(Roseville) Dr. James Young, Executive Director of The Chester Foundation, today issued a big “thank you” to the Sacramento Metro Fire Department for acting quickly to save the lives of two dogs trapped in a burning Citrus Heights home.
“These dogs are alive only because of the firefighter’s compassion and quick action,” said Dr. Young. The dogs have been reunified with their family members and are expected to fully recover.
Background: On January 9, the Filson family home caught fire while they are away. Firefighters were searching for anyone who might be inside the burning structure when they discovered the family dogs. Fonzie, a 7-year old Golden Retriever was suffering from smoke inhalation. The firefighters used a pet oxygen mask on Fonzie and transported him to the Pet Emergency Center where he was stabilized until the family could be notified. The family later brought in the second dog, Bandit, a 7 year old Spaniel Mix, when they became concerned about his breathing.
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Both dogs required intensive care (ICU) monitoring and medical care valued at approximately $5,900. Having suffered a great loss from the fire, the family could not cover the costs for the extensive medical care required to save the lives of Bandit and Fonzie, so the Chester Foundation stepped up and agreed to help cover costs that could not be raised through donations.
A special fund has been established at the Chester Foundation to help cover the medical expenses. “Emergency procedures like the ones used to sustain Bandit and Fonzie are very expensive, and too often families are unable to cover the cost,” said Dr. Young. “We hope that there are some animal lovers out there who will supplement the Chester Foundation’s donation so that we have funds for the next case that is presented to us.”
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It is the Chester Foundation’s policy to pay service providers directly for procedures and items needed. A dedicated webpage has been established and all funds raised on this page will be used to cover Fonzie and Bandit’s medical bills. http://chesterfound.org/house-fire-victims-fonzie-bandit-need-your-support/.
The Chester Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (ID#27-2042978) so donations can be tax deductible.
“The Chester Foundation was created to help the pets of disadvantaged families”, said Executive Director & Veterinarian James Young. “When the owners do not have the ability to pay all or part of the cost of emergency care for their animal companion, we do what we can, based on available funds. Because of the participation from veterinarians and pet hospitals throughout Placer and Sacramento Counties, rates are reduced to make the procedure more affordable for qualified applicants.”
Images of Fonzie were taken by concerned friends and neighbors and do not require photo credit. http://chesterfound.org/house-fire-victims-fonzie-bandit-need-your-support/.
The Chester Foundation is an all-volunteer non-profit foundation that collaborates with local hospitals, animal rescue organizations, and community based non-profits that serve low-income and homeless residents to provide supportive care for injured and sick animals from the counties of Placer and Sacramento. The Chester Foundation is supported by private donations, and participating veterinarians, clinics and hospitals who reduce the cost of their services to aid disadvantaged pets. Funds raised are used to pay directly for emergency services of qualifying cases.
