Eddie the American bulldog

This is the story of our puppy, Eddie.

My husband knew he wanted a dog, so he did a lot of research on several different types of dogs.  He wanted a dog with a good temperament, since we do have grandchildren.  So in April 2011, he found a breeder, Matt, of American bull dogs and English bull dogs.

The first time we saw Eddie, he was in the pen with his sisters and brothers, and he had the most calm demeanor of all the puppies.  He then looked up at us and reached up on the side of the pen to be picked up.

We brought our puppy home and he became the spoiled puppy of the neighborhood, park, hardware store, grocery store, and even 7-Eleven.

On Jan. 8, 2013, we took Eddie to his vet, because he seemed to be panting more then normal and was not sleeping well at night. They started running a lot of tests on him, of which, all came back negative.

We were visiting the vet almost on a daily basis. The following week I had to go out of town. My husband became more concerned as his condition continued to deteriorate.  When I came back from my trip the following Saturday, my husband and puppy picked me up from the airport. Eddie was having a hard time breathing and his tongue was blue, so we took him straight to the emergency room.

The vet on call that night told us that we had a very sick puppy, and that he needed specialized treatment. That is the first time we heard about BluePearl. It turns out, Eddie had lymphoma in his chest, abdomen and liver.  We were happy we finally had a diagnosis, but totally stressed out as to how to pay for this. My husband is on dialysis and I am the only one working and maintaining the household.  We did not have pet insurance, as we were trying to find a policy that would work into our limited budget.

Frankie's Friends is a Godsend for us, because without it, I do not know how we could pay for his treatments.

We all love our animals, and I really thought we were going to lose our puppy.

Thank you for being there.

Cheryl

Hemingway has Successful Procedure Thanks to Zeus Varis Fund

There are not enough words my fiance and I could use to adequately thank you for the assistance you gave us when we found out our 7-year-old cat, Hemingway, was diagnosed with high grade hemangiosarcoma in his rear left leg.  Thanks to your support, Hemingway had a successful amputation and is now undergoing chemotherapy with a bright future ahead of him.

Hemingway is such a special part of our family.  I adopted him in Saranac Lake, NY when it became clear to me that my dog -- Patrick, who I also adopted after he was rescued from two separate abusive homes -- needed a constant but calm companion.

The shelter was having trouble getting a kitten named Squiggles adopted because he had extra toes and a crooked tail.  He and I fell in love right away, I renamed him Hemingway for his extra toes, and he was happily accepted and raised by the dog.  As a result, Hemingway is very friendly and brave; he loves when we have visitors as much as he loves a good snuggle on a quiet night at home.  He even plays fetch better than Patrick does!

As a teacher who has been forced to work part-time, who is engaged to a self-employed artist and entrepreneur, your support and sponsorship in Hemingway's time of need was very much needed.  Without the help from your foundation, I don't think Hemingway would be alive today.  We are so very grateful to you and we -- our whole family, human and animal alike -- send you our deepest thanks.

Fondest regards,

Norah

Lucy Gets Last Minute Life-Saving Surgery From Frankie's Friends

On Dec. 16, 2012, we rushed Lucy, a fawn colored American mastiff (she's quite the looker!), to the Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Manhattan with seizures. She has epilepsy that is generally controlled very well with her daily medications. However, this particular evening she had eight seizures in 90 minutes. We got her to BluePearl as soon as possible. Once Lucy was stabilized and the seizures under control, the doctors found that Lucy had a foreign object in her stomach. She had swallowed a glove. Because the glove was blocking her intestines, her medications were not being delivered to her system properly which brought about the cluster of seizures.  Now that everything had been figured out and she was ready to have the surgery to remove the glove, came the financial estimate for surgery.

Needless to say it was way beyond our means at the time. We agonized over night and the next morning. Finally we had resigned ourselves to having Lucy euthanized. It was the hardest decision either of us have ever made. Our Lucy, our sweet, sweet Lucy was not going to get the surgery that she so desperately needed and we were completely helpless to do anything about it.

