinary Specialists (Alba Salcedo, et al.) has been extraordinary. Dealing with professionals whose competency is matched by their warmth and genuine compassion for the animals has made a very difficult time for me much easier. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to them.
In closing, I am elated to report that since beginning treatment in early January, Loki’s condition has improved dramatically. He has gone from hiding under the bed and eating very little to his former spirited self…chasing his sister, eating like a lion and creating endearing mischief. Although Loki may never be permanently cured (although I remain cautiously hopeful), I sleep a bit easier knowing that through your generosity and compassion and the talents of Dr. Oberthaler and her staff, I was able to provide Loki with the best care possible and additional time with his family.
Every day I get to spend with him is a gift. Thank you again for caring.
Sincerely,
Holly
By: David Wohlstadter, DVMSenior Emergency Clinician NYC Veterinary Specialists
Anyone who has owned a dog, is familiar with an unfortunate side effect of that ownership, gas, that in some cases, can clear a room. But what causes it, can you do anything to prevent it and is it dangerous?
Flatulence is defined as the excessive formation of gas in the stomach or intestine. It is a word that is often used incorrectly. Flatus is defined as gas expelled through the anus. 99 percent of the gas contained in flatus is composed of odorless gases (nitrogen, oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide). The remaining 1 percent of the gases are sulfur containing and produce the odor that many owners object to.
It is very important to note that flatulence and flatus can be signs of gastrointestinal disease requiring medical intervention by a veterinarian.
1. What are the worst foods for flatulence in a pet?
The worst foods for flatulence in pets are those that contain non-absorbable sugars and fermentable fibers. Dogs lack digestive enzymes to break down some large sugars, such as those found in peas, and fibers, such as those found in fruits and beans. These molecules make it to the large intestine and are fermented by bacteria, creating gas. Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate and is the preferred carbohydrate source in dogs with flatulence. Avoid feeding a dog with flatulence soybeans, beans, peas, and lactose containing foods such as milk, yogurt and ice cream.
Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, spices, onions (toxic to dogs), and cabbage add to the production of foul-smelling gas.
2. What else, besides the foods they eat, can cause gas - ie: eating too quickly. What can you do?
There are four causes of flatulence.
1. Gas production through fermentation of large sugars and fiber by GI bacteria
2. Aerophagia ("eating"/swallowing air)
3. The stomach produces acid and the pancreas produces bicarbonate. These two combine to form carbon dioxide in the GI tract.
4. Transfer of gas from the blood into the GI tract
Swallowed air and gas produced by bacteria make up the largest portion of GI gas volume.
Brachycephalic breeds (breeds with short noses like pugs and bulldogs), highly athletic dogs, and dogs who eat large meals quickly, have a higher portion of GI gas from aerophagia. Therefore, it's not always what you feed, but the manner in which your dog eats. Feeding small meals frequently as opposed to one large meal not only makes the food more digestible, but also cuts down on swallowed gas.
3. It's too late, your pet is gassy. What can you do?
1. Speak with your family veterinarian. Often flatulence is a sign of gastrointestinal disease that may require medical intervention.
2. Feed small meals frequently as opposed to one large meal. This makes the meal more digestible and encourages less aerophagia.
3. Change to a diet that contains more digestible carbohydrates, a different protein in the correct amount, and a low amount of fermentable fiber. For example, if you are feeding chicken, you may want to switch to lamb. Any change in diet should be done under the direction of a veterinarian. Home prepared meals should be done under the direction of a veterinarian. You may be surprised at what foods can harm your dog.
Remember, treats are part of your dog's diet.
It is important that your dog is fed a balanced diet. Dogs are not people, so don't feed them as such!
4. I keep stressing the fact that you should consult with a veterinarian, so please always do so prior to giving your dog medications, herbs or natural remedies. Many substances (foods, medications, etc) are toxic to dogs that are not toxic to us.
4. How does your pet feel when it suffers from flatulence?
How do you feel when you have flatulence? Since they can't talk, one has to extrapolate that our pets feel the same way we do, abdominal pain and cramping.
5. Are there any natural supplements, herbs, etc. that can help and do these need to be taken long-term?
There are many natural supplements and herbs that are said to be carminatives, which are medicines given to reduce flatulence. However, no safety data, dosage, or efficacy have been established. Because grapes and grape products can cause kidney failure in dogs, grape seed extract should not be used.
