A Personal Struggle
Our
Golden Oliver
led the way when our site came online in 1997. And, his
valiant struggle and loss to lymphoma helped us channel our efforts in more
healthful and holistic ways. Yet, even with reduced vaccinations, filtered
water, a chemically-clean environment, organic foods, and more, we did not
escape a fibrosarcoma diagnosis with our
Golden Darcy in 2005. Their images, along with other Goldens who
have lost such
battles, are honored above.
In October 2006, we learned about
Harley, a Golden boy from San Antonio. The discovery of a brain tumor compounded
difficulties his mom, Andrea Hanssen, was
experiencing due to being a widow, single mom, and
nursing student. The huge costs of
treatment took her entire savings.
But, Andrea
continued on, her positive spirit present
even though Harley was not well enough to continue his visitations to
wounded soldiers at the Brooke Army Medical Center. We
provided a special fundraiser for Harley, raising over $10,000 to cover his
medical bills.
The amount we can extend ($1,000 per dog) is small, when one considers the enormous cost of scans,
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, it allows more dogs to be
helped. But your help for a specific dog
could make a huge difference. Remember, whatever you donate, always goes directly to the
treating veterinarian or veterinary specialist. And, it is tax-deductible as well, which means a win-win for
all.
How to Apply for a Working Dog Cancer Treatment Grant
Our grants are $1,000 per individual full-time working dog
partner, the
reimbursements provided directly to respective veterinary personnel for oncology
related expenses in the United States and Canada. All breeds/mixes may apply.
Applicants MUST
have been active,
full-time
working dogs at the time of cancer diagnosis, in the areas of assistance, detection, search & rescue, enforcement,
military work, or animal-assisted therapy*. Emotional support dogs,
comfort dogs, and therapy dogs are not eligible as they are not
considered service dogs under Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Dogs over 9 are exempt
as service dogs are retired by that age, and statistically, after
the age of 10, cancer is considered a disease of old age.
All applicants must prove that their dogs
have been professionally trained and certified.
1. |
Click here to download the [PDF] Cancer
Treatment Fund Grant
Application.
Complete and snail mail your
downloaded application
to: Land of PureGold Foundation, 3731 Greenway Lane, Owings
Mills, MD 21117. Be sure to include copies of all the
required documents and all necessary signatures. |
2. |
Send
an email (foundation at landofpuregold dot com) informing us that you have downloaded a grant application.
In the email, detail the job that your dog provides and a
biography of his/her life, including his/her recent cancer
diagnosis. Also, include photos of your dog, and yourself
with your dog if you'd like. This may be placed online if
your application is approved. Applications cannot be
accepted unless this step is fulfilled. |
3. |
We will pay $1,000
toward treatment costs within
14 days of receipt, if the application meets established
criteria. Supportive supplements, to augment the dog's
current cancer treatment regimen, may also be provided by
Suzi Beber,
Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund founder. |
*Animal-assisted Therapy Dogs
MUST be
providing at least 30 hours weekly to qualify. They can be
full-time facility dogs in assisted living homes or
providing therapy in a professional setting (e.g., working with
a speech, physical therapy, or occupational therapist; working
in a school 5 days weekly; etc.).
Animal-assisted Visitation Dogs
are no longer included in our grant program.
|
Dogs Helped by our Grant Program
We have helped close to 40 working dogs with their
cancer-related bills. While we'd love to share all of their stories, we
don't always get materials and information from their respective
partners. But, when we do, it is wonderful! Below, please enjoy some of
the partnerships that we have assisted.
- the phone (getting the phone when it rings)ace on command, stiffening body to play the Rock of Gibraltar,
to steady Sharon after she get up or after Gadget pulls her to her
feetrt to the stove timerert to people that they are needed to help Sharon in
some way
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Make a Donation to this Special Program
Your tax-deductible donations are integral to our provision of grants to
help working dogs in need of cancer treatment.
Donations can be made in any amount by clicking below on the "Donate"
button. You may also designate in the comments area if you want to direct
your donation to a specific dog referenced above.
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