Author: Katrina Leppanen

“Rufus is a sweet gentle giant with a sense of humour. He loves to head-butt people as an invite for ear scratches.” 8-year-old Rufus is known to be quite the bed hog too, planning his moves intentionally, slowly pushing Caitlin to the edge of her bed while also somehow simultaneously stealing her covers.

Recently Caitlin noticed one of Rufus’ nipples looked very engorged. With an infection being the most likely cause, Caitlin knew medication would be needed. Swelling from an infection can be extremely painful, and if left untreated, infections can trigger a life-threatening sepsis response. Caitlin is reaching the end of her medical leave payments so unfortunately wouldn’t have access to the funds required to ease Rufus’ pain for quite some time.

“He is my sole companion and has taught me so much, including a deep appreciation for taking in nature and building connection with other non-human animals.” 

Can you donate today to cover the cost of the medication Rufus needed to feel comfortable again?

When a fire broke out in Sara’s apartment building, Otis was trapped inside.

His brothers, Zi and Frey, made it out unharmed. But the extreme stress Otis experienced that day triggered a urinary blockage, a painful and life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
 
Otis has been at Sara’s side since 2018. He is a snuggle bug who greets every visitor with a request for cuddles and, of course, snacks. Sara told the VHS that Otis is “the best big brother” to Zi and Frey. Losing Otis would be devastating for the whole family.

Otis started receiving care at Sara’s local animal hospital straight away. Veterinary staff moved quickly to place a catheter and start him on the medication and electrolytes he needs to begin his recovery. With continued treatment, Otis has a real chance to heal and return home, but time is critical.
 
Sara lost her home in the fire, and she is also currently on medical leave. She has very little left to cover the cost of the care Otis needs to come home safely.

Can you donate today to help Otis get the urgent care he needs to come home to Sara?

One year old Chloe is a sweet, gentle little cat “with a big soft heart”. Jennifer rescued Chloe from a hoarding situation, and since then, Chloe has brought so much joy to her home, chasing her older brother Charlie, catching bugs, and playing with her favourite peacock feathers. 

Recently, Jennifer noticed Chloe squinting in one eye that also appeared swollen. Jennifer rushed her to the vet, where she learned Chloe has a very rare eye issue that would need special eye drops to resolve.
 
Jennifer spent what she could on Chloe’s drops, but vets have determined that Chloe will need her eye removed to prevent ongoing pain. While the drops are keeping her comfortable for now, surgery will help Chloe get back to the long joyful life that is ahead of her. 

Living on a low income and having spent all she could spare on Chloe’s eye drops, Jennifer cannot afford Chloe’s surgery on her own and has reached out to the Vancouver Humane Society for help. “I just don’t want her in pain anymore,” she shared. 

Thanks to a generous anonymous matching grant, donations toward the VHS’s McVitie Fund will be matched up to $30,000, doubling the impact of your gift for animals like Chloe.

Can you donate today to help Chloe get the surgery she needs to feel comfortable again?

In recent weeks, Melissa’s beloved cat, Oliver, has not been feeling like himself. Despite trying changes to his diet, he still needs further testing to understand what is going on. Melissa is worried about her best friend and wants to make sure he receives the care he needs. 

Oliver has also been diagnosed with Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL), a painful dental disease affecting his back teeth. One tooth is broken and needs to be extracted, and he requires a full dental cleaning.

Before surgery, Oliver must have blood, urine, and pancreatic testing to rule out other health concerns. 

Oliver has been by Melissa’s side since he was born in a sock drawer and came home with her at just eight weeks old. “He is my best friend,” she told the VHS. “He is the only constant I have had in my life. I love him more than anything.” 

Melissa shared, “He drinks water only from a gently dripping bathtub tap. He follows me everywhere, even standing guard during showers. Doors are not allowed to be closed. He would be highly offended.” 

Living on a very limited income, Melissa was not prepared for these unexpected veterinary costs. 
With help from the Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund program, Oliver can receive the testing and dental surgery he needs. 

Will you donate today to help relieve Oliver’s pain and give him more healthy years with his best friend, Melissa?