6. Medication is a last resort, but what can you give to your animal if flatulence is a problem?
A carminative is a medication given to reduce flatulence. There are many purported carminatives with a small amount of data to support their usefulness in dogs. Some carminatives can be harmful to dogs, so always consult with a veterinarian prior to their administration. The best chance of reducing flatulence in an otherwise healthy dog is a change in diet and/or a change in feeding pattern. There are many commercially available diets that are formulated to reduce flatulence in dogs.
7. Are some breeds of pet more prone to flatulence and if so, which?
Yes. Brachycephalic breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, are more prone to aerophagia, or "eating"/swallowing air, due to the anatomy of their upper airway.
Thank you. Thank you. I am indebted to you and your generosity. What you have done for Eliot will stay with us always. You have made what I thought to be impossible possible and you have saved my best friend and wonderful companion. Eliot thanks you, too. He wants to live; he is a survivor dedicated to getting better and stronger, and every day, he is. Your gift shined the light on us that we desperately needed in the middle of a very dark six weeks. It shifted the pattern of bad news to a string of good news; recently Eliot's blood work has gotten consistently better, he is eating on his own, and he is responding to the chemotherapy well.
I am an English Ph.D. student, my partner is an aviation student J and my brother has been living with us virtually unemployed since graduating college in 2008. We have no money and lots and lots of debt. I do not know how we would have supported the chemotherapy without your help.
Eliot's illness has made me reflect quite a bit both on life and giving. I study ethics as a part of my literary pursuits and I feel both from an erhical standpoint and an emotional standpoint totally indebted (in a good way) to your kindness. You have become a model for how I would like to contribute to the world once I get my degree and a job. I am inspired to "pay" my good luck in receiving your gift "forward" and once I have the resources will help other families treat their animals through Frankie's Friends, too. Thank you for giving me a model act of citizenry to which I can aspire. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for your help.
Much love and warm wishes,
Eliot, Ashley, Andrew, and Robin
Thank you!
I am writing this letter to thank you for the grant you provided for Boris, my dog. Without your help I would not have been able to pay for his surgery or the treatment he received afterward. I have no better words to express my feelings toward your generosity and kindness except to say, "Thank you." Boris is doing very well and I am grateful for the outcome.
You gave Boris more time by my side.
Thank you,
Tsion
This letter is to express our deepest and sincere appreciation to Frankie's Friends Zeus Varis Fund for your very generous support of our dog, Loki, for his cancer surgery and treatment. Your fund allowed us to react quickly to an aggressive cancer without having to make impossible decisions based on our financial situation. Loki succumbed to his disease on March 2, 2011 and will leave an enormous space in our lives but we are indebted to the foundation for giving us more precious, quality time with him. For this, we cannot thank you enough.
We are also extremely grateful to the staff at BluePearl-NY, with special regards to Vivian, Dr. Kyles, Dr. Bessler, Dr. Snells and all the technicians that helped along the way. We are especially grateful for Dr. Karen Oberthaler, whose sensitivity and guidance throughout this experience, reassured and comforted us in an extraordinarily difficult time.
Our only real regret is that all animals are not able to have the level of care that Loki received. It is in that spirit that we will continue to support and promote the Frankie’s Friend Charity, so that others may be afforded the same opportunities, we were lucky enough to receive.
Thank you all so very much,
Nickolaus and Whitney
Thank you so much for the support for my cat Sam, from the Zeus Varis Fund of Frankie's Friends, for his radiation treatments. Sam has lymphosarcoma in his mouth. I would not have been able to pay for the radiation therapy so I was so grateful for this grant and the chance for Sam to have more time with me. Unfortunately the CT scan of his head showed a brain tumor. Dr Rocha and I discussed all the problems and decided that the radiation therapy would not help the brain tumor and the best plan would be for Sam to not have any treatment. I am still very grateful for your generosity and help. Here are some pictures of Sam.
He is a beautiful cat with a very sweet, friendly personality.
Thank you again for your offer of support,
Pam
I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my cat Bloo. He has been through so much. I found him on the street seven years ago when he was about six months old. I have given him all the love a cat can possibly have. I was so depressed when I found out he was diagnosed with cancer, but knowing that you are going to give the care that he needs is helping me a lot. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! Love, Bloo's family
