ARF Emergency Medical Fund®

Happy birthday to the ARF Emergency Medical Fund® (EMF)! That's right, for 13 years - since March 5, 1995 - the EMF Volunteers have been raising life-saving dollars to help animals whose caregivers do not have the resources to provide urgent medical care. EMF is a testimony to the power of a few good volunteers who care. Today four of the five original "EMF Ladies" remain at the core of the effort, sewing and selling merchandise - come rain or shine - to provide the veterinary help to keep animals in their homes. Enduring "Thank Yous" go to: Bev Greenbaum, Elvira Clark, Enid Schlictman and Dolores McCoskey!

Through EMF, low-income Contra Costa residents can obtain veterinary care for their pets at the ARF clinic whether it is a basic vaccination, ear medicine, or something as complicated as abdominal surgery. ARF strives to keep loving animals with caring people and does not want the caregivers to ever have to choose between self care and pet care.

Since its beginning in 1995, EMF has been there for thousands of people and their cherished companions. In 2007 alone, EMF helped more than 700 clients in need. Some examples of EMF clients are:

Shelby, an 8-year-old Rottweiler, would have died from pyometra, a very serious, life-threatening infection, without emergency surgery. Shelby's owner could not afford this costly procedure, so her vet referred them to ARF, where staff quickly processed the paperwork to confirm Shelby's eligibility. Life-saving surgery was performed the very next morning, and Shelby spent several days recovering at the ARF clinic.

Striper the cat had ear troubles and was brought to the ARF Clinic by his guardian, who is on permanent disability. Striper received ear medicine, and an infected tooth was removed. His guardian is grateful the ARF Emergency Medical Fund™ was there to help.

A homeless man sought help for his little dog, Mindy, a Jack Russell Terrier mix, who was sick from drinking salt water at the beach. To her guardian's relief, the ARF veterinarian provided medicine and special food for Mindy. She is now happy and healthy again.

Steffan the cat had an undescended testicle, a risky condition that increases the chance of testicular cancer. His 85-year-old guardian could not afford the surgery, which is more complicated than a regular neuter procedure. She was referred to ARF, and Steffan got the needed treatment.

Snowball, an adorable Pomeranian puppy that needed to be spayed. Her guardian had relied on EMF before with her old pit bull, Sunshine, who had passed away. Her current puppy, Snowball is very dear to her guardian, who lives with difficult circumstances. Snowball "gives her something to focus on. She gives her a reason to get up in the morning," explains ARF Medical Coordinator Dorothy McDougall. Snowball and her guardian will also attend a training class, thanks to an ARF scholarship, to strengthen their special bond.

Stella the cat had swallowed something that got stuck in her intestine, but her guardian couldn't afford costly surgery to remove the object. Her veterinarian referred Stella to ARF, and she was quickly approved for the surgery. But Stella had developed peritonitis, because the object had broken through her intestine. ARF's veterinarian, however, was able to save Stella with the surgery and she is doing fine.

The ARF Emergency Medical Fund® is supported by the ARF Thrift Shop, located at 1950 Market St., Concord. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Donations gratefully accepted 10 a.m. - 2.p.m. Volunteers, donations and shoppers are always welcome. For more information, call (925) 256-1273 or send an e-mail to info@arf.net.