Donating - Homeward Bound Veterinary Expenses

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Homeward Bound Veterinary Expenses

We would like to explain just how your donation dollars are spent. Our single largest expense category would be veterinary costs. There is a common myth that rescue groups receive free veterinary care. That could not be further from the truth. We do receive discounts from participating veterinarians and for that we will be forever grateful. However, it does little to lessen the financial burden of our staggering veterinary bills. For the last twelve months, our veterinary expenses alone have averaged $10,000 per month.

One of the contributing factors is self-induced. Unlike some rescue groups that only accept younger, healthy animals, Homeward Bound welcomes them all, regardless of age or health condition. Some of these Goldens come to us with major health issues, often caused by neglect or abuse from their former owners. How can you reject an animal because it suffered at the hands of someone it trusted? We cannot.

Another factor is the sheer number of dogs being rescued. Last year, we rescued 422 and are on a pace to exceed 500 in 2002. We are rescuing dogs from as far away as Southern California and even Oregon and Washington.

The expenses run the gamut, from common vaccinations (rabies, DHLPPC, bordatella) to spay/neuter surgery to heartworm treatment and even amputations. We have paid for spleenectomies, tumor removal, hip surgeries, ear surgeries, etc. The list is endless, but it is all necessary to maintain or improve the quality of life of these beautiful animals.

For some, the level of medical care required is far greater than others. Vincent was one such golden with special medical needs. He was rescued from a local animal shelter just prior to being euthanized. Golf-ball sized tumors covered the inside and outside of his left ear, accompanied by a massive ear infection. Vincent's head titled to one side, both from the weight of the tumors and from the pain. Vincent also tested positive for heartworm and developed a severe case of kennel cough. By the time Vincent's ear had been surgically removed, his vaccinations administered, his heartworm treatment completed, the kennel cough eradicated, and neuter surgery performed, Vincent had run up a tab of over $2,350.

For the majority of Goldens arriving at our doorstep, medical expenses are incurred for more “common” procedures. Unfortunately, heartworm cases fall into this category. Gone are the days when this serious malady was prevalent only in dogs living in the foothills. Goldens from up and down the valley have tested positive for heartworm as well. Left untreated, it results in a slow and agonizing death. Our average cost for heartworm treatment is $500 per animal and we are now rescuing an average of three heartworm positive Goldens each month. Spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations are two other leading expense categories. Approximately 45% of the rescued Goldens require spay/neuter surgery and virtually all of the dogs require at least one of the major vaccinations (rabies; DHLPPC; bordatella). Incredibly, over 50% require all three, as their vaccinations have either expired or were non-existent to begin with.

Homeward Bound depends solely upon your charitable donations to fund these staggering medical costs. To help facilitate these donations, we rely heavily on the never-ending, relentless spirit of our creative volunteers who organize numerous fundraising programs and events throughout the year. We have embarked on an ambitious and compassionate journey, but we cannot do it alone. If you have any fundraising ideas or suggestions, we would sincerely appreciate your input. Together, we can truly make a difference.

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Tax ID #68-0442702


	7495 Natomas Road, Elverta CA 95626 \| TEL 916-655-1410 \| FAX 916-655-3410 \| Tax ID #68-0442702