I hear it all the time. People no longer think of animals as just pets. They’re members of our families.
So, what do you do when that family member needs medical care that you can’t afford?
Veterinary care, particularly surgery, can run into the thousands of dollars. So, it’s not surprising that people can find themselves between a rock and an expensive hard place when their beloved pets need urgent care.
Enter the Buddy Foundation of Maryland, a 501(c)(3) charity, dedicated to helping pet owners in just this situation.
The Buddy Foundation got its start in 2011, raising money and making strong connections with area vets who are willing to offer services to them at reduced cost.
The Foundation’s business model is all about partnership, promising to match every dollar that a pet owner raises for the animal’s urgent care.
The organization’s executive director, Melinda Cianos, says, “Families come to us basically in tears…with just no resources. We fundraise side-by-side with them…we’re not really the heroes. We’re just helping them be the heroes.”
The Buddy Foundation helped 30 families in 2016 and expects to work with double that number this year. Generally the foundation helps pay for needed surgery, not a long-term medical plan.
But a dog named Lucho has broken the mold.
His story is a little complicated, but it’s amazing, so hang with me here.
It began 2 ½ years ago when Marly Cardona, then living in El Salvador, found a puppy on the street. He was suffering from a terrible skin infection.
Marly and her mother took him in and named him Lucho, because in Spanish, “luchar” means “to fight.” Lucho was indeed a fighter. He survived his infection.
Since then, Marly moved to Baltimore. Lucho lived with her mother in El Salvador. But in December, 2016, he got loose, ran into the street, and was hit by a truck. His spinal cord was severed, leaving him unable to use his back legs.
Veterinarians in El Salvador recommended euthanasia, but Marly and her mom wouldn’t give up on their wonderful dog.
Marly connected with the Buddy Foundation of Maryland and began raising money.
She says, “…it was just a blessing. I couldn’t even believe there were these angels there, ready and willing to help.”
Marly’s mom brought Lucho to Baltimore, where he’s now receiving a high-tech form of medical therapy, thanks to The Buddy Foundation and a wonderful local veterinarian, Dr. Tara Klimovitz of Perry Hall Animal Hospital.
Watch this short video to see how Lucho may one day walk again on all four legs by becoming what’s known as a “spinal walker”.
I’m putting my bet on Lucho’s success, because remember, he’s a fighter.