I met Carol last year when Sunny Dog Snacks provided Brown Dog Foundation with free treats to supply in the gift bags at her annual dinner for her donors and recipients. Carol and I shared a cup of coffee and talked a while about how we each came to our respective places with Brown Dog Foundation and Sunny Dog Snacks. I enjoyed Carol's sincere, complete and total dedication to helping those in need, both furry and non. And I admired her drive to take her dream and turn it into such a saving grace for so many people and their four legged friends. If you've ever faced sudden, life saving medical intervention for a pet at a financially tight time in your life, you will understand just how much of a relief the Brown Dog Foundation can be, both for you and for your pet.
If you or someone you know have/has pets and were affected by the flooding, and are in need of assistance, please, contact Brown Dog Foundation today.
Press Release for Brown Dog:
Nashville, Tennessee (May 2, 2010) – As tens of thousands in Middle Tennessee are displaced during this sudden flooding and tornado disaster, Brown Dog Foundation is stepping up to the request to provide assistance to families directly affected by the disaster and whose pet is injured as a result. The Disaster Relief Program offers up to $300/pet for stabilization of injuries sustained during the disaster and/or treatment of illness caused by exposure to contaminants. The Program also replaces prescription medications lost in the disaster. Thanks to a gift made by Schering-Plough/Intervet, we can also provide a 3-month supply of Tri-Heart, a Heartworm Preventative, (via the owner’s Veterinarian) at no cost to the pet owner. In some cases, we may also be able to provide a 3-month supply of Flea/Tick Preventative.
During recognized disasters, the organization waives the normal guideline requirements. Families are only asked to provide proof that they have been affected by the disaster (a statement from Red Cross or FEMA will suffice) and prove that the pet belongs to them. To date, the organization has funded two cases with several more in process.
In one situation, the dog’s owner lost her job due to the flooding disaster and the dog is diabetic, requiring prescription dog food to keep him healthy. We have helped the owner purchase a 3-month supply of food. The second dog was swept away by flood waters and injured in the process. She required a specialty surgical repair of her hips and back legs. The family had exhausted all of their savings account to repair their home damaged by flood water.
Because Brown Dog Foundation operates solely by donations of the general public, we are also encouraging cash contributions – 100% of these funds will be directed to aid in this disaster only. Donations are accepted online or by mailing a check to Brown Dog Foundation, c/o McPherson Management, 900 19th Avenue South, Ste 204, Nashville, TN 37212. Please write “Disaster Relief” in the memo line.
Brown Dog Foundation, 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in October, 2006, offers assistance to families in temporary financial crisis an alternative to euthanizing their family pet when life-saving treatment or life-sustaining medication is necessary. Brown Dog Foundation, Inc. serves the entire state of TN, with a sizable concentration of assistance occurring in Middle Tennessee communities. The organization helps families who have experienced an unexpected catastrophe (job loss, unexpected and major medical bills, etc.) at the same time that their pet requires life-saving treatment or life-sustaining medications. The goal is to help these families, who don’t qualify for public or government assistance in any other aspect of their lives the ability to use their limited resources to focus on what they need to do to get their life back together. Brown Dog Foundation pays 75% of the cost of the veterinary care or medication needed and the family pays 25%.
Founded by Nashvillian Carol A. Smock and six other women, the organization was started from nothing and has grown into a thriving community program. With more than 1000 donors and an average of 50 volunteers, the organization spends its time raising money so when a family needs help, they can respond immediately. “We’ve helped 85 families across the country, sixty-five of which live in Tennessee, with the cost of prescription medications, acute and chronic treatments and surgeries– anything that ensures the pet will enjoy a good quality of life. In each circumstance, we’ve given the family the peace of mind they need to focus on what’s most important in their life – getting through their crisis,” explains Smock. “We love to help dogs and cats, but the true reward comes when we get a call from the family telling us that their lives and finances are back on track because of the generosity of our donors!”
The current National Board of Directors are Carol A. Smock, Board Chair; Brian Dablow, Secretary; and Laura Hawes. The Tennessee Board members include: Darlene Tyner-Hunt/Old Hickory; Lissa Kelley/Nashville; Dr. Mike Hatcher/Smyrna; Dr. Lisa Chassy-Skelley/Knoxville; and Laura Richards/Antioch. Board Advisors are Dr. Trey Calfee, DVM/Nashville Veterinary Specialists, Donna Finney, and Victoria Heil. For more information, visit the website at www.browndogfoundation.org.
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You can also find Brown Dog on Facebook.
Photo courtesy of Brown Dog Foundation
This is PD - the first flood victim we assisted. His momma lost her job due to the floods and PD is... diabetic. Luckily, he doesn't need insulin, but he does require expensive diabetic dog food. We have helped them purchase a 3-month supply! Thank you Supporters!!!!
Photo courtesy of Brown Dog Foundation
Daisy was swept away by the raging flood water and needs surgery to repair her hips and back legs. We could not have helped Daisy without the donations from all of you. On behalf of Daisy and her family, THANK YOU!
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