This month I'm writing about local dog rescues and various fundraising activities. Oregon Dog Rescue (ODR) has some important things going on in April so a Q&A seemed like the best way to capture all the facts about their upcoming walk-a-thon on April 18 that was inspired by Henry, the ODR dog I wrote about earlier this year that needed eye surgery. Thanks to many of you who made donations after reading the story and all the other ODR supporters out there, Henry's eye surgery took place this week and was successful! There is definitely a forever family waiting in the wings to adopt Henry!
Another interesting angle about the walk-a-thon is the fact that a local eighth grader, Isabelle Owen, is the one spearheading this fundraiser. I asked her some questions as well. My passion for supporting animal rescues didn't really turn on until I was an adult so I'm inspired by her efforts to help raise money for their vet fund (pays for emergency and major veterinary care for dogs in the care of Oregon Dog Rescue). With vet costs rising and over $20,000 in vet bills, this is a really important event for ODR. I'm fairly certain, the future is bright for Isabelle!
Q&A with ODR's Nancy Truax:
Quick update on Henry:
Q: How did eye surgery go for Henry this week? Did this take care of the issues related to glaucoma?
A: Henry had the surgery to remove his cataracts today (April 7th). He can now see! Henry responded very well to the surgery and is now resting comfortably. Next Wednesday, he will return to Dr. Kirschner's for the laser surgery to treat the beginnings of glaucoma in his left eye. In the meantime, he will receive four types of eye drops and four oral medications to help with his recovery.
Information about the upcoming walk-a-thon - *Walk for the Care: Henry's Walk*
Q: What's your goal with this fundraiser?
A: The goal is to raise money for the emergency and major veterinary care for dogs in the care of Oregon Dog Rescue.
Q: How much does ODR typically spend on medical expenses every year?
A: For 2009, our vet expenses were approximately $20,400. This does not include medications for skin allergies or home remedies.
Q: What typical procedures are needed for the dogs before they're adopted by families?
A: Spays/neuters and vaccinations are the most common expenses, but there are other medical issues that we see fairly often. Some dogs require dental care, while others have to be treated for kidney/bladder stones, fatty tumors, kennel cough, or urinary tract infections. Skin allergies are very common and can be caused by a variety of factors. These are all things we see routinely.
Walk logistics:
Q: Where in Tualatin will the walk start on April 18th?
A: The walk will begin at the Tualatin Petsmart at the Nyberg Woods Shopping Center. It is just east of I-5 at exit 289. We will be leaving Petsmart at 1:00, so participants should arrive at approximately 12:30 p.m. to register and turn in pledges.
Q: How many people are you expecting?
A: We would love to have 100 people. The walk is about a mile and a half with no hills or street crossings, so anyone can participate. Dogs are welcome, but not required.
Q: Where will the walk end? How can people donate and participate in this walk?
A: The walk will begin at Petsmart and proceed to a beautiful nearby nature park. We will do a loop around the park and return to Petsmart.
A pledge form is available on the "Scoop Page" at oregondogrescue.org. Pledges should be for a flat amount as there are no optional distances, should be collected in advance, and turned in at registration on the day of the walk. There is no minimum single pledge or minimum donation total. Oregon Dog Rescue is grateful for all contributions.
For people who are not able to walk but would like to contribute to the veterinary fund, donations may be made online at oregondogrescue.org on the "Donate" page, or by contacting nancy@oregondogrescue.org to donate by check. Any questions about the walk, the organization, or the veterinary fund can be sent to nancy@oregondogrescue.org.
Q&A with eighth grader, Isabelle Owen:
Q. Why choose a dog related rescue to get involved in?
A. I have loved dogs ever since I was little, and when I started to learn about euthanization statistics in the United States I was simply shocked that so many people have no idea what is going on in shelters all over the country. I think the main problem is that people just don't know what they can do to help, and that they should be helping in the first place, so I just really wanted to learn about dog rescue.
Q. What has volunteering with ODR taught you?
A. I think the thing that will stick with me the most after my project is over is just how much help an organization like ODR really needs in order to keep functioning. Their are some things I already knew about, like financial donations and dog food and such, but there are also some really crazy things that no one would ever think of, like paper and vacuums. I think this whole project has just really shown me how much most people don't know about what goes on behind the scenes of these incredible organizations.
Q. Why take on such a huge fundraiser – and how do you balance this with school?
A. I wanted to do such a big fundraiser because I know that ODR can do so many more great things, but they just need the exposure and volunteer help. Plus, I've had some really great help and support from my project mentor, Nancy, and the ODR staff. Because this is part of a school project, my class gets a little bit of a break off of homework, but also we are just expected to put a lot of time into this project. This year has definitely been a lot busier than years in the past, but I have really enjoyed the work I've been doing.
Q. What do you like about volunteering for a dog related organization?
A. I like volunteering for a dog related group because you really get to see immediate results from your work - for example, a dog that I fostered got adopted the next week into a loving family. It's overall been a very rewarding project.
Q. What is your main goal with this fundraiser?
A. My main goal with this fundraiser is to create a substantial fund for ODR. What many people probably don't realize is that dogs with medical problems are much harder to rehabilitate, and so if a surgery can be provided for the dog then they have a much higher chance of being adopted. My hope is that this fund will be able to create a better life for some of ODR's future dogs.
Please do what you can to help raise money for ODR and see you at the walk-a-thon!
Comments
Thank you Christy for a great Q & A with Oregon Dog Rescue and Isabelle Owen. I hope over 100 people and their dogs will turn out for this fun "Walk for the Care" of rescue dogs.
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