It was the most awful, gut-wrenching, helpless feeling I've ever felt. Completely lost.  As we were readying ourselves for the subway ride to BluePearl to visit Lucy and say goodbye, my phone rang. It was Dr. Gibeon, that morning's attending vet, with news that Frankie's Friends by way of Dr. Amanda Owens had granted the funding required to save Lucy. We couldn't believe it! Trying to put the feeling of hearing that into words is impossible. I've tried so many times.

"Thank you" doesn't seem like enough, but it's the simplest and most honest. So, thank you.

THANK YOU!!!   THANK YOU!!!   THANK YOU!!!   THANK YOU!!!   THANK YOU!!!

- Robert & Jim

The Zeus Varis Fund Helps Our Hero "Ayashe"

Thank you so much for all that you have done for Ayashe. She is very appreciative of your help, as is her mommy and daddy. I (Monique) am Native American and being proud of my heritage, wanted her name to mean something special. Ayashe is a Native word meaning little one. Ayashe also happens to be a Cree hero (though it is spelled a little differently).

Ayashe was adopted by us on Mother’s Day 2004 when she six months old. She was a stray who was found on a fire escape. The North Shore Animal League mobile home was parked not to far from our home. We went in and of all the cats there, we fell in love with her immediately. She came into our home that very same day after a visit to Dr. Halpern at Lefferts Animal Hospital in Queens. Well, as soon as she walked through the door, she let the world know that this was now her home. It was like she had always been there. She never really got out of the habit of being up high, as we would find her on the table, on top of the computer, dresser and in the window. We learned that she doesn’t just like looking at birds, but she likes to ‘bark’ at them. The first time she barked at a bird from the window, I could have sworn we had a dog in the house instead of a cat.

She is a very loving cat who takes over the room when she’s in it. She also takes over the bed, but then what pet doesn’t? She’s a happy little girl. We love her very much. Everyday she gives us unconditional love. She is more than a pet. She is family. We are so very fortunate to have her in our lives, and we are equally fortunate to have Frankie’s Friends, and the folks at the Zeus Varis Fund in our lives as well. This is the best Christmas gift we could have ever received.

Again, thanks from Ayashe, Monique, and Daniel!

Colette Celebrates One Year Surviving Cancer

Sending purrs, thank yous and best wishes for the holidays. Colette's photo should tell you she's doing great! She just passed her one-year Cancer survivor's anniversary. We couldn't have done it without your help. Hugs,

Carol

Joker Survives Dog Battle, Lives to Have Last Laugh

Frankie's Friends has helped me out tremendously. My dog got attacked by two stray pit bulls in the street. I was in college at the time and was unable to pay the necessary funds to keep him alive. My dog's name is Joker, he is a Jack Russell, and he is my best friend... I can honestly say he would not be here if it was not for your foundation. I can not even type this without tears coming to my eyes... Thanks for all you have done. I have to go now because he keeps throwing his ball in my lap... haha... Thanks...

- Wesley

Tish Now Loves Central Park After Frankie's Friends Help

Hi, My name is Morticia, "Tish" for short. I am now five months old. I was born in Missouri and shipped to a NYC pet store as a young puppy.

One day not long after I had gotten to the pet store a young man came along and saw me there. He fell in love with me and took me home with him. I never really felt very good, even at the pet store. I didn't eat well and then I stopped eating.

I ended up in the intensive care unit at BluePearl Veterinary Partners specialty and emergency pet hospital after being in my new home less than a week. I was a very sick pup and almost died. My stay at the vet hospital was a financial drain on my new owner and his family.

They were thinking they may have to give up the fight and stop treatment when a donation from Frankie's Friends came through to try one more treatment. It was an expensive procedure but due to the donation it was able to be tried.

It worked! I started to get stronger. I was able to return home after more than a week at the hospital to recover. I now feel pretty good. I love to eat and love to go to Central Park to romp and play with all my new dog friends.

Thank you so much, without your donation we may not have been able to continue treatment. It was a turning point for me.

