When times are tight, an unexpected vet bill can be devastating.
However, the National Pet Care Fund, a new Canadian charity founded in Manitoba, is here to help pets and pet owners in need.
“Sometimes people put off going to the vet because it’s such an expensive event,” said Carla Fehr, co-founder and chief executive officer of the National Pet Care Fund. “We thought, everyone wants to have the joy of owning a pet, but we want to help make sure pets have the help they need.”
Image provided Carla Fehr, co-founder and chief executive officer of the National Pet Care Fund, pictured here with dogs Fin and Amber, who are blind.
Fehr and his wife are proud “pet parents” to four dogs on their property just north of Birds Hill Provincial Park. When the youngest, Amber, developed an unexpected blastomycosis infection in her eyes, immediate emergency surgery was needed. Amber lost both eyes, but is now in good health otherwise.
“He is happy-go-lucky now. But we were very concerned,” Fehr said. “We had to make that overnight decision. And of course we would. But if we didn’t have the funding, poor Amber would have died. So, we wanted to give that opportunity to other people. We want to keep animals healthy and in their own homes where they are safe and secure.”
The National Pet Care Fund, which was recently established in an existing endowment, currently provides one-time grants to eligible pet owners to help with emergency veterinary expenses. If an applicant qualifies — once a quote from a veterinarian is submitted, along with other information pertaining to income and place of residence — the fund will provide some assistance.
“Currently, where we are, we are helping about 250 pets and families this year,” Fehr said. “We hope to do more, we hope to continue to grow, to help as many pets as possible.”
A fundraiser for the National Pet Care Fund will be held on Thursday, March 14, featuring an intimate performance by Alan Frew of Glass Tiger. Tickets for the event, held at the Pony Corral Pier 7 (1700 Pembina Hwy.), are $50, with proceeds going toward fundraising.
“We’re fundraising for grants, but we’re also looking to partner with veterinary clinics to match or donate to the cause, as well,” Fehr said, adding that the fund also hopes to get a matching grant program up and running. .
“Let’s say we provide $200 in fees, the clinic will match, or do whatever they can, to give their clients an option for these situations,” he said. “When you bond with an animal, the relationship is amazing. That’s what we want to support.”
For more information, or to purchase tickets to the March 14 fundraiser, visit nationalpetcarefund.com
Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist
Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the US and the UK A husband and father of two young children , Sheldon enjoys playing the guitar. and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at [email protected] Call him at 204-697-7112
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