Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. Meet Lili, A Little Pup with a Big Personality

   June 16, 2020 6:41 pm Comments Off on Meet Lili, A Little Pup with a Big Personality

   Our newest 2020 Companions in Crisis recipient, Lili, is being treated at The Oncology Service at Dogwood in Richmond, VA for a Grade 2 mammary carcinoma with lymphatic invasion. By providing lifesaving pet cancer treatment funding, it is our hope that Lili can enjoy more healthy, quality time with her doggie sisters and loving parents. After all, our dogs and cats are more than just pets. They’re family. Read Lili’s story below, written by her wonderful mom:

   

   “Our beautiful Westie girl, Lili Louise Lent-McLaughlin (a.k.a. Lili “Lou”) was born on June 15, 2005. She will be 15 years old in just 10 days! However, you would never guess her age because she is such a happy puppy dog with energy and sass.

   I have had Westies all my life in my family, since I was a baby. But, Lili is my first dog of my very own! She was given to me by my sister, Jennifer, in 2006. Jennifer could tell I was depressed and lonely at college by myself in Richmond, VA. Once she got Lili for me, my life was changed! I truly believe Lili was meant for me and is my soulmate. She never leaves a room without me. We are kindred spirits. Lili was named after the best character role I ever played in the musical theater production of “Carnival”.

   

   

   Lili’s best friend is Zoey. Zoey is 12 years old. We got her in 2007 so Lili would have a friend to play with. They are always together. We also have a third Westie girl, named Maysie. We rescued her last May. She was a stray in poor condition! We adopted her when she was never claimed. Our Westie girls are like 3 peas in a pod.

   Lili is a tough cookie! She had surgery for a knee injury a few years back. She also had her uterus removed in 2018. But, other than this new cancer diagnosis, Lili is a healthy girl!

   

   We are lucky we caught the tumors early while they were still small. She had 3 tiny mammary gland tumors removed, as well as the mammary gland chain they were in, removed, about a month ago. The biopsy results came back malignant. That has devastated us. I just lost my mother to aggressive ovarian cancer, I can’t lose my Lili, too! It was because of my mother that I have such a love for animals, and especially for Westies! When my mom was in her final days, I said to her “I cannot live without you!”. Her response was, “You have your girls.” She was referring to Lili and Zoey (We think our third Westie, Maysie was brought to us somehow by my Mom after her death). Mom always viewed them as little angels and as a precious gift from God. She knew I would be okay as long as I had my babies. They are the only thing getting me through the agonizing grief of losing my mother! So, we have to do everything we can to keep Lili healthy and happy for as long as we can!

   

   My husband’s work hours have been reduced due to Covid-19, so he is currently making less than he did last year. I left my full time government job to care for my Mom when she was terminally ill in 2018. The debilitating grief kept me from working after that for 18 months. Recently, I started working part time as a Shipt Shopper while trying to address my grief in therapy. The vet bills have piled up due to Lili’s surgery, and Zoey’s Addison’s disease.

   We are doing the best we can, but aren’t able to afford Lili’s cancer treatment. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering helping us in this difficult time. Your nonprofit is truly a blessing to so many!”

   If you would like to donate to FETCH a Cure to help other families like Lili’s pay for pet cancer treatment funding, please visit our donation page. Every dollar makes a difference in helping companions in need!

2. Carol and Ruby: A Dynamic Duo

   May 28, 2020 5:54 pm Comments Off on Carol and Ruby: A Dynamic Duo

   Meet Companions in Crisis Recipient, Ruby

   The following excerpt was pulled from Ruby’s mom’s GoFundMe Page.

   Scotties are known as the “die hards”, who just keep on going and going despite challenges they face. Scottie owners also often share similar “die hard” traits. Carol Joyce Shraison and her Scottie lass Ruby are excellent examples, and they need a little financial help now. Ruby needs advanced veterinary care for radiation therapy to eradicate lung and bladder tumors. The cost of the treatment is beyond what Carol can finance on her own, so we’re asking her many Scottie friends to consider helping her raise the remaining funds she needs (approximately $6,000.00).

