Sources for when your pet friend needs help need help

Because of the economy many charitable organizations are struggling. If you are able, we hope that you will consider offering one of these a contribution. You never know if someday you'll be seeking their help. We'll give some brief info on each one.

• AAHA Helping pets fund: The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Foundation offers grants for veterinary care of pets that have been abandoned and those whose owners are experiencing financial hardship. AAHA-accredited veterinary practices may apply for financial assistance on behalf of their clients in need.
• Angels4Animals: is a small non-profit organization of humanitarians and animal lovers whose sole mission is to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of innocent pets. Their goals are to 1) mitigate unnecessary pain and suffering in animals that cannot access veterinary treatment because of financial constraints facing their owners and to 2) assist pet owners in making animal care decisions based upon the needs of the animal rather than financial limitations.
• Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA): They are probably your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. There are so many poisonous substances out there. The momma has called them many times and they are always very kind and helpful.
• Canine Cancer Awareness: Their mission is to provide you with knowledge and support so that you can consult with your vet to get the best possible treatment for your dog with cancer.
• Feline Outreach: (hey! that's for cats only! grrrrrr) This is an organization dedicated to providing caregivers the educational and financial assistance necessary to care for their cats.
• Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program (FVEAP): FVEAP has an interesting history. They began when a tiny kitten (Bazil) had a life-threatening condition requiring surgery. Bazil's guardian had lost her job and was unable to pay for the expensive procedure. She went to an online group of friends for advice. This group of people, who had never met each other, came together out of love and compassion and donated $1,400 to save Bazil. As a result of this effort, which had many complications, it was decided that a nonprofit corporation should be formed to provide a simple, safe and efficient way to accept donations and disburse funds for veterinary emergencies.
• Handicapped Pets: They understand the needs of handicapped pets and are a good source products, services, support and advice to help you care for them. They offer help for pets with cancer, terminal illness, arthritis, or paralysis, as well as senior/geriatric, injured pets, or pets recovering from surgery.
• Help-A-Pet: They understand the therapeutic benefits of having a pet, particularly for physically and mentally challenged individuals, senior citizens, and children of the working poor. However, these are often the people who are hit the hardest by the economy. The applicants must provide proof of income and are expected to share in the total cost to show their commitment to their pet.
• IMOM (In Memory of Magic): They are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. They also have an online shopping mall with links to popular stores. A small percentage of the sales will be donated to IMOM.
• The Magic Bullet Fund: MBF helps people who have made room in their homes and hearts for a canine companion, but do not have the financial resources to provide cancer treatment. MBF does NOT fund research or promise to cure canine cancer. They help real life dogs, working with families and veterinarians, to ensure that they receive the treatment they need.
• Rolling Dog Ranch: The Rolling Dog Ranch is an animal sanctuary in Montana that rescues and shelters disabled animals. Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary gets another chance to have a safe and loving home. Their residents include blind dogs, blind horses, deaf dogs, blind cats, and animals with other neurological and orthopedic disabilities. They feel that although these animals may have disabilities, they do not consider themselves handicapped. They just want to get on with life and enjoy themselves.