I hope many people continue to donate to Frankie's Friends to help other families and their pets. It certainly helped save my life. I continue to bring such joy to my owner and everyone I meet each day.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you,

Tish & Tom and family

Peanuckle and John's Adventure

Dear Frankie's Friends & Trustees of the Dr. Agnes Varis Charitable Trust, My chihuahua, Peaknuckle, a 6 pound bundle of love, was given to me as a gift 10 years ago by two dear friends who had raised him on a sheep farm near Albany, NY (yes, he knew how to herd from the other side of the electric fence). I was on a road trip on my way back home to where I was living in Juneau, Alaska, when I met their little dog. He was my friend Jimmy's favorite, but when Jimmy saw the connection that Peaknukle and I had, he offered him freely.  I had never had my own pet before, and Pea had never, ever been off of the farm.  A little reluctant and terrified as I drove off of the farm, Jimmy and his partner yelled out to me, “be careful of the eagles in Alaska!”

Well, ten years later, now that we live in New York City, I can't imagine a day without Peaknuckle. He survived Alaska, where he chased a bear up a tree, loved to run behind me in my cross-country ski tracks, and where he was a celebrity. He survived a national tour of our one man, one chihuahua, clown show – touring to SF, Minneapolis, Boulder, and New Orleans. He survived a Clowns Without Borders trip to Chiapas, Mexico, bringing his mischievous spirit and inspiring laughter for indigenous peoples who were rebuilding their villages after earthquakes. Peaknuckle even survived all the petting at my Aunt Nancy's independent living complex where he was a regular performer.

Peaknuckle has meant so much to so many people – most of all me.  People tell me that we worry about our pets, “because they are like our children.”  Peaknuckle, always snuggled up to me or tucked into my jacket, is like one of my limbs.  When he was diagnosed with a nasal carcinoma, I wasn't prepared. His mother Sweet Pea, father Peanut and sister Calliopea had all had long and happy lives.  I discovered what it must feel like for the many parents that I see doing “clown rounds” with the Big Apple Circus' Clown Care Unit as a “pediatric clown doctor” for children with life threatening illnesses.

Thank you for your help, both in raising money for cancer research and for the amazing gift from the Zeus Varis Fund.  The care he got at BluePearl was unparallelled and the radiation, not without its side effects, seems to have reduced his tumor considerably and he is breathing much better.  My heart swells with gratitude at the possibility of more adventures with Peaknuckle.

Graciously yours,

John & Peaknuckle

Petrie Fights Lymphoma

Dear Frankie's Friends, I wanted to thank you for your assistance as my cat Petrie fights against Lymphoma. Being right out of college, I can truly appreciate this financial assistance. Petrie has not only been my pet, but one of my closest friends for the past 11 years. I found her in the woods when she was a kitten while my mother was fighting cancer as well. Ever since, Petrie has been with me through college and even rode shotgun when I moved down to Florida from New York. I have been in a lot of places where I have been away from friends and family, but I have always had Petrie with me to keep me from being lonely. Frankie's Friends has made it possible for me to ensure Petrie has a chance to fight this.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Nick

Thanksgiving for Nova

To everyone at Frankie’s Friends, There is no way I could let Thanksgiving go by without sending you a letter.  Nova simply would not let it stand.  I can’t even begin to coherently describe our odyssey; watching my beloved jungle cat, a.k.a. my kitty, Nova, slowly grow thinner than she should’ve been, finding out after two vet visits that she had tumors in her chest and throat and a rather clinical synopsis of what that possibly meant.  The whirlwind of getting her to Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners into the gentle hands of Dr. Lachowicz, who was calm, kind and reassuring, but honest about what testing might reveal.  The mixed emotions of relief in discovering she had “the most treatable cancer,” lymphoma, and the despair in realizing that my financial situation would never allow me to follow up on the necessary treatment to save Nova’s life.

Miou, a year younger than her sister Nova, had passed away from cancer only this past May, and I wasn’t able to do anything to help her, which is a living nightmare.  When Dr. Lachowicz introduced me to Frankie’s Friends and all the amazing work you do, I swear I heard the heavenly choir.  Tears of joy clogged my voice while speaking to Sharon and finding that we were indeed eligible, and your generosity brought me to my knees.  I never dreamed that such caring, compassionate people existed.  Knowing Frankie’s Friends had our back allowed me to concentrate on doing everything I could at home to encourage Nova’s health and comfort and proceed with a clear head as to her treatment and allowed me to be positive for myself and especially for Nova.