   Carol has owned, bred and shown Scottish Terriers since 1972 under the kennel name O’Riley’s. She truly has a passion for the breed and for mentoring others . A long-time member of Scottish Terrier Club of America and the Scottish Terrier Club of Western Virginia, Carol helped newcomers to the breed learn how to groom their own Scotties in her fun “Sunday Stripping Club”. She also loves to “nurture”- raising beautiful Scottie pups and delicious organic vegetables.

   One beneficiary of Carol’s nurturing is O’Riley’s Balgair’s Kaleidoscope… known as “Ruby”. Carol is Ruby’s breeder, and welcomed the little girl into the world on May 8, 2007. Ruby has had a loving home with Carol and other companion Scotties since the day she was born. Ruby raised several litters of pups one of whom, Indigo, is soon to become a mommy herself and add lots of puppy fun to Carol’s household. (In this picture Ruby is cuddling with her tiny newborn daughter Indigo.)

   

   Both Carol and Ruby were, unfortunately, destined to experience major health challenges- the reason for this GoFundMe effort.

   Carol was stricken with a life-threatening stroke in 2015 which temporarily robbed her of her consciousness, mobility and speech. Initially given little chance for survival, an encounter in the hospital with an animal therapy dog from the “Dogs on Call” program reawakened her will to live. (You will enjoy hearing Carol talk about this experience in this short video: https://vimeo.com/album/4096892/video/186433619) Carol worked tirelessly to regain her independence and quality of life. After all, her Scotties needed her!!! She had to learn to walk again despite weakness on her right side, to feed and dress herself, and to speak understandably. To continue with her love of Scottie grooming she even taught herself to strip left handed! She now lives independently, works a few hours a week at a local legal office to refine her speaking skills and build her physical strength, and takes care of her three Scotties.

   While Carol was overcoming her own health challenges her Scottie girl Ruby was doing the same. Ruby was diagnosed with a lung tumor 2 ½ years ago; a recent CT scan showed that the tumor has not significantly increased in size it can likely be erradicated with radiation treatment. In 2019 Ruby was diagnosed with TCC bladder cancer- unfortunately all too common in Scotties. Ruby had surgery in 2019 to remove the bladder tumors but in April 2020 they returned. They are located in a position in the bladder where the oncology vet believes they can also be successfully treated with radiation.

   Ruby is described by her Carol as very hardy, active and playful, and otherwise healthy. She loves to chase balls- the bigger the better- and to sleep on her huge plush green dinosaur. Many of the Scotties in Carol’s O’Riley’s kennel line are long-lived, several having reached 15 years of age. Carol’s oncology veterinarian believes Ruby’s post-radiation therapy prognosis is very positive- and could perhaps allow her several more years of quality life.

   

3. Companions in Crisis Highlight: Peanut

   April 20, 2020 4:46 pm Comments Off on Companions in Crisis Highlight: Peanut

   

   During a regular at-home lumps and bumps check, Peanut’s mom discovered swollen lymph nodes. This was the first warning sign that something was wrong. Peanut’s mom quickly took the next steps to see if cancer was the cause. Unfortunately, Peanut was diagnosed with lymphoma, but her mom’s swift action meant that she could start her journey to fight the disease as soon as possible.

   FETCH a Cure encourages pet owners to regularly check for the early warning signs of pet cancer while at home. Like with humans, early detection is so important for a good prognosis. We’re wishing this spunky girl all the best as she continues her journey to beat cancer and are so glad we can help relieve the financial burden for her mom.

   Peanut’s Story

   “I found Peanut early June of 2007. She was running down the middle of a country road in Powhatan, all alone. She was a baby at around 8 weeks old. She was covered in dirt and ticks. She actually had a little tick halfway embedded under one of her armpits. I took her home and we became instant best friends.

