Help for struggling pet owners
Cash collected and given to veterinarians
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| Deb Proctor (left) gives a certificate to Dr. Laurainne Haenni noting a $400 donation to Advanced Animal Healthcare in Rock Falls from the Amos Fund. The money is to be used to pay for veterinary services to sick animals whose owners can’t afford to pay bills in full. Proctor, a Realtor in Sterling, started the Amos Fund after she learned how much health care cost for her dog Amos, who died last May at age 14. (Photo submitted by Deb Proctor) |
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STERLING – Deb Proctor never knew how expensive health care was until her “fella” got sick.
Her fella was a good-natured cockapoo named Amos, who bravely faced his treatments for congestive heart failure.
Proctor, a 59-year-old Realtor in Sterling, said she had to pay about $60 to $70 each month for Amos’ medications over the 2 years he was ill. The real estate market was soft, so she sometimes struggled to afford the medications, she said.
Proctor noticed something about her veterinary bills after Amos died in May 2011 at age 14.
River Ridge Animal Hospital had not always charged her the full price. When she inquired, she found out that she sometimes benefited from the animal hospital’s compassion fund, which consists of donations.
Proctor was inspired to create the Amos Fund, which is raising money for the veterinary expenses of sick animals whose owners can’t afford to pay bills in full.
Proctor and her partners gave $1,600 last week to local veterinarians: $400 each to River Ridge Animal Hospital in Dixon, Advanced Animal Healthcare in Rock Falls, Green River Veterinary Clinic in Walnut, and Veterinary Clinic of Prophetstown.
Laura Peterson, 70, of Prophetstown, is a partner in the organization. She lost a dog a year and a half ago to diabetes.
“It’s like losing a kid,” she said. “Not really, but they’re pretty special.”
The veterinarians can use their own discretion when deciding which clients to help with the fund. But the elderly who are on fixed incomes are likely candidates.
“A lot of the elderly are having trouble making normal expenses,” said Dr. Bob Smith of Green River Veterinary Clinic.
“Their pet is very much a part of their household and part of their ability to maintain good health emotionally,” he added.
But the clinic is “not above” using the fund for younger owners who can’t afford veterinary surgery or other vet services, he said.
Dr. Laurainne Haenni of Advanced Animal Health Center said the “very cool” program will be helpful during the busy spring season.
“There are some patients who could use some services that owners can’t afford.” she said. “The economic times have been tough.”
Proctor and her partners have been raising funds with a letter campaign, a Schwan’s truck food sale, a Christmas tree raffle, and candle sales. Proctor hopes to organize more events this year to raise funds, including a dog wash and wine tasting. She wants to get local businesses on board with jeans days – when employees would pay $5 to wear jeans and the money would go to the fund.
Donation cans are set up at about 15 local businesses.
Proctor said she has been pleased with the amount that the community has given thus far.
“Once you’ve had an animal, it’s hard to imagine losing it, and it’s hard to imagine someone else losing theirs,” she said.
To donate to the Amos Fund
– Send a check to ReMax Sauk Valley, 110 Lynn Blvd., Sterling, IL 61081 or to River Ridge Animal Hospital, 273 IL Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021.
Checks must be made payable to: River Ridge Animal Hospital or the Amos Fund Care of River Ridge Animal Hospital.
– Or find donation cans at the following locations:
Advanced Animal Health Center, 601 W. Rock Falls Road, Rock Falls
Bushel Basket Candle Co., 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling
Casey’s General Store, 1201 W. Route 30, Rock Falls
Casey’s General Store, IL Highway 78 North, Prophetstown
Country at Heart Quilt and Gift Shop, 1910 E. Fourth St., Sterling
The Twin City Market, 106 Ave. A, Sterling
Green River Veterinary Clinic, 15212 Ill. Highway 92, Walnut
Grummert’s Do It Best Hardware, 1112 First Ave., Rock Falls
The Pet Connection, 1305 W. 10th St., Rock Falls
Pet Supplies Plus, 2900 E. Lincolnway #21A, Sterling
River Ridge Animal Hospital, 273 Ill. Route 2, Dixon
Shark’s Cove Pet Shop, 3602 E. Lincolnway, Sterling
The Studio, 107 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon
Sugar Mama’s How Sweet It Is, 410 Locust St., Sterling
Tuff Dog Bakery, 7 E. Third St., Sterling
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