Case Summary
This young man contacted us in desperation for financial help. His young dog had damaged her leg whilst playing with another dog and knew, and being on benefits that he would not be able to afford the cost of an operation. His vets suggested he contact us.
He was asking for financial help and desperate not to lose his beloved friends.
Before he had Shelly he had been suffering from anxiety, was depressed and he wasn’t leaving the house. Shelly, a rescue dog, has turned his life around. She’s got him out of the house, going for a walks in the forest behind his house. They have both made dog friends and his anxiety and depression has reduced considerably, even helping him reduce his medication.
The x-rays showed Patellar Luxation which is a complete dislocation of the knee joint for which Shelly would need immediate surgery.
Intervention
The situation had caused Sean a huge amount of distress, not knowing where to turn for help. We helped him manage the situation by liaising with his veterinary practice, offering a small amount of financial help from our charity but also helping to see if we could help him find other avenues of funding. We liaised with his vets and contacted the Blue Cross to see if they could contribute towards the cost of the operation. The surgery was referred to the Cambridge Veterinary School via the RSPCA and all the liaison was handled by us taking the pressure away from Sean. We remained in close contact with Sean throughout Shelly’s surgery and lent him a crate for him to take home for Shelly’s 6-week convalescence. Shelly has made a complete recover to full mobility and they are back out and about enjoying their walks
Outcome
It was paramount to Our Special Friends to help Sean with Shelley and to ensure that they were not separated because of Sean’s financial difficulties. It was evident how vital is was to help him find the funding he needed for the treatment for his dog who had become such a crucial part of his life.
The surgery was conducted by referral from the RSPCA to The Cambridge Veterinary School and payments by instalments were arranged with Sean’s vet to cover the cost of the x-rays. We managed to secure some funding toward the cost for surgery helping Sean with the initial costs.
Our Special Friends played an important role in providing advocacy for this case, advice and emotional support for our client in helping him to cope in a desperate situation. We helped him source funds towards the veterinary costs and gave him reassurance and post-surgery support.
Testimonial
Sean was immensely grateful for everything we did for him. “OSF was a godsend from the first phone call. They helped me cope and arrange for Shelly to have an appointment with the RSPCA & Cambridge Vet School, and to help me fund the operation and sort everything out”.
“It was the biggest help I could have asked for, before I spoke to Belinda. I didn’t know what to do. She helped with my anxiety about the situation. The service you have provided for us both is second to none. Thank you do much for everything and all your help. I can’t thank you enough.”