   Fast forward nearly 13 years. I was petting Nut one night and doing a lumps and bumps check when I found the swollen lymph nodes under her jaw. I checked her other lymph nodes and found several more that were enlarged. I started to panic. All I could think about was lymphoma. I took her to work with me the next morning to do some fine needle aspirates. Sure enough, they came back as large cell lymphoma.

   Despite Peanut being almost 13 years old, she’s still so youthful and full of life. The only thing that slows her down some days is some mild arthritis in her left hip. I don’t think Peanut is ready to give up and as long as she’s willing to fight, I’m willing to fight.”

   

   

4. With Love, Licks, & Pepperoni Sticks

   March 31, 2020 2:15 pm Comments Off on With Love, Licks, & Pepperoni Sticks

   Meet our newest Companions in Crisis recipient, Pepper. This sweet lady is being treated by the incredible staff The Oncology Service at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield. You’re in great hands, Pepper! We’re sending you and your family lots of love.

   Read a letter from Pepper’s mom below [shortened]:

   Dear FETCH a Cure,

   Pepper is my beloved fur baby. I have had her since she was months old. With that said she has been my emotional support animal for 13 years going on 14. I have struggled my entire life to find something that could give me strength, support me and give unconditional love that won’t let me down. I found that in Pepper. She is the reason I get up, the reason I fight to remain strong, she is my world, my everything. My shadow.

   I was DEVASTATED and my heart was shattered when within these recent one weeks’ time span from a senior exam with clean bill of health to suddenly lymphoma an incurable cancer. How? Why? I spent countless days not sleeping, not eating, vomiting because of my nerves. Feeling helpless what can I do. She has SO MUCH life left in her. I take her to a nursing home where my uncle works at to help cheer up the elderly.

   She along with her sister are my world. I recently had to apply and pay $7,000.00 for her sister who had mast cell cancer tumor surgery removal. I am a single pet parent and both mean everything to me. I am still trying to pay off that bill. I have been eating ramen noodles just so I can afford for vet bills. I’d rather starve and go hungry knowing that any penny I had went towards my fur babies. In such tough times with this coronavirus and bills and the world today I find myself struggling not knowing where to turn to.

   Pepper loves to hike, play and run around with her hedgehog toy. My dogs are all I have and she is strong like her mom and she has a fighting chance, but mom finds the finances very hard these days. The guilt how could I pay for my sister, but not help her. I am doing alllll that I can to help her. I am hoping all of my other volunteer work and picking up stray dogs and cats will turn around in our case. That what goes around comes around. Good Karma. We could sure use that now.

   Everyone says she acts like a 2-year-old puppy. Pepper is so full of energy. Loves swimming till this very day, playing fetch and boy does she love her treats. I am not giving up on her. They are all that I have and it would be a shame if money got in the way of an otherwise healthy dog’s life. She has normal blood cbc levels, kidney liver heart and lungs all normal healthy. Cancer isn’t fair.

   With this pandemic I fear of being laid off and also with pandemic it’s stressful waiting in the car not being able to be inside to comfort my Pepper in new environments. I anxiously wait in my car. It’s been a lot these past few days.  Thank you for listening to Pepper’s story and she prays that FETCH a Cure can help make this entire process easier by helping with finances.

   Love, Licks, & Pepperoni Sticks, 

   Pepper, Zelda, & Ms. Bogle

5. Stories That Uplift Us

   March 18, 2020 7:37 pm Comments Off on Stories That Uplift Us

   Many of us have been tethered to social media recently for updates and information. It’s important, but can be very stressful. In hopes to provide some levity to your news feed, we’ll be sharing stories that uplift us. They’ll be Companions in Crisis recipients, Pen Pals graduates, all star volunteers, wonderful veterinarians, and more! In these stressful times, may we celebrate the people (and pets) who bring us joy!

