Local non-profit teams up with VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic oncologists to provide hope and help with Sir Desmond’s cancer care
A new non-profit organization, DogsLife, is offering pet parents financial aid so they can obtain state-of-the-art cancer treatment by any board-certified veterinary oncologist in North Texas. The latest beneficiary of oncology care is a retired racing Greyhound named Sir Desmond, who is being treated at VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas.
Sir Desmond’s owner, Caitlin Schmidt, is a teacher in Dallas and was referred by her primary care veterinarian to VCA’s Animal Diagnostic Clinic (VCA ADC). Sir Desmond was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, one of the most common primary bone tumors that afflicts dogs. Veterinary oncologist Dr. Erin Roof recommended amputation of the leg with the tumor to minimize pain and prevent spread of the disease. The cost of surgery and chemotherapy was more than Caitlin could afford, so she reached out to DogsLife and applied for assistance. The non-profit was able to cover half of the cost of the surgery and all the chemotherapy costs.
“I cannot really put into words what the phone call meant to me when I was told that DogsLife was providing a grant to help pay for all the overages for Desmond’s treatment that I simply could not afford,” said Schmidt. “There really are angels that walk among us and this organization has some of the best! Desmond had his amputation surgery and is beginning his chemotherapy.”
Dr. Zachary Wright, Director of Oncology at VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic and DogsLife Board Member said, “This organization is giving families the means to obtain life changing treatment for their dog following a cancer diagnosis. I believe in DogsLife’s mission to offer financial grants for advanced cancer care, because as a veterinary oncologist, I know how devastating it can be for a dog owner to have to decline treatment due to financial constraints.”
About DogsLife
DogsLife uses donations to help fund life-saving cancer treatments by any board-certified veterinary oncologist in North Texas. Grant beneficiaries are selected through an application and interview process, which involves the applicant, the dog’s primary care veterinarian, and the treating veterinary oncologist. As a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity supported almost entirely by donations, all funds go directly to providing treatment to deserving pups and will enable their human parents to have a loyal and healthy companion for years to come. DogsLife hopes to help more families pay for life saving, cutting edge cancer treatments this year. Donations can be made online at www.DogsLife.org
About VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic of Dallas
VCA ADC is one of the few hospitals in the country that is on the forefront of cancer diagnosis and treatment provided by board-certified veterinary oncologists. Using a multidisciplinary approach and the latest technology, including the TrueBeam™ radiotherapy system, VCA ADC brings a wider spectrum of optimal treatment to pets with cancer. For more information, visit https://vcahospitals.com/animal-diagnostic-clinic-dallas/hospital.
About VCA Animal Hospitals
VCA Animal Hospitals operates more than 900 small animal veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. The hospitals are staffed by more than 4,700 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians to give pets the very best in medical care, of which over 600 are board certified specialists who are experts in areas such as Oncology, Cardiology, Emergency & Critical Care, and Surgery for animals. VCA Animal Hospitals provides a full range of general practice services to keep pets well and specialized treatments when pets are ill. For more information, please visit VCAhospitals.com or follow on Twitter @vcapethealth and facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitals/.
About VCA
VCA is a leading provider of pet health care services in the country delivered through more than 850 small animal veterinary hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Brazil, a preeminent nationwide clinical laboratory system that services all 50 states and Canada (Antech Diagnostics), the leading animal diagnostic imaging company in the market (Sound), and Camp Bow Wow (CBW), the nation’s Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp® franchise, an Inc. 5000 company.
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Agnes Huff, PhD
Agnes Huff Communications Group
(310) 641-2525 ahuff@ahuffgroup.com