Emergency Animal Help

Every year VHS saves hundreds of animals and keeps them in their loving homes by offering emergency veterinary assistance through our McVitie Fund to animal guardians on low or fixed incomes.  This most often involves elderly people, people on disability, or those who find themselves suddenly unemployed. The McVitie Fund is named in memory of a little ginger cat named McVitie, who was rescued in Portugal and brought back to Canada by a VHS supporter. McVitie lived a long and happy life, but when he became ill, his guardian did everything he could to save him.  After McVitie passed, his guardian wanted to help other people who find themselves without the resources to help their beloved pets. Now our fund is depleted, but animals still need our help.

We received the following email last week: “Six years ago, I got a little dog who weighs about 5 lbs, which I considered more than enough pets for my household. I also found a tiny kitten in the street, with severe health problems. The cat has since been stabilized and is an absolute joy, but requires special food and 5 different medications daily.

“Until now, I was able to support myself and the animals responsibly. In April of this year, a my life was turned upside down, and I was also laid off work. Things began to grow dire.

“I was very lucky to find Metrotown Animal Hospital, where both my pets and I were treated humanely.  However, at our last visit, it became apparent that I would have difficulty paying for the medications and food that this special cat needs. I asked the people at Metrotown if they knew of anywhere I could turn to for help and they said VHS.

“My phone call to VHS was returned within 24 hours by the Executive Director, to determine what the need was, and within another 24 hours I had a call from director June Humphreys. June seemed to understand everything about having a great cat with medical issues, and a whole lot more besides. She was not going to let the mere fact that there was no budget left for vet bills stand in the way of maintaining this cat’s health.

“By the next day, I had the medicine and the food. The cat never skipped a day, never knew any discomfort. He has no idea of the peril he was in.

“I am exceedingly grateful to VHS, to Debra and to June for coming to my rescue. They treated us with dignity and compassion, receiving nothing in return but the knowledge that a one-eyed cat is safe and its guardian has some peace of mind. Thank you, VHS.”

Please help us help other needy animals by making a donation to our McVitie Fund. Thank you – your support means the world to the animals we help!!