When Averil Robinson founded Pet Friends 25 years ago she set a process in motion that led only a year ago to a remarkable development. As the founder of her pet cremation services, renowned for providing a safe and secure place for beloved pets and their families, she was suddenly struck by a startling realization.
While she had always known the many costs afflicting pet-owners who had to pay for extensive surgery to keep their loyal companions alive, it took a fortuitous act of serendipity to change the course of Averil’s professional life.
She met Lucy.
A veterinarian she knew through a local clinic told her about the owners of a beautiful little maltese-mix who had very little money to pay for her surgery.
The family faced an agonizing decision. It was to either let their beloved Lucy pass away or be euthanized.
Averil’s reaction on hearing of this? Pet Friends will pay for it!
She confided to friends and colleagues afterwards. This is what Pet Friends was meant to do.
For all of those reading about the Lucy Fund, its important to remember that many families face thousands upon thousands of dollars in bills for life- saving surgeries for their pets. And think of the many elderly people on fixed incomes who can’t afford expensive medications for their best friends. Their dogs and cats who are often their only sources of love and inspiration.
With her customary determination and love of animals, Averil began to see more and more stories of the grim choices faced by many on social media. On Facebook she found a woman trying to raise money on Go Fund Me for her little dog then requiring a four- hour surgery at the highly respected Pierrefonds Clinic.
Averil got in touch with her and the Lucy Fund paid the bill.
The Lucy Fund was created to save families from the terrible ordeal of putting their pets down, knowing all the while that if they had the money they could save their lives.
Recently, a family with four children was devastated as they prepared to lose their beloved black Labrador, then facing astronomical costs for a surgery on a shattered leg. The Lucy Fund came to the rescue. Now their pet is back at home and living life with 3 legs. One of the children recently did a report on how brave and beautiful their dog was to live with such a handicap. And how their love for their pet was even stronger as a result!
Donations can come through many sources, but one of the more moving instances is of a family which donated a set amount every year on the day of their dog’s birthday.
Deceased brethren supporting living furry friends who need their help.
