Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. A Message from FETCH a Cure

   March 17, 2020 6:02 pm Comments Off on A Message from FETCH a Cure

   

   As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, FETCH a Cure and our community partners have been taking precautionary measures and adhering to recommendations from public health officials and the CDC. We will continue to work on behalf of pets and their families, but we must take precautions to keep our staff and our communities safe.

   Our Companions in Crisis program will continue to operate as usual; however, individual cases may be impacted by the safety precautions of veterinary practices. We encourage applicants and recipients to contact their treating veterinarians directly.

   We are currently communicating with the partnering correctional facilities in our Pixie’s Pen Pals program to ensure that we continue to run smoothly. While training and adoptions are always a priority, we recognize that the biggest concern is keeping the virus out of the correctional centers. We are in the process of pulling dogs that are ready for adoption into foster homes, while the ones who are still in training will remain with their handlers. If you are interested in fostering or adopting a dog, please contact at info@fetchacure.com.

   We have also made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone several upcoming events, including the Park Pup Unveiling at Deep Run Park and our FETCH a Cure 5K Trail Run & Walk. The Easter Parade on Monument Avenue, where we unveil our new round of sponsored Steel Dogs each year, is cancelled per the City of Richmond’s instruction.

   We are dedicated to serving our communities of pets and their people, and the best way to do so right now is to limit the potential spread of the virus. We will continue to share updates as we have them. In the meantime, give your animal companions lots of belly rubs and head scratches for us.

   Warmly,
   The FETCH a Cure Team

2. FETCH Feature: Cora, a Companions in Crisis Recipient

   February 26, 2020 5:03 pm Comments Off on FETCH Feature: Cora, a Companions in Crisis Recipient

   

   Meet Cora, a 5 year old walker hound mix and 2020 Companions in Crisis recipient!

   Cora’s life has been anything but ordinary. She spent the first 2 years of her life in a hunt club where she was mistreated and abused. After ending up in the pound, she was rescued by BARK, where she would go on to live for 2 years. She would cower in the corner of her kennel, trembling, tail tucked, head down and would refuse to eat. Adopters overlooked her, opting for other dogs. One person adopted her but returned her less than a month later. She seemed to give up and shut down.

   “My heart dropped when I read her story online,” says Amy, Cora’s mom. “I knew I could be her miracle and give her a chance at a new life.” At the time, Amy was depressed and, like Cora, felt like she wanted to shut down. “Cora didn’t really seem that much different than me.” Cora and Amy leaned on each other. Amy patiently worked with Cora to make her feel safe, loved and cared for. Cora gave Amy love and support when she needed it.

   Cora’s diagnosis and treatment

   Recently, Amy felt enlarged lymph nodes in Cora’s cheek. They immediately went to the vet, where they confirmed Amy’s worst fears: Cora had high grade large cell malignant lymphoma. Amy knew they had to fight. “I called last summer her ‘first summer of freedom’,” she said. “My heart can’t accept that that could be her last.”

   Cora had her first treatment on Thursday, February 20th at Virginia Referral & Critical Care. Knowing Cora’s past and fearfulness, they put her in a quiet, low-traffic room. Amy brought blankets from home and Cora’s cousin Dixie for comfort.

   She was tired after treatment, but still acting like her normal, fun self. By Saturday, her lymph nodes had already decreased substantially in size. “Cora has survived so much in her life already, so I am hopeful she will survive this awful disease too,” says Amy.

   We are so grateful to be able to help Cora and her family. Please send lots of good thoughts their way as she continues her treatment!

3. FETCH Feature: Kilo, a 2020 CIC

   January 14, 2020 4:59 pm Comments Off on FETCH Feature: Kilo, a 2020 CIC

   Meet Kilo, a 7 year old mastiff mix and one of our first 2020 Companions in Crisis recipients 💙🐾

   Kilo’s health started to decline toward the end of 2019, starting with lethargy and lack of appetite, followed by incontinence and seizures. Several visits with the vet, pet ER, and a specialist later, and they discovered that Kilo had a large brain tumor on his pituitary gland. The tumor was 50% the height of his brain.

   Kilo is currently undergoing radiation treatment with Dr. Holmes at The Oncology Service here in Richmond, Virginia. “I cannot imagine a morning without slobbery dog kisses, or coming home and not having him greet me at the door,” says his mom. “I refuse to give up on him.”

   Kilo LOVES his “tiny humans” more than anything. There is just a 10 month age gap between him and the oldest son, and they have been bonded since they were little. He used to guard the baby’s bassinet, and would fetch their mom anytime he would start to cry. He also assisted the youngest son in learning to walk! Kilo would walk behind him, catching him anytime he’d fall backwards.

   Needless to say, Kilo is one remarkable dog! We are very thankful to be able to help him and his family with treatment.

                                       

4. FETCH Feature: Bocephus the Cat

   January 9, 2020 8:33 pm Comments Off on FETCH Feature: Bocephus the Cat

   Meet Bochepus, a 15 year old Persian cat and recent Companions in Crisis recipient.

   Bocephus’ family took him to the veterinarian after they noticed him making a snoring noise while sleeping. Throughout his entire life, he’d never been a snorer, so they thought he may be sick. They were right — the vet found a mass in his tonsil. Though the initial biopsy came back inconclusive, the vet referred them to a specialist in hopes of getting it surgically removed.

   The specialist, however, deemed the mass inoperable. They took larger biopsy samples, which tested positive for squamous cell carcinoma.

   Bocephus will undergo six treatments of radiation at The Oncology Service. FETCH is grateful to be able to help Bocephus and his family!

    

   

5. New Year’s Eve Kindness: Your Donation Matched

   December 31, 2019 5:15 pm Comments Off on New Year’s Eve Kindness: Your Donation Matched

   

    

   Iggy was a beloved member of her family. She was adopted from the Richmond SPCA and quickly settled into her forever home.​​​​​​​ When her family rescued their second dog, Violet, Iggy took it upon herself to show her she was home. She was Violet’s constant companion and gave her the courage to accept and love her new family, just as Iggy had done herself.

   This fall, Iggy was diagnosed with a fast-growing, extremely aggressive form of lymphoma and passed away very quickly. In her honor, and for other dogs battling lymphoma, Iggy and Violet’s family will be matching a​​​​​​​ll donations today, up to $5,000.

   
   Match your gift ➔

   
   Thanks to the generous donations of people like you, FETCH has been able to help beloved cats and dogs in their fight against cancer through our Companions in Crisis program. Today, your gift will help us save even more lives in the new year. Don’t forget that your gift is tax deductible, so get it in before midnight!