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