Bogie's miracle

I rescued Bogie from the Humane Society 13 years ago. He has been my most faithful and best friend. Bogie developed a cancerous tumor and there was no way I could have saved him. I had already said good bye to him and did my grieving. Out of desperation I contacted Frankie's Friends and they made a miracle happen: they made my dreams come true and Bogie received help. He went to BluePearl veterinary partners to treat his tumor. Bogie has been recovering slowly but positively, after his surgery. It is such a delight to see him doing the smallest things that indicate he will make it. You can't imagine what your help means to me. Just when I gave up on the human race, Frankie's Friends came along and restored my faith. Bless you people for being there and giving me and my best friend a second chance.

Frankie's Friends And Artist Team Up For Pets

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – June 4, 2012 – Local artist John Cannon and Frankie’s Friends, a nonprofit that provides emergency and specialty care for pets with cancers and other diseases, are working together to raise awareness of the devastating impact that these diseases have on pets and their families. Cannon’s paintings of pet portraits and other artwork will be on display throughout the summer at BluePearl Veterinary Partners pet hospital located at 1668 Mallory Lane in Brentwood. Thirty percent of the artwork sale proceeds will be donated to Frankie’s Friends. Cannon will also donate 30 percent of the proceeds of commissioned pet portrait and select artwork from his studio in The Factory.

Having a pet with cancer or another devastating disease can leave pet owners at a loss  of what to do. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine over the past several years, the quality of care has improved remarkably and more treatment options are available. Unfortunately, many of these options are costly and most pet families do not carry health insurance for veterinary care.

The challenge to provide financial assistance for pets from families without resources can be overwhelming. That’s where Frankie’s Friends comes in.

“We’re thrilled to have John on board with Frankie’s Friends to help give hope to Tennessee families and save the lives of their pets,” said Kristy Hemp, development director for Frankie’s Friends of Tennessee. “His pet paintings capture those loveable personalities that we just can’t live without.”

For his part, Cannon is very excited to be able to help this wonderful organization. He currently has three cats and a dog, though he recently lost one of his long time canine companions. “The bond between a person and a pet is something special and unique in this world,” said Cannon. “I love being able to make paintings that capture the spirit and character of a pet for that pet’s family. Being able to create that art and financially support an organization such as Frankie’s Friends is a fantastic blessing.”

About Frankie’s Friends and BluePearl Veterinary Partners: Frankie’s Friends is a non-profit foundation dedicated to finding cures and saving pets with cancer and other serious pet diseases. Frankie’s Friends of Tennessee provides hope for families who are simply unable to provide critical medical care for their pets due to financial constraints. The charity is supported by BluePearl Veterinary Partners who also contribute funding and match Frankie’s Friends funds with at least a 25 percent discount on care. BluePearl hospitals are among the nation’s leading providers of emergency and specialty veterinary medicine. Middle Tennessee is home to four BluePearl hospitals: Brentwood, Goodlettsville, Nashville, and Murfreesboro. Learn more at www.frankiesfriends.com or contact Kristy Hemp at 888.600.5254 or khemp@frankiesfriends.com.

CONTACT:
Kristy Hemp
Frankie's Friends
Development Director, Tennessee Region
frankiesfriends.comAmy Gray Kovar, APR Gray Public Relations 616 Overview Ln. Franklin TN 37064 615.497.1799 akovar@graypr.com graypr.com

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Cindy's family says 'thanks'

I'm writing you this letter to express my sincere gratitude of your help. Cindy was a stray and came to me five years ago together with her friend Tiggie. They have been my best friends since. As a new immigrant to the country, I have moved and relocated several times. But with Cindy and Tiggie next to me, I always felt I had a family.

Two months ago, Cindy was diagnosed as having lymphosarcoma, which was devastating news. I was looking into her eyes, and asking "Why are you leaving me?" She rubbed herself against my hand, as if saying, "I don't want to leave you." And in this silence, I decided to try by all means to keep her, my best friend, with me.

I am so lucky to have received such a generous gift from Frankie's Friends. You have no idea what it means to me: it means we still have hope, it means Cindy and I can look forward to a treatment, and it means I can hold Cindy longer! I really can't express my gratitude enough. Frankie's firends is giving me light when I felt helpless and hopeless and extremely depressed.

Thank you, Frankie's Friends. You are warming the hearts of so many people and our pets. You are changing the world for those of us who need the help.

Thank you so much!

Louise + Cindy and Tiggie

Shadow's family says 'thank you'

Dear Frankie's Friends, Shadow was a female Boston terrier who brought great joy to me and my family. She was such a special, sweet, and loving dog. In January 2011, when Shadow was 9 years old, we found out she had a brain tumor, which was devastating news. The doctor said there were different treatments that could be done such as surgery, chemo therapy, or radiation therapy, but unfortunately all the therapies were too expensive for my family. The doctor said if we didn't do any treatment Shadow would only live for about 4 more months, which was very hard to handle.

Frankie's Friends Zeus Varis Fund helped us pay for the surgery to remove Shadow’s tumor. Shadow had the surgery, did great, and recovered fast. Unfortunately, on January 11, 2012, our Shadow passed away.

