Venus has been rescued twice in one lifetime

Dear Frankie’s Friends, Venus, our wonderful beagle, has had the good fortune of being rescued twice in one lifetime. The first rescue was from a life of uncertainty and peril, as she was found wandering aimlessly on a desolate country road in the middle of the night -- an apparent victim of a heartless “dumper.” The second rescue was from an equally heartless and unrelenting perpetrator named “cancer.” Venus’s chances for survival were slim as her condition required expensive and specialized treatment.

Oasis Sanctuary was quickly losing hope of saving Venus. Then, Frankie’s Friends stepped in. After learning of Venus’s plight, Frankie’s Friends did not hesitate in offering us the money needed to help her.

Thanks to Frankie’s Friends, Venus will be undergoing the oncological treatment that will give her a new shot at life. Venus wouldn’t have stood a chance without your compassion and generosity. We at Oasis are eternally grateful for this tremendous act of love.

Frankie’s Friends are true friends, indeed.

With much admiration and gratitude, Venus' family November 9, 2009

Sparky brings joy and happiness every day

I need to tell you a few things from my heart: As I mentioned, I have no living family in the United States; an issue which is extremely difficult for me to bear. I have wonderful friends but it is not the same. My animals are my family; they are my “children”. Sparky and his brother Nini were found in a back alley at 10 weeks old. They bring me joy and happiness every day. Thank you so much for your help and for not giving up on Sparky. (2009)

Gable means the world to me

Dear Frankie’s Friends, Thank you again for considering Gable for your assistance program. He means the world to me. Sincerely, Gable’s “Mom” – Sara (2009)

Cash is a member of our family

On behalf of the Febus family and Cash, we would like to greatly thank you for the generous donation which took care of Cash’s treatments. Cash has been a member of our family a little over seven years now. In fact, he was my wife and I’s first child. Since then we had three children who think and love Cash as one of their siblings. It may sound funny however, it is completely true. We don’t know what we would have done without all of your help. You all made Cash and us a complete and happy family again. Thanks again soo much!! You guys are the best!!!With Love, Cash and The Febus Family (2009)

'Thanks' from Lily's family

Lily is my little tea cup poodle is almost three. In times of struggle it was hard to know that I could have lost Lily. She was in very bad shape. Thanks to Frankie's Friends, she received treatment.

Now, Mic's tail is a happy tail!

Dear Frankie's Friends, I don't have the words to thank you enough for your generous gift that saved my cat's life! A week ago my 9 year old female cat, Mic, was bleeding from her tail. When the blood increased we took her to an emergency animal hospital called BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Queens. I was told Mic is a very sweet and healthy cat but amputation of the tail tip was recommended. This procedure is called partial caudectomy.

I can't describe how much I appreciate all the help BluePearl Veterinary Partners offered to me and my cat Mic during examination, after the amputation was performed, and for recommending Frankie's Friends. It is such a wonderful organization with friendly people who are willing to help animals in need!

I want to thank you for your donation. I really appreciate your generous gift. Your organization is the best thing that came my way because my cat is with me today!

Sincerely, Mic's family

Jasmine's family says 'thank you'

Recently, we were provided with help from Frankie's Friends for an unfortunate accident that left Jasmine's leg broken. We are extremely grateful for the assistance that was provided. We couldn't afford the cost of the surgery to fix her leg until Frankie's Friends stepped in and helped out. We love Jasmine like she was one of our own children. Even though the broken leg had her down, she didn't let that get in the way of her big personality. Both Jasmine and I are very fortunate to have received help from Frankie's Friends. We will never forget your generosity.Thank you so much, Jasmine's family

Snikles sends his 'wuff'

To Beloved Frankie's Friends,Snikles, myself and our whole family and friends say “thank you” with all of our hearts for helping to save Snikles with your most generous gift. Snikles is getting back to himself after a poisoning. We are so blessed to have him and friends like you who helped to save his life. May God bless you all and all you continue to do! As soon as my finance allows, I will be sending a donation and have asked family and friends to do so also.

Thank you again. We wuff you! - Snikles' family

Thank you from Chase's family

In April 2012, my dog Chase ran behind my cousin and accidently got caught in the door and badly hurt Chase's eye. When Chase needed surgery, I didn't know what I was going to do because I was financially incapable of paying for the surgery. Thankfully the hospital informed me of your wonderful fund and we were able to move forward with the procedure. Chase is doing much better today and we are so grateful.Thank you, Chase's family

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