Help Me Help Dogs and Less Fortunate Dog Parents: Looking for Recommendations

Those who follow my blog or social media know that I've been on a mission. The many medical struggles we've been through with our dogs and the learning curve it required for me to be able to best care for them inspired my sharing of our journey.


I want others to benefit from our experiences instead of having to learn things the hard way.


That is the inspiration behind my blog, my Facebook group and everything else I do. That is the motive behind my book.

I have written Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog to help dog parents understand the importance of changes in their dog's behavior and habits, the many signs that something is going on with their health.


The goal of the book is to teach people what to look for and when to seek veterinary care.


I want to take this one step further to help those who know their dog needs to see a vet but they cannot afford it. I know what it's like knowing you need to go to a vet, but don't have the money.

Should people who are broke not be allowed to have a dog? Some argue they shouldn't. But not having money doesn't mean those people aren't able to give their dogs love and care and happy lives.

Here is where I need your ideas.


I want half of the revenue from the sales of my book to go into a critical veterinary care fund to assist those who are not able to afford veterinary care on their own. I know there are some organizations out there providing such assistance; perhaps I could work with one of them. I know very little about these things, and I need your ideas and help.

What do you say?


Please comment or email me directly with ideas to ranchjasmine@gmail.com

Comments

  1. That's an amazing idea! Have you thought about setting up your own non-profit? Or do you prefer to join forces with an existing group who's already helping people and their pups with medical needs?

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    1. I am looking to pair-up with an existing organization.

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  2. I think it's great you want to donate a portion of the sales of your book! Hope you find the perfect place to do so!

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    1. Thank you, Nichole. That's where I need help. I want a great organization where the money actually does go where it's intended to.

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  3. What a great cause! I love that you want to give half of your proceeds to those who can't afford veterinary care for their pets. We've all be there! Your book sounds like a great resource for dog owners too!

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    1. Thank you; need some help figuring out how to do this and who to do this with.

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  4. What a wonderful idea. I know a handful of people and veterinarians that have their own donation fund. Maybe something local like that for you. Or, if you are passionate about a specific disease or breed maybe donate to them. Good luck with your mission.

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    1. That was my first idea. But, of course, I wanted to put an affordable price on the book, meaning it has to sell a lot of copies to actually do any good. Doing this locally without some major help wouldn't generate enough funds to do much with.

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  5. This is a cause that I am also very passionate about Jana. I volunteer for two charities that help low-income and homeless pet owners locally. The groups I work with are included in a comprehensive pet care cost assistance resource list on The Humane Societies website: http://humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962#Assistance_by_state
    Most are local, some are national. Maybe it's a start in finding the right benefactor for you.

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  6. I love your passion and mission. What about also offering some copies of the book to local veterinary clinics for them to give to senior clients who are on fixed incomes? (Or better yet, have a local business sponsor the book purchases and put stickers on the books "This book is provided to you courtesy of....."

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  7. What a wonderful idea, giving back is such a wonderful feeling. I was blessed when I was in the Shelter for Domestic Violence with no money I had VetSOS here in San Francisco who gave me free vet care for Baby R.I.P. They an amazing organization that goes around to different dog parks giving vet care to those that cannot afford, or homeless. It made my life so much easier now that she was covered during those times

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    1. Thank you Ruth, yes, there are many great efforts and I want to join with one of them.

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  8. I say that's an incredibly compassionate mission you're on. I've heard too many stories of people who have put their animal down because they couldn't afford to pay. How tragic to be in that position, but hopefully with your help lots of animals will be saved. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you, Hindy, I'm going to figure out how to make this work.

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  9. Jana, I know of a small organisation that does thekind of thing you need. I will find it.

    I love that you are doing this. For someone who can't afford vet care it could make a difference.

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  10. What a wonderful thing you are doing. I wish I could help with some suggestions but I am afraid I would only be able to do what you have probably already done and that is to use Google and try to find some places via research.
    I am sure you have done this.
    I agree setting up your own organization would mean big money and TIME.
    If I ever hear of anything that may help I will let you know.

