In August alone, the VHS’s McVitie team spent $58,255 helping animals get the urgent veterinary care they needed. Every application the VHS receives comes from someone who loves an animal and has run out of options. We want to say yes to all of them.
The truth is, we do not have the funds to be able to.
Tails and Cheryl’s story
Recently the VHS was able to say yes to a young dog named Tails. I am sharing his story with you today because tomorrow, more animals just like him will need help to return home safely, and we can’t provide this support without the kindness of compassionate people like you.
Tails is a quirky, sweet boy with a lot of character. He talks to his guardian, Cheryl, and to her young son. He loves to snuggle and to go for car rides, and he lives to run, chase, and play.
When Cheryl brought Tails home, she had finally created a stable home after years of challenges.
He has been beside her every day since, and her son sleeps with him every night.
But one day, Cheryl woke to find Tails gagging and yelping in pain. He would not move from the couch. Cheryl wrapped Tails in a blanket as he shook with fear.
Cheryl got in touch with the McVitie Fund straight away.
Cheryl is a single mother raising her son while living with a disability. Her income arrives once a month and is spoken for before it lands.
Cheryl plans diligently to provide all the basics for her son and for Tails, but has nothing left for emergencies. “I’ve never been able to afford an x-ray or anything,” she told us.
When Cheryl applied to the McVitie Fund, she apologized. She told us she was embarrassed to be asking for help for her dog.
We hear that often, and it stays with us every time. We know that asking for help for a member of your family is an act of courage.
Because of supporters like you who give to the VHS’s McVitie Fund, Cheryl did not have to choose between Tails and staying afloat.
Tails was quickly seen by a veterinarian who determined that Tails had suffered a painful injury to his shoulder, likely while playing. Without urgent care, Tails would have continued to suffer in pain and fear, and may never have played comfortably again. Because of caring supporters like you, Tails was treated for his injury and given medication to manage his pain and stress while he healed.
A few weeks later we heard from Cheryl: “Tails has made a full recovery and is back to himself! The funding I was able to get through the VHS was a tremendous help.”
Tails is just one of 1,298 animals the VHS has been able to help so far this year; and the applications continue to pour in. Every one of them comes from someone like Cheryl, who has already done everything they can for their best friend. Without the generosity of supporters like you, the VHS would not be able to continue to say yes to the next animal.
Could you spare any amount today and be the reason another pet stays home with the people who love them?
On behalf of Cheryl, Tails, every animal helped because you care, and the entire VHS team, thank you for your continued support for animals. This work truly could not happen without your compassion for pet families in crisis.
