Tobby's Fund
| Lowell Humane Society Announces Matching Gift Challenge - "Tobby's Fund" established. July 20, 2008 - the Lowell Humane Society is proud to announce a 1:1 Matching Gift Challenge offered by a local woman so moved by the recent publicity surrounding the dramatic rise in pet surrenders to animal shelter as a result of their owners struggling financially in this economy. With a 1:1 Challenge Gift, every dollar donated to help care for the shelter animals needing medical help will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. The 1:1 Matching Gift Challenge will benefit the shelter's Medical Fund. Her intention is to encourage the Greater Lowell and Southern NH communities to "...help those pets in our community who have become homeless as a residual effect of the economy...through no fault of their own, they are in crisis. It is up to the community to help them. We can help them." She is challenging her community to match every dollar, for the next 6 weeks, with the Challenge ending September 1, 2008. This summer Challenge is intended to stimulate donations, as the summer season is typically the slowest time of the year for charitable giving. Foreclosures, down sizing, veterinary and food costs - many pet owners have come to the Lowell Humane Society with great sadness, forced to surrender their dogs and cats when faced with financial hardship. When she asked how she could help, shelter staff thought of he Bichon Frisee mix named Tobby. Tobby is a 3 year old neutered male Bichon Frisee mix. Tobby's previous owner took him to his veterinarian for an unexplained bleeding sore on his head. Although it scabbed frequently, it bled profusely when he scratched at it. After Tobby left the office undiagnosed and requiring further tests, Tobby's owner made the decision she felt was in the best interest of the dog. Tobby was surrendered to the Lowell Humane Society 3 days later. Her owner could not afford the treatment Tobby needed. Tobby was not alone. On that same day, five other dogs, none cats and three ferrets were surrendered by their owners. Animal Care Supervisor, Lisa Forbes, is alarmed by the trend. In recent months there has been an influx of surrendered pets requiring immediate minor and occasionally major medical attention. Prior to being placed up for adoption, pets are evaluated, vaccinated and treated medically. Unfortunately the economy has also affected the amount and size of donations to the shelter. Due to the rise in cats and dogs surrendered who require medical attention, the animal shelter has started to cut back on non-critical veterinary care. The volume of medical cases and emergency visits for animals in distress has taxed the shelter heavily. Minor medical expenses include: ear infections, worms, urinary tract infections, dental work and more frequently Lyme disease. Major medical expenses include: foreign body obstructions, broken limbs, heart worm and in one case recently, an emergency c-section for a pregnant dog. "Tobby's Fund" seeks to establish an on-going fund to help meet the immediate needs of surrendered pets brought to the shelter. To make a donation to "Tobby's Fund", please mail to: Lowell Humane Society Attn: Tobby's Fund 951 Broadway Street :Lowell, MA 01854 Thank You! |
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