Furry Friends Fund Helps Save Precious Lives
- Jun 1
- 10 min read
“Building Bridges Between Our Community
and Pets in Need”
“Even though he was traumatized, this pup was still loving towards humans!”
OPC CAN BE THERE TO HELP WHEN DESPERATE SITUATIONS ARISE!
When Loretta Thompson, Founder/Director of the Blessing Animals Pet Pantry, heard about a puppy that had been rescued from a neglectful owner in suburban Columbus – she wanted to do what she could to help. She learned that Steve Kuklica, with the Whitehall Animal Control Office, and a former pet trapper with RICO Pet Recovery, found the puppy and worked to get him out of his bad situation. The puppy needed urgent veterinary care and was taken to the VCA Sawmill Animal Hospital for evaluation.
READ ON to learn more about how our Furry Friends Fund helped make a new life for this recently rescued pup.
It was determined that the young pit bull mix pup was approximately nine months old and had some serious trauma. His teeth were worn down from gnawing the cage he was in and he smelled awfully due to living in his own feces. His head was crooked due to some trauma that healed incorrectly yet was not disabled other than a crooked smile. He's probably inbred. A helpful staff member at the Hollywood Feed Bexley store opened their doors to get him bathed and gave the rescuer additional bath items to help with future bathing needs, due to the lingering smell.
It was determined that the puppy was heart worm negative, which seems like a miracle since there were no vaccination records. He had apparently eaten a rodent, as the bones were still in his stomach. The veterinarian will monito his progress with hopes that he will pass the bones since he is peeing and pooping normally. If the bones do not pass, he will need surgery to remove them. It was at this point that we learned that the rescuer decided to adopt the puppy, who he has named Scrappy!
Scrappy showed signs of resource guarding which was not unexpected due to his poor body condition. Loretta gave the adopter a slow feeder to help him not gobble his food too quickly.
Loretta followed up with the owner and is involved in some legal proceedings that will insure that the original owner does not mistreat or neglect any animals in the future. Happily, even with the trauma that Scrappy endured, he is still very loving towards humans. He is definitely in a better place now with someone who loves him and will care for him properly.
Knowing that this puppy’s veterinary care would be expensive and knowing that the original owner would not be able to cover any costs, Loretta reached out to OPC – because she was aware of the Furry Friends Fund. After she shared all the details of the case with OPC’s Board of Directors, the group voted unanimously to provide $1,000 from the Furry Friends Fund, to help cover the veterinary care costs that helped Scrappy recover – and gave him the chance at a happy life. “Of all the good things that OPC is able to do to support animals in need, helping with a case like this makes all our efforts feel extremely worthwhile,” said, OPC President Elizabeth McClain. “Our team works hard to raise money throughout the year, so that we’ll have funds available to help when animal advocates like Loretta Thompson reach out to us.”
“When we take the time to gain understanding about an animals’ nature, we come to realize they love, have feelings, loyalty and even a Soul”.
If you’ve ever wondered if that $5 or $10 bill you put in the donation jar at one of our Ohio Pet Charities pet events really makes a difference – rest assured, it does! Donations received at events throughout the year, and from larger fundraising events like “Mistletoe & Mutts” ( coming up on December 4 ) are put to very good use – through OPC’s Furry Friends Fund – as the following stories illustrate.
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OPC’s FURRY FRIENDS FUND?
The Furry Friends Fund was established by Ohio Pet Charities to assist pet owners and rescuers when a pet has life-threatening conditions requiring veterinary intervention. We raise support, help determine costs, and ultimately, when we’re able, provide funds to help save animals in need. We work within a radius of 25 miles from our headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, and count on the support of several life-saving partners, including Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic & Cat Specialty Center, Central Ohio Veterinary Emergency (COVE) and Flint Road Animal Hospital. Click here to learn more and Apply for Program
“It’s not an emergency, until it is!”
A TESTIMONIAL FROM A GRATEFUL RECIPIENT of HELP from OPC’s FURRY FRIENDS FUND
Meet Kelsie Dunham and her sweet little cat named Hemingway, aka “Hemi” – who was just one year old when she adopted him from a pet shelter about 10 years ago. She describes him as “the sweetest member of our family” – although she admits he’s become a bit “bossy” in his senior years.
Kelsie knew Hemi needed dental work, based on his regular vet checkups, but it had never been urgent enough to be “absolutely necessary... until it was,” Kelsie admitted. “The dental work was expensive, and I didn't save for the surgery over time, as I should have in hindsight.”
At the same time, Kelsie suffered a devastating job loss and was out of work for about two months, making it even more difficult to afford expensive vet bills. During that time, Hemi's mouth became infected with painful gum swelling and broken teeth.
