Leftover Funds Benefit Medical Expenses at Shelter
Recently, the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter ran a successful online campaign to raise funds for a dog’s surgery.
Marshall, a 3 year-old mixed breed dog, was brought in as a stray. A physical examination revealed that he had an injury to his ACL. The ligament tear would have caused severe arthritis and lifelong discomfort if left untreated, but the surgery would cost over $1000.
The GoFundMe page quickly raised $2,500 in mid-December. “I think the success of the online campaign shows how generous our community is,” said Kaitlin Loberg, Shelter Manager. “I am very proud to live in a town that supports our mission as a shelter and one that bands together to help the animals in need.”
Marshall underwent surgery under Dr. Engelbert on Dec. 28 at Wildwood Animal Hospital & Clinic, which generously gives discounts to the shelter. “The procedure went well and he was resting comfortably from the moment he got back to the shelter,” said Loberg.
The recovery period for the surgery is two months, but Marshall gets to spend it in the comforts of home. “Marshall is lucky that a family came to the shelter and met him before surgery, and they fell in love with him,” said Loberg. “They came back and picked him up on January 2 and took him home so he could recover comfortably there.”
The funds leftover from the cost of surgery remain in a special fund for animal veterinary care for medical expenses. An example of this is a 10 year-old Yorkie that came to the shelter the same time as Marshall. Suffering from a dental disease and sore mouth, Spike was taken to the animal hospital for blood work, dental cleaning, and teeth removal.
“With the help of our community and donations, ‘Spike the Yorkie’ is now in his new home excited to start his new life,” said Loberg. “We also have numerous cats that come into the shelter, and some need more veterinary care than others.”
Two of the cats have resided at the shelter for several months due to ongoing health issues, which means vet visits and medication.
“Both cats are now healthy and looking for their forever homes,” said Luberg. “Without the generosity of our community none of this would be possible, so we are forever grateful.”