I want to thank Frankie's Friends for giving us another year with our Shadow. My family and I are so appreciative! They gave us another year to kiss, hug, play, and enjoy our Shadow. We would not have had that time without Frankie's Friends help.

Frankie's Friends is amazing and I hope they could continue to give families more time with there pets like they did for Shadow and my family!

Thank you so much Frankie's Friends!

Shadow’s “mom”

3rd Grader Raises Money for Cancer Research

When Paityn Flood’s dog died of cancer, she knew she wanted to do something to help find a cure. So, she took to collecting donations for Frankie’s Friends. Click here to see the news story and her inspiring action.

Too Lucky to be Left Behind

In the waning days of the Iraqi war, Airman 1st Class Adrian Torres, a security forces gunner in the New York Air National Guard, provided the beginnings of a new life for a tiny pup stranded in the Iraqi desert.

While on duty, a puppy no more than a few weeks old was abandoned on the other end of a 12-foot concrete and barbed-wire barrier. Adrian and two of his buddies took in the puppy and named him Lucky.During his final weeks in Iraq, Adrian contacted an organization that arranged to get Lucky back to the States.  But while Lucky was fortunate enough to escape the war-torn country, he was soon facing another battle. After barely adjusting to life in the United States, Lucky became sick with

parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease in dogs. Despite not having many resources to pay for Lucky’s care, Adrian knew what had to be done for his dog to survive. He went into debt to pay for the care. When the folks at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Queens heard his story, they contacted Frankie’s Friends for assistance. Between Frankie’s Friends and BluePearl, Lucky’s bill was paid.

Adrian said, “I worked very hard for the little money I earned overseas so it was such a blessing to have Frankie’s Friend’s help. A simple thank you will not suffice to show my appreciation.”

Sweetface the Ringbearer

Sweetface is our 13-year-old Pomeranian mix, who was adopted from a shelter almost 4 years ago. Sweetface has been a constant joy in our lives and is an important part of our family. We were delighted that he was the ring-bearer in our wedding this past October!

Sweetface had always been happy and healthy until about three weeks ago, when we noticed two small bumps on his neck. We were beyond devastated when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and learned that without appropriate treatment, he would only have weeks to live.

Given our current financial situation, we did not have the resources to fully cover the costs for Sweetface’s cancer treatment. But because of your help, we were able to begin chemotherapy right away and, so far, Sweetface has been responding incredibly well.

We hope that 2012 will bring on many blessings and happiness, and that Sweetface will be healthy and live to be a part of the memories we will share together in the year(s) ahead! Thank you again for helping us!

Comfort for Colette

When I first saw Colette’s photo on Pet Finder in early October 2008, it showed a pretty girl with a lot of character who was clearly too skinny for her large frame.  She was billed by Bideawee (shelter) as a sweet chatterbox that had been abandoned for “no apparent reason.”  I fell in love with her. She has battled immune system-related health issues since our first days together. Her treatments, hospitalization, medicines and diet regimen have been extremely costly.

Recently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Her oncologist estimated that, with treatment, she may have as much as two years more to live.  Colette is a lovely, sweet cat that deserves to live out her life to its full potential, but the only way I was able to pay for chemotherapy treatment was with help from Frankie’s Friends.

Other people have told me that when Colette met me she met her guardian angel.  Frankie’s Friends Zeus Varis Fund is now our guardian angel.  I don’t know what we would have done without your organization.  I am so relieved and so thankful.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely, Colette's "Mom"

Thank you from Gigi

When I needed help the most, Frankie’s Friends Kallee Varis Fund was there especially for the needs of my puppy, Gigi. My puppy and I will forever THANK YOU! - Tiara from Ozone Park

Nino Takes His Mom's Medicine ... by Mistake. Frankie's to the Rescue!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my mom’s dog, Nino. Just before Christmas, my mom became gravely ill and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. She remained in the ICU for more than a week. Nino was in my care, but because my landlord doesn’t allow pets, we would go to my mom’s place to walk, play with, and feed Nino. On December 26, a bag with medication in it that had been left behind when my mom was taken to the hospital was ripped open. Medications were all over the floor. Nino’s back leg wasn’t moving and he was shaking. We immediately called around for a clinic but all were closed or closing. I was directed to BluePearl Veterinary Partners. I had very limited funds but knew that I had to use whatever I had to help my mom’s dog. When I saw how much treatment would cost, I nearly cried because I knew there was no way I could pay. I am so thankful to BluePearl because they told me about Frankie’s Friends.

Nino is recovering. I just want you to know that you have made my mom so happy and thank you for putting a smile back on her face after the tough ordeal she has gone through in the last few weeks fighting for her life.

I can’t thank you enough and God bless!

Nino's family

'Thank you for another year with Dobe'

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”

The entire neighborhood loves Barney

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”)

Orion's on his way to recovery

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”

Shorty: Getting Better With Chemo Treatments

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

Yellow's Family Says "Thank You!"

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

Amber Bounces Back

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"

Thanks from Clementine

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

Generosity Reciprocated

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.”

Rock Around for Pets Raises $55,000 for Bay-Area Pets

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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Sunny: Has a new sunny outlook on life!

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