West Suburban Humane Society to create emergency medical fund
In an effort to save more needy cats and dogs in Chicagoland and beyond, West Suburban Humane Society will be creating an emergency medical fund to ensure cats and dogs brought to the humane organization will be able to receive life-saving veterinary care without hesitation. The fund, called the Mowgli Fund and named for an abandoned cat with medical issues who was saved by WSHS' efforts, will be started with an endowment from a longtime donor with further funding collected from individual donors and grants throughout the year. An initial outreach appeal for the fund will begin on #GivingTuesday, November 28th, 2017.
Emergency medical care for a single animal can cost thousands of dollars and these expenditures account for over 40% percent of WSHS' overall budget. Most animal welfare organizations do not have money in their budgets to help animals with severe health issues, leading to those animals being turned away or in some cases, humanely euthanized. Since 1972, WSHS has made it their mission to help those animals most in need, and regularly takes on cases that require extensive medical treatment. However, on a yearly basis, the financial need for care regularly exceeds the organization's means. The Mowgli Fund will allow WSHS to continue its mission by providing funding for, among other necessities:
Emergency surgeries and ER visits for at-risk animals
Extensive testing and specialist consultations
Ongoing medical care and treatments, including physical therapy, medicines and supplements
WSHS Executive Director Carolyn Mossberger believes that the fund will be crucial in furthering the mission of the organization. "We are asked on an almost weekly basis to take an animal that has a treatable medical need. The Mowgli Fund will allow us to continue to provide help to the most at risk homeless animals in our community, giving countless numbers of cats and dogs the second chance they deserve."
About West Suburban Humane Society: WSHS is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Chicagoland's most needy cats and dogs, as well as adopting these animals into safe, permanent and compatible homes. WSHS is also committed to educating and encouraging the public to humanely care for dogs and cats through their numerous educational programs. More information about WSHS can be found at wshs-dg.org.