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    1. What I'm trying to do is to find somebody who actually has direct experience with one or more of these because I want to make sure the money actually goes where it's meant to and doesn't end up caught in the administration as it often happens.

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  11. Such a wonderful idea! I'm a volunteer case manager with The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy that does something similar, but with Canine Epilepsy medications and treatments. Perhaps they could be of some assistance with networking or sharing ideas. I'd be happy to put you in touch. I commend you for doing this!

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    1. Thank you so much. I'd like something broader to encompass particularly some emergencies such as pyometra, bloat, foreign bodies ... things where getting treatment is imperative for survival ... but, of course, I'm happy with some funds going for epilepsy/seizures as well. Yes, please, I'd love to get in touch with them.

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  12. This is such a wonderful idea. I don't know of any such groups, but I'm sure there are many who can provide suggestions.

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    1. I hope so. I'm hoping recommendation(s) of organizations people have direct experience with and know where the money goes; else I could just Google this myself, of course.

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  13. I'm not aware of any such organization. I only know that many shelters have low cost clinics. Thanks so much for thinking of those that could benefit. Love Dolly

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    1. I know some but looking for one which people feel really works for the dogs.

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  14. Here's my opinion, for what it's worth. If you can't provide basic care for a pet, food & basic Vet care (w/ many services being free/low cost via municipal shelters), you shouldn't get a pet. You can still give love by being a much needed foster parent & the costs can be covered. However, if it's complex Vet care you need help with there are organizations out there who can help. I love that you want to donate some of your book proceeds to a cause like that, wonderful! Donations to a municipal shelter that provides free/low cost basic veterinary services to underserved parts of a community is extremely helpful too. eg. In Phoenix, Friends of Maricopa County Animal Care & Control fundraises for free & low cost spay/neuter provided by the county shelter. Organizations like that can really use your help.
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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    1. It is a major question which is brought up in the FB group frequently enough. The question is, what would happen to all those dogs who have parents who might not be able to provide medical care but provide a loving family. Yes, technically, if you cannot afford a dog, you shouldn't have one. But people do. And they love them. And where would those dogs end up without those families?

      Case in point, hubby rescued Roxy before we met; a guy was selling her for gas money. She was very sick, very skinny, the guy was not taking care of her. Hubby took her in. We were extremely broke but we loved her and took care of her. We took care of her vaccinations and routine care. But when she became really sick, we could not pull that expense. We didn't get her because we wanted a dog per se, we got her because she needed a home and help. What would have happened to her if hubby didn't grab her from the guy? Should he have left her to her destiny because we wouldn't be able to afford potential costly medical care some time in the future?

      I think these all are difficult questions but because people who cannot afford medical care do have dogs, this is the way I feel the dogs can be helped.

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  15. That is a great idea! I will check to see if any the groups I know of have a similar program.

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    1. Thank you, Beth. If you find something, let me know.

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  16. That's great that you want to donate. I'd look for something local so you can be involved on multiple levels- Dear Mishu

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  17. Your idea us blessed. Yes, maybe non-profit organization can power such initiative

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  18. I am sure the book will be very useful and it is great that you plan to give back and help others from the proceeds. I know my friend Marie, Mom of Bocker Labradoodle (RIP) fundraises for a cancer group and another group that helped her when Bocker had lymphoma and other costly issues.

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    1. Many wonderful people and organizations. My daunting task is to pick one.

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  19. Hmmm, I wonder if you can partner with the charitable aspect of a brand that normally sells products at veterinary offices, so there's already a connection. I know Science Diet, for example, normally offers prescription food. I also know most larger brands have a charitable component that you might be able to connect. I'm imagining there will also be a grant application process for possible recipients.

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    1. My problem is that I'm not the biggest fans of most major brands. I also want there to be a meaningful connection between the book's content and the charity.

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