At one point, Hemi began howling in pain whenever he used the litter box and then soon after, he stopped eating. Kelsie could barely afford to have him seen by his vet, who prescribed antibiotics, a topical pain medication, and gabapentin to help alleviate his pain. Because he had stopped eating and drinking, the vet also said that euthanizing him might be best, due to the discomfort he was living in.
“I began desperately searching the internet for any kind of assistance I could find, to avoid taking that course. That’s when I saw that Ohio Pet Charities was going to be hosting an event in July at Budd Dairy Food Hall in Columbus’ Short North,” Kelsie said. So, she made the trip on the day of the event, and upon her arrival, immediately found the Ohio Pet Charities tent, where she met OPC volunteer, Christen King.
Kelsie told Christen about Hemi, about being out of work, and how much her cat was suffering, and that he would have to be euthanized if a miracle didn't happen, and soon. That’s when Christen said, “I think OPC can help you!”
First, she facilitated an assessment at Faithful Friends Vet Clinic, one of OPC’s Premier partners. Dr. Saffire determined that Hemi was a perfectly healthy 11-year-old cat, with a better musculature than most cats his age, likely due to his passion for climbing trees and chasing birds. The doctor said that Hemi was a perfect candidate for oral surgery – and that he was confident he’d make a full recovery.
Christen and Kelsie then discussed the cost of the vet’s services, and Kelsie, who had just started working again, said she could pay some, but because she hadn’t yet received a full paycheck, was not able to cover the full amount. She was juggling a lot in that moment, staving off eviction, car repossession, disconnected utilities and putting food on the table for her and her “human child.”
“Christen showed such empathy for my situation,” Kelsey said. “She acknowledged that I was just beginning to earn income again and asked what I could comfortably afford. I told her I could pay a small amount, but would make it work, whatever it took.” That’s when Christen told Kelsie that OPC’s Furry Friends Fund, which was set up to help people and pets, like her and Hemi, in hardship situations, and would cover the entire cost of the vet bill, an amount that totaled just over $1,100.
Soon after, Hemi had the necessary procedures, which involved removing three canine teeth, as well as some of his jawbone, due to the infection that had set in. When Hemi got home from the hospital, Kelsie’s dog was so happy to have him back and just followed him around to make sure he was okay. Just two weeks later, Hemi was back to being the loving, happy and comfortable baby boy he always was – and yes, eating more like a pig than a cat!
“Christen is an angel of Earth, and I’m so grateful to Ohio Pet Charities! I was in tears then, and I'm in tears now, and sincerely thank OPC from the bottom of my heart for this act of kindness, display of humanity, and empathy for both me and Hemi,” said Kelsie. “I thank you for saving my cat's life, and keeping my family intact, and I'm sure he'll be around for many years to come. This program helped us so much and I will always spread the word about your services and what you did to save my boy.”
OPC gratefully acknowledges the support of so many generous donors who make the Furry Friends Fund possible and permits OPC to help pets in need of emergency vet care and pet owners in financial hardship. You can make the difference for pets in need and their owners by making a donation to Ohio Pet Charities at: https://www.ohiopetcharities.org/support-us
This year’s POOCHELLA event was held on Saturday, April 11, on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, in Delaware, Ohio. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed beautiful weather as they met representatives from dozens of Central Ohio pet rescue organizations and pet-oriented businesses.
THESE OPC VOLUNTEERS HELP RAISE MONEY
TO SUPPORT OPC’S FURRY FRIENDS FUND ~
MATT McCLAIN
Board Member, Events Coordinator
Growing up, Matt was never without a pet, mostly dogs, but always understood the enrichment a pet brought to the household. Around 15 years ago he and his wife Elizabeth started rescuing dogs over purchasing from pet stores or breeders. This started our journey advocating for rescue animals, which has expanded into a passion leading to our involvement with Ohio Pet Charities.
Matt, a retired Information Technologies Professional, spent most of his 38 career years at Honda. Since then he has worked as a certified veterinary assistant and is also working on becoming a certified dog trainer. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, three boys, and the McClain pack of rescue dogs. He does sometimes lose the blanket battle with their youngest rescue.
TIM BROOKS
Board Member at Large, Fundraising Committee
Tim has been an OPC volunteer since November 2024 and now serves as a Board Member at Large on the Fundraising Committee. “I love the animals in my life because they always give me unconditional love and make me happy and calm, when I’m feeling stressed.” Tim and his partner Ed have a beautiful Golden Retriever, named Theo. He was 6 ½ years old when they adopted him from Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue in November of 2025.
After retiring, Tim wanted to give his time and energy to an organization that is concerned with animal welfare. He likes being around people who understand the importance of helping pets find forever homes. Tim really enjoys the outdoor events sponsored by OPC throughout the year and likes soliciting contributions from new donors while spreading the word about OPC’s mission. Tim grew up in Columbus, graduated from Northland High School, and The Ohio State University. He retