|
1. Emergency Assistance Fund Pets are a vital part of many families, yet every year more than one million pets go without critical veterinary care in the United States. Although there is a financial responsibility in caring for a beloved pet, it is devastating when an owner’s financial situation makes them unable to provide veterinary care for a treatable, yet life-threatening condition. Often animals are euthanized, or suffer needlessly, because their owners cannot afford medical treatment or life-sustaining medication. Unfortunately, this heartbreak is all too familiar to the elderly, the disabled, those on a fixed income, or others who may be experiencing financial hardship.
On September 28, 2008, Deborah Rogers' two beloved pets, Pepper and Shadow, were maliciously fed meatballs laced with nails and glass. The dogs were rushed to PVSEC where x-rays confirmed these objects in the abdomen of both dogs. Pepper responded to medical treatment performed by Dr. Kenton Rexford; however, Shadow required life-saving surgery. The distraught owner could not afford the procedure... Animal Care and Assistance Fund was able to provide financial aid. Fortunately, both pets are fully recovered, and Deborah will be forever grateful that ACAF was able to help her through this terrible ordeal.
2. Blood Bank for Animals - "Pets Giving Pets the Gift of Life" What would you do if your beloved pet was injured from a car accident or needed surgery, had cancer or a bleeding disorder? Sometimes our pets have emergencies and illnesses requiring life-saving transfusions… just like humans. With the advances in veterinary medicine, there is a tremendous need for canine and feline blood components resulting in a national shortage. ACAF will be the only Blood Bank for Animals in Western Pennsylvania, and is expected to become a regional center, equipped to save many pets’ lives. Animal blood-banking is a relatively new concept. ACAF has developed high ethical standards that will provide safe, immediate and high-quality canine and feline blood products by utilizing the most recent advances in modern transfusion medicine. We only accept blood from volunteer donors… we believe that the quality of life of one animal should not be enhanced at the expense of another. Each donation can help up to four animals in need.
.jpg) In September 2008, our beloved pug puppy, Daisy, ingested rat poison which caused her to hemorrhage internally and very nearly die. The team at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center saved her life. Without the ready supply of canine blood, they would not have been able to save her. We will be forever thankful to the wonderful staff and their caring and dedication for ensuring that we will enjoy many more year with Daisy - Nadine and Sean
3. Internship Program
ACAF will provide financial and logistical support which will contribute to the training of tomorrow’s leaders in veterinary medicine. Internship in a multi-specialty veterinary facility such as PVSEC will provide an exceptional experience for those wishing to go into private practice, or those aspiring to become board-certified veterinarians specialists. 4. Humane Research and Clinical Studies Animal Care and Assistance Fund is committed to supporting humane research and clinical studies to improve the health and quality of life of all companion pets. Such research will support the development of new and more effective methods for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of animal diseases, while insuring that the studies will be pure, safe and effective. 5. Ambulatory Care
A vision for the future is to have a vehicle and staff to provide ambulatory care for emergency service.
|
© Copyright 2009, Animal Care & Assistance Fund, All rights reserved.