Let's build a hospital!!

January 1, 7:30 AMAtlanta Dogs ExaminerSandy Weaver Carman

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Billy and grandpa Bruce  (c) SWC photo

Welcome to 2009!  Each year has a first day, filled with possibilities and this new year is no different.  One of the possibilities dawning today is a new veterinary teaching hospital at the University of Georgia.  I'm committed to helping raise funds for it, and today I would like to share the dream with you and ask for whatever help you can provide.

Our dog Billy (the grey one on the diving board)  is a nut.  He's nine now, and has always been happy to play whatever game I asked of him.  He's a show-ring Champion, has advanced agility titles, knows how to dance with me and we're working on an obedience title to go along with the rally obedience one.

About a year ago, Billy lost an eye.  He went to UGA for emergency eye surgery, but there was nothing they could do about one eye.  The other was a candidate for a delicate graft surgery, which was performed. This past year, the after-care Billy has gotten from the staff and students at UGA has been wonderful to experience.  And because I believe in taking lemons and making lemonade, I looked for a way I could be of service to the vet school.

Today is a great day to unveil the baby steps towards a new veterinary teaching hospital, and am asking for your help. No, I’m not asking for $$$, though if you want to chip in I won’t stop you!

No matter which college you root for in sports, if you love animals you know that veterinarians don't just appear, they have to go somewhere for training. Vet schools are harder to get into than medical schools. UGA can only accept about 90 students each year, and that's because of the cramped teaching hospital facilities. What they teach there is state-of-the-art science. Where they teach it leaves a lot to be desired.

Here’s where I need your help, please.

Do you know someone whose pet has been treated at UGA and they were pleased with the experience?

Do you know current vet students or alumni who want to share stories about what a fabulous staff the hospital has?

Do you know people at television, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc. who might be interested in publicizing the need for a new hospital?

Would you be willing to put a link on your blog page...web page...anywhere??...to Billy's Building Fund page?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the above, I would greatly appreciate you touching base with me, either from the email address in the box at the top of the page, or from the Billy's Building Fund webpage. 

Thank you in advance for taking a moment to help grow the fund-raising site. A new hospital will help UGA retain their great teaching staff and train more veterinarians in a state of the art facility.  And that will mean more help for our furry friends, now and in the future.

To read about the need and plans for the hospital, please visit the University of Georgia building fund donation page.