Sadly, despite the positive prognosis and treatment, Nova’s little body tired out and she left us on November 7^th.  I am utterly devastated.  It has been one of the greatest comforts to me during this heartbreaking time to know that, thanks to Frankie’s Friends, Nova was able to have the best of care, which is what every parent desperately wishes to provide for their beloved four-legged child.  You made it possible for me to do all I could towards her recovery and it is something I shall never forget.

Neither will I forget your incredible kindness during our first conversations about Nova’s diagnosis and your wonderful compassion in sending a lovely condolence card later on.  The gratitude of my heart for all you’ve done for us (Nova’s remaining sister, Tara, and I) is deep and unending.  Frankie’s Friends were truly the answer to our prayers and my every thought in the future will be in how to help you to give to others the support you gave to me and Nova, the love of my life for nearly seventeen years.  God Bless you and everyone behind Frankie’s Friends and may He bless the memory of Frankie the sweet puppy who inspired such great love.  You truly are angels.

When I say my Thanksgiving grace, Frankie’s Friends will one of the things I am most thankful for.  Have a blessed holiday.

All My Gratitude and Best Wishes Always,

Danita

Precious Does Well Thanks to Florida Hope Fund

This is just to say thank you for helping us with our very precious pet. She is just like one of our children and we would have probably lost her if it was not for your help. With all of our love and appreciation,

- Don & Linda

Hangin’ 10 for Frankie’s Friends Raises $56,000 for Tampa Bay’s Pets

TAMPA, Fla. – Frankie’s Friends charitable pet foundation’s fundraiser, Hangin’ 10 for Frankie’s Friends raised in net of more than $56,000 to help Tampa Bay area pets Nov. 3. The money raised from the event will be used to help fund emergency and specialty life-saving treatment for pets whose families cannot afford it. In addition to the money raised at the event, BluePearl Veterinary Partners will match 25% of the amount raised at the event for deserving pets in services provided at their hospitals.

Candy and Eddie DeBartolo and the DeBartolo Family Foundation were the presenting sponsors of the event. Hangin' 10 for Frankie’s Friends was filled with the sights and sounds of beach life including live 1960s beach music performed by Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs.

Silent and live auctions were held, which included the auction of a 2012 Harley Davidson Sportster, two red-carpet trips to the American Music Awards, a flight in a fighter jet, 20 box seats for a Lightning game, a Jason Hullfish wall mural, and two tickets to the Super Bowl.

“We’re so thankful for the members of the community that came out to support Frankie’s Friends this year,” said 2012 event chair Lisa DeBartolo. “We were able to exceed our expectations for a second year in a row and guarantee more financial assistance to provide life-saving specialty and emergency care to pets whose families could not afford it otherwise.”

There were 230 guests in attendance at the event.

If you’d like to help save the life of a pet whose family cannot afford the cost of medical care visit www.frankiesfriends.com or call 888.465.PETS.

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Students’ Fundraiser Assists Dog Injured in Hurricane Sandy

NEW YORK – Students from a Staten Island school raised money to support a New York pet charity and the funds they raised have helped pay for surgery on a dog named Bruno, who was injured after evacuating from his home that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Students at Elias Bernstein Intermediate School 7 raised more than $1,300 for Frankie’s Friends, a charitable pet foundation, by sponsoring about 20 teachers in a 5k race that was held hours before Hurricane Sandy made landfall.

Teachers and students from Elias Bernstein IS 7 routinely look for ways to give back to the community. After a recent incident in which their principal’s dog required surgery, the school decided to raise money for Frankie’s Friends, which helps families who otherwise could not afford life-saving emergency care for their pets.

Bruno lived in Howard Beach. After evacuating their home, which was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, Bruno, his “dad,” and another family dog have been living in their car. But Bruno, a Staffordshire bull terrier, got loose and was hit by a car. Bruno required surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Queens to repair a complex fracture to his front left limb.

Because of the financial assistance the man received through Frankie’s Friends, which included the help provided by the students and faculty Elias Bernstein IS 7, Bruno and his family can use their scarce resources to find a place to rent.