   Ella & the Kelley Family

   We love updates from our Pen Pals adopters! Ella (formerly known as Cinderella) was adopted by her loving family back in August of 2017. As you can see, she is thriving in her forever home. 💚💙 Thank you for spoiling this sweet lady!

   “She is the absolute perfect dog for our family. She has come so far. She was terrified of everything when we adopted her. She now lives for walks and cuddles. She loves to be warm. She has a heated area in every room in our house. She is spoiled rotten!”

    

    

    

    

   Mary and Missy & Kevin and Noelle

   Mary and Kevin are unique volunteers because they have both gone through the Companions in Crisis program with two dogs, Missy and Noelle.

   Mary started volunteering with FETCH in 2011 after attending Pets on Parade. In 2013, her senior golden retriever, whom she had recently adopted, was diagnosed with cancer. “I then understood the true meaning of what FETCH provided to pet owners,” says Mary. “FETCH helped give me the best gift of all, the gift of time with my Missy. She was a beautiful soul, who was abandoned by her family, and I was very lucky to share the last year of her life.”

    

   

   Kevin was introduced to FETCH through Mary and saw Missy’s battle with cancer. Kevin’s dog Noelle, a black lab, was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. She completed chemotherapy but was then diagnosed with a different cancer four months later. “Through the generosity of FETCH, I got an additional year wih my sweet, stubborn, funny old lady,” says Kevin. “I enjoy volunteering at events and helping spread the word of this great organization. In addition to the financial contribution, we really appreciate the friendship, support and caring of the staff during and after Noelle’s cancer fight.”

   Mary and Kevin are active volunteers with FETCH and have three gorgeous dogs, Moose, Charlie and Delilah. We are so thankful for them!

   Friends of Southside SPCA

   Today’s story that uplifts us: Friends of Southside SPCA, one of our shelter partners that is helping keep the Pen Pals program safely operating during this time of uncertainty.

   As you all might imagine, the prisons are taking extra measures to ensure that their population stays safe during COVID-19. While the Pen Pals team is no longer able to enter the facilities, we were able to pull two dogs out of the prison to bring them to their adopters, and in turn bring in two new (freshly bathed and swapped out on sanitary leashes) dogs from the shelter. We are lucky to have a team of handlers who has enough experience to continue the dogs’ training even when our trainers cannot come into the facility. Chloe (tri-color) and Annie (tan and white) are now with their handlers and starting their journey as Pen Pals pups!

   We are being flooded with adoption requests for dogs, so we thank everyone for their support and patience as we take it day by day!

   Check out videos of Chloe and Annie on our Instagram post: bit.ly/3bf3Uy8

   Layla Viands, a 2020 Companions in Crisis

   3 months ago, Layla Viands was diagnosed with lymphoma. Her family applied to our Companions in Crisis program and Layla became one of our first 2020 CIC recipients. She has been responding incredibly well and is officially in REMISSION! After Friday, she will have just 4 treatments left. An update from her family:

   “Our family wants to thank FETCH a Cure and their staff because we get some extra time with our sweet girl. Without them, she wouldn’t be here today. You’ll never know just how grateful we are!”

    

    

    

    

    

    

   Renai and Javier

   

   Some lovely words from Renai and Javi, a Pen Pals graduate who was diagnosed with cancer:

   “Today, in the wake of all the uncertainty and chaos, I’m choosing to be grateful for the extra time. Extra time for snuggles in bed and coffee on the couch with Javier. I’m choosing to be grateful for the ability to practice yoga at home where Javi sneaks in some kisses with each downward facing dog. For me, Javi is always a reminder to me of the light that comes after each storm. The start of his story wasn’t so pretty- but he was saved by FETCH a Cure and continues to be given the best care possible each day. So over the next few weeks when I feel unsure, I’ll look to Javi as a reminder of the good that is ahead. Until then, I will continue to be grateful for the extra time with an old man that smothers me in snuggles and kisses each day.”