Buddy Foundation asks for your help with Freddie
There is no question that I consider myself a feline fancier and that the topics I share with The Buddy Beat are usually dedicated solely to felines. I have made an exception in the past when I hosted Sasha’s puppy shower, so here I go again.
Shelter volunteers’ work should be about all animals, because when you volunteer for Buddy, constant fundraising is the reality. Our animals suffer at the fate of their previous owners or state of homelessness and neglect.
There is no question that some of the animals we help touch our hearts so deeply you simply don’t ask if it is a cat or a dog. Our public just needs to hear the animal’s story. So, today, I share with you Freddie’s story.
Freddie, an adorable little terrier/Maltese mix, came to The Buddy Foundation after he was found running loose in the Northwest suburbs. Of course, running is an exaggeration since Freddie is missing his back right foot and moves at a much slower pace.
We can only wonder what terrible fate befell poor Freddie. Did some callous human play a part in the loss of his foot? How was it amputated? Even with this infirmity, he is still an adorable 11-pound, 4-year-old pup.
At Buddy, Freddie was neutered and received a much needed dental cleaning. But, alas, he still has another medical issue. Buddy became concerned with Freddie’s eyesight, so off he went for a visit to the Eye Specialty Clinic in Wheeling. Apparently, our little buddy is in need of a lensectomy due to cataracts in both eyes.
A lensectomy is a surgical procedure where an incision is made near the front of the eye through the cornea to then remove a clouded lens. A specialized operating microscope is used to replace the lens and allow for a new lens to be put in its place, thus resulting in clear vision for the eye.
While we give every animal the medical best, Freddie needs a whole lot more than his share, and we can’t let him become blind. He is too young and has been through enough already.
The estimated cost for this procedure is $3,000 for one eye (and that is after a shelter discount) and double that for both eyes. Any complications and post operative procedures are extra. Since we get no governmental funds (federal, state, village), and although no one is salaried, we raise donations for our needs through continuous activities. Only we need your help on this one.
We know times are difficult for everyone, but please reach into your pocket for any loose bills or change you can spare. Freddie would sure like to “see” who his kindness is coming from.
Next time we will inform you of Wrangler’s splenectomy to remove a tumor that was the size of a cantaloupe.
Garage SaleBuddy will hold a garage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9; Friday, Aug. 10; and Saturday, Aug. 11, at 1407 E. Suffield, Arlington Heights. All proceeds from this sale benefit The Buddy Foundation.Dog Wash and Nail TrimJimminy Clippers and The Buddy Foundation will host a dog wash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Knuppers Nursery, 1801 Rand Road, Palatine. The cost of the wash depends on the size of the dog: small $15, medium $20, large $25. We will have treats and toys on hand. This is also a good opportunity to get your Buddy T-shirt.Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights; or online at thebuddyfoundation.org.