Emergency grant from RedRover will help pay for urgent veterinary care
Granite City, IL (May 31, 2012) – RedRover, a national animal protection and education nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California, has awarded an emergency grant to pay for veterinary care for a rescued Labrador-mix who was left behind, tethered in the backyard with no food or water, when his family packed up and moved away.
Four days passed before someone discovered the abandoned dog, named Lucky. Upon evaluation by a veterinarian it was later revealed that Lucky was blind and infested with heartworms, a life-threatening condition. “It is not completely certain how the dog became blind, but witnesses reported seeing the children of the household spraying cleaning solution in the dog’s eyes,” said RedRover’s case manager.
Aside from awarding a RedRover Relief grant to help pay for Lucky’s veterinary care, RedRover is seeking an animal rescue group to provide foster placement for Lucky, who will need special care during his treatment for heartworms. Donations are also being accepted toward his veterinary care. To learn more about helping Lucky, visit www.redrover.org.
“Situations like this are sadly too common. In addition to his abandonment and neglect, it is heartbreaking to think that the children were responsible for Lucky’s blindness,” said RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth. “We at RedRover recognize the importance of reaching children at a young age to mitigate acts of cruelty and neglect toward animals,” she added. The RedRover Readers program aims to prevent animal cruelty before it happens through its unique community-based literacy approach, which helps children develop empathy and critical thinking skills through stories and discussion. “Through RedRover Readers, we help children grow into thoughtful adults,” said Forsyth.
To learn more about RedRover’s programs visit www.redrover.org. In 2011, RedRover helped nearly 500 animals and families through its RedRover Relief program. RedRover’s trained volunteers also conducted over 321 visits in elementary school classrooms, after-school programs, animal shelters and other venues to read to children and lead meaningful discussions, helping children develop critical thinking skills and empathy.
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Learn more at www.redrover.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: LEILI KHALESSI, 916.429.2457 ext 314 or lkhalessi@redrover.org
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