If you’ve ever seen one of the artist’s decorated steel dog sculptures around town, you might not realize it has a backstory.
Sponsored by individuals, businesses and veterinary practices, the steel dogs are the non-profit association’s signature piece. Fetch-a-Cure’s annual pet cancer awareness campaign. November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, when the focus is on raising awareness and funds for life-saving cancer treatments.
Cancer accounts for half of all pet deaths from disease each year, and is the leading cause of death in older cats and dogs.
“We never want a family to say goodbye to their pet because they either didn’t know the warning signs and weren’t able to seek treatment quickly enough, or they weren’t able to afford the costs of cancer treatment” , says Kaicee. Robertson, director of events and marketing for Fetch-a-Cure. “Annually, Fetch awards approximately $170,000 in funds to 60 to 80 families.”
A big part of the profit’s mission is education because most cancer treatments are more effective with early detection. Therefore, Fetch hosts several “Lumps and Bumps” clinics in the region. With the help of local veterinarians who donate their time, these clinics allow community members to bring their pets in for free physical exams where a veterinarian will check for growths, lumps, and bumps, and mark them on a body map for future monitoring or. investigation by the animal’s primary veterinarian.
Robertson says it’s not uncommon to hear from pet owners. After a recent Lumps and Bumps clinic, Fetch received an email that said, “Dr. Bunting performed a lump check on one of our taproom employees’ dogs at the event. Dr. Bunting recommended that she be checked and it turned out to be cancer. Now everything is cleared and clear, and he wanted to send a personal thank you.”
In addition to providing education and funding assistance for pet owners, Robertson says the nonprofit offers support and hope. Their monthly virtual pet cancer support meetings give participants the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are pursuing treatment for their pet or who have been through the cancer journey of animals in the past. “Many of our own Company in Crisis grantees attend these meetings, as well as individuals from all over the country, and sometimes in different countries,” says Robertson.
Each month, Fetch-a-Cure works to promote the need to help animals live long and healthy lives, working to raise awareness and more education about the detection and treatment of pet cancer, and to elderly care and aging. Through the Company in Crisis The program also provides financial assistance to families who cannot afford the cost of life-saving treatments for their pets when they are diagnosed with cancer.
The nonprofit hosts and participates in a variety of fundraising events of all sizes including its annual Pets on Parade, Steel Dog Open, and Fetch Fest, along with recognition nights and special promotions at local businesses.
“Most of our funds come from individual donations and events, so we are incredibly grateful to the donors who allow us to grant lifesaving funds to families in need,” he says. “Whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly donation from our Constant Companions members, we really rely on the generosity of our community to help us fight pet cancer together.”
For more information visit the The Fetch-A-Cure website.
