Willie the cat doesn't know it, but he made history.
Willie was the first pet to receive funding from the Farley Foundation. On January 9, the Foundation agreed to cover part of the cost of bladder stone surgery for the 4-year-old cat.
The Farley Foundation was established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) in December 2001. The name of the foundation was selected as a tribute to Farley, the beloved English sheepdog that appeared in Lynn Johnston's syndicated comic strip, For Better or For Worse®.
Pets are good for our physical and psychological well-being. This is particularly true for the elderly or people with disabilities who may depend heavily on their pets for companionship. That's why the Foundation finances needed medical care for pets belonging to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
As of February 28, 7 veterinary clinics have received funding from the Farley Foundation to treat 4 dogs and 3 cats for a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes, fractured bones, and bladder stone surgery. The Foundation will provide up to $500 per veterinary clinic per calendar year. Treatment must be provided in Ontario by a practice with at least one OVMA member.
Interested in learning more about the Farley Foundation or promoting it to others? The Foundation publishes a brochure that veterinarians are encouraged to display in their hospital. Contact Laura Sharp at 1-800-670-1702 to obtain copies of these brochures.
The Farley Foundation is a registered charity and accepts donations by Visa, Mastercard, or cheque. Receipts are issued for any donation of $10 or more. For more information, or to make a donation, call 1-800-670-1702, or visit the Farley Foundation web site at www.farleyfoundation.org.
(by Laura Sharp, Communications and Public Relations, Ontario Veterinary Medical Association)
