Thursday, August 6, 2009

Help HugABull Help Hemi!



Being a responsible dog owner requires a lot of things: patience, kindness, commitment...and sometimes money. Many of us know first-hand that when your dog gets very sick, very fast, this translates to massive vet bills.

But what do you do when the vet bill comes and you're already struggling financially? This is what Chad, a single dad from Maple Ridge, recently had to ask himself.

Earlier this year, Chad adopted Hemi as a companion to his two girls. The four of them bonded immediately and soon, no one could imagine life without her – especially Chad’s daughter, who lives with a bone growth deficiency that inhibits her development. Hemi is her best friend, playmate and personal therapy dog!

Two months ago, Chad lost his job. It wasn't an easy time but Chad has been making it work…until disaster struck two weeks ago when Hemi became very sick. Worried and not wanting to waste any time, Chad rushed his pet to the nearest Animal Hospital, where Hemi had emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage.

Chad didn’t hesitate to okay the surgery and save his dog, but when the dust settled he was faced with a bill for almost $2000. On an already limited income this was a shock, especially when the Animal Hospital refused to extend a payment plan to him. And they wouldn't release Hemi until the bill was paid…so every day that Hemi remained at the hospital, they charged an extra $55 for boarding fees!

Overwhelmed but determined, Chad kicked into overdrive. He drained his savings, and gathered his friends to organize fundraisers – pub nights, BBQ Hot dog & Burger sales at his house and email campaigns. When he came to HugABull we knew we needed to help. So many dogs are surrendered because their owners are unable or unwilling to provide basic vet care for their pets, and Chad has truly inspired us with his love and commitment to Hemi.

HugABull has been working with Chad and the vet’s office, and has committed to help him fundraise. With our support the vet’s office has agreed to release Hemi and a payment plan has been set up.

We ask our forum members to consider donating in support of Chad, someone who doesn’t like having to ask for money, but will do anything for his beloved pet. HugABull will be collecting donations through our Paypal account – just enter your donation and include “Hemi” on the donation form.

Any and all funds will go straight to Hemi’s medical bills. There is $453.00 currently owing, and Chad hopes to raise some of that at a car wash fundraiser this weekend. Any extra funds raised will go towards Hemi’s spay, and then to HugABull.

Help us help Hemi! Every $5 or $10 donation makes a difference...and helps Hemi recover at home with her family, where she belongs.

PAY PAL BUTTON (scroll to the bottom)

1 comment:

HugABull Group said...

I have to say the our little community is AMAZING....

In 10 minutes we have already had a very generous company come forward and offer to donate all of the raffel sales money from their weekend event to HugABull so that we can put it towards Hemi's bill.

Not only that, but a HugABull adopter has asked that we give her $50.00 obedience refund to Hemi's vet bill.

Feel the love.... this is wonderful!