Dear Chris,

It is not easy to type through tears. Bob and I are so grateful that I cannot put it into words. I am attaching a picture of Eddie. It should appear at the bottom of this e-mail as well as attached. I’m also putting a link below – oh I’m so overwhelmed I can’t complete a sentence – of a brief column that I published about him that I hope you will post on your web site. I received world-wide responses to this column. I think many people will relate to it. If you do not want to put my signature line on it, then just delete that. I do receive many readers’ responses and love hearing how I have been able to touch people though my writing. (And I always reply to readers, so never worry about that.) But I am not sending it to you for any self-promotion!! So it’s up to you.

When you read it, you will need Kleenex.

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090206/LIFE/902060304

I am beyond overwhelmed. I know that $600 is much more than you normally allow and you can’t imagine my appreciation. May I have your address so that I can send you a thank-you note which will include my husband, Bob’s Blue Ribbon (at the Barnstable County Fair) cranberry sauce? It is the best thing you’ll ever taste.

Although it may be inappropriate, I have to sign:
Love,
Saralee

Dear Chris,

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the financial assistance to help save my beloved Sabra’s life. to find out that the most important person (I view Sabra as my child) in my life has cancer at the one time in my life when I am in the worst financial situation ever, is literally eating at my soul and breaking my heart apart. Sabra and I have been together since she was 4 weeks old, and I love, admire and respect her mote than words can describe.

Again, Chris, I send you my deepest, heartfelt gratitude for the funds The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund provided on behalf of Sabra.

My Eternal Thanks,

Annie & Sabra

Dear Chris,

Mushie is now home with us, and is recovering marvelously. This coming Wednesday will be his follow up. He is eating from his own mouth now. His eating is more sloppy as he does not have the right mandible, but he is determined to eat the food he drops. I also help him along with a spoon to pile the food in his bowl. He has difficulty in keeping some of the food in his mouth, but if he is hungry enough, he shovels it in. HE is quite a cat. His day is eating and socializing a bit with us then he goes back to his bed.

Again, Chris and your organization thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I shall keep you informed as soon as the surgeon gives the ok for Mushie’s to start radiation with Dr. Williams. I am so glad we made the decision we made and fortunate to have some organizations like yours.

Dear Chris Meiering and the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund:

I’m writing you today to tell you how much your contribution to Skibu’s cancer treatment means to me. Skibu is my family. The day I took her home was the biggest blessing I’ve ever had. I didn’t know it then, but for the 9 years I’ve had her, Skibu has been THE most important and loving part of my life. I call her Skibu—short for Skinny Buddha—because Skibu is a living example of forgiveness, pure love and joy. She is always happy and unconditionally loving. Just by looking at her, I am reminded every day that there is pure love in this world and that animals are very gentle beings that deserve our love, care and guardianship in return.

Thank you for helping me to save Skibu’s precious life. Your action to help has inspired others to help me as well. Your help inspired my Dad to match the funds you sent me. Prior to your funding the people I contacted were concerned or unwilling to contribute any money to help save Skibu because they feared the treatment costs were too high for me to ever reach. They were afraid their small amount wouldn’t be enough and feared no one else would help. Thank you so much for being a catalyst of giving!!! Since your pledge, I have received additional donations in increments ranging from $5.00 up to $500.00 and have raised nearly half of the treatment costs for the radiation Skibu needs. I am very grateful.

This experience has opened my eyes. I now know there are many animals and foundations in need. It has made me committed to advocacy for people with animals with cancer. It is my wish that one day we have enough resources available for those in need so NO ONE will ever be in the horrible position of facing the threat of euthanasia for their beloved animal companions because they aren’t able to pay for necessary veterinary care. I am hopeful for a future where all animals and animal guardians will have whatever they need to provide the best quality of life. Knowing your pet has a life threatening illness is bad enough, but realizing you are unable to help them because of money is a burden too great to carry. I can not thank you enough for your consideration and action to help me to save my beloved Skibu.

We appreciate your financial help and most of all, your open heart.

Kindest regards,

Shaun (and Skibu) Thompson

Los Angeles, California

Dear Chris,

It truly hurts to know that finances play a role in life and death. Without the donation from the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund Journey may have had only a month or two to live with just “comfort care” according to her veterinarian. Journey has met with a cancer specialist and will now be able to undergo chemotherapy. She has had a section of intestine removed and as long as she can tolerate the medications and chemo she is expected to live at least two years and maybe many more!!!! Thank you to all who have been able to donate to this phenomenal organization and for making it possible for Journey and I to have at least two more years together.

Truly Thankful,

Journey & Nicole