If you’d like to help save the life of a pet whose family cannot afford the cost of medical care visit www.frankiesfriends.com or call 888.465.PETS.

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Frankie's Friends Life-Saving Pet Stories Video 2012

Fundraiser to help Tampa Bay’s pets

Fundraiser to help Tampa Bay’s pets

TAMPA, Fla. – Frankie’s Friends charitable pet foundation is scheduled to hold a fundraiser here Saturday, Nov. 3, from 6-10 p.m. at T. Pepin Hospitality Centre on North 50^th Street in Tampa.

This year, the event is called Hangin’ 10 for Frankie’s Friends. The money raised from the event will be used to help fund emergency and specialty life-saving treatment for pets whose families cannot afford it.

Presenting sponsors of the event are Candy and Eddie DeBartolo and the DeBartolo Family Foundation. Hangin' 10 for Frankie’s Friends will be filled with the sights and sounds of beach life including live 1960s beach music performed by Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs.

Silent and live auctions will be held, which will include a 2012 Harley Davidson Sportster, a red-carpet trip to the American Music Awards, a flight in a fighter jet, 20 box seats for a Lightning game, a Jason Hullfish wall mural, and two tickets to the Super Bowl along with many more items.

“In 2011, our first fundraiser for Frankie’s Friends raised more than $50,000,” said 2012 Honorary Event Chair Lisa DeBartolo. “This year we hope to raise even more money to continue to help pets and families who are in need.”

Two-hundred-fifty guests are expected to attend.

For more information, see the Frankie’s Friends website at frankiesfriends.com or call the event hotline at 888.552.5066.

Kallee Varis Fund Helps Brownie

We want to thank Dr. Levy, Dr. Gold, Dr. Wolf and the staff at Frankie's Friends for taking great care of Brownie during his pain.  Brownie has been with us for eight years and he is a wonderful Shih Tzu dog.  Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with kidney stones and required surgery.  Thanks to the Kallee Varis Emergency Fund we were fortunate to receive financial assistance.  We are happy to see Brownie recovering successfully! Lizzette

Frankie's Friends on CBS 10 in Tampa

To view the video and read the story, please click the image.

Goldie Gets Much Needed Help

Dear Frankie's Friends,

Goldie has been with our family for two and a half years. We got him as a ten-week-old puppy and he has been a big part of our family. As my step-daughter goes through her mother's battle with brain cancer, Goldie has been her best friend.

Today Goldie was in trouble. We didn't know what was wrong and we were sent to the ER.  After 16 months of unemployment my husband was only back at work a few months when we were told it was very serious. Goldie's red blood cell count was way too high.

We didn't have the resources to help Goldie the way he deserved. That's when Frankie's Friends and BluePearl came through. Goldie is currently being treated and we expect a full recovery.

Thank you Frankie's Friends and BluePearl!!!

- Jessica

Alena and Orion Say Thanks

Dear Frankie's Friends, Last year, around this time, our family was struggling with an unexpected tragedy. My cat, Orion, had a tumor and had been diagnosed with cancer. He would not have had very long to live without treatment.

Thanks to your support he is alive today, a whole year later, and is doing very well with his chemotherapy. He truly means the world to me. We just wanted to say THANK YOU!

- Alena and Orion

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Magic Battles Lymphoma Thanks To Zues Varis Fund

I would like to say thank you so very much for the wonderful gift of chemotherapy treatments you have given to my dear and gentle cat, Magic. I adopted Magic eight years ago after hearing about a group of feral cats that were about to be trapped and taken to the shelter to be killed. When I got him he was scared, skinny and very wild. However, with love and patience, he soon blossomed into the sweetest and most charming of cats, and is a cherished member of my family.

Magic often sits on the couch with me and does the cutest thing - he looks up at me, straight into my eyes, purrs and then puts his little paw onto my leg. It is as if he is saying, "I love and trust you, Mama!" So you can imagine my devastation when I learned that he had intestinal lymphoma and that I could not afford the treatments to help him. I felt that I was letting my little friend down. With your generous gift, however, I am able to do all that can be done for Magic and we both appreciate it more than words can say.

He has had two chemo treatments so far and is doing great!

THANK YOU!!

Sincerely,

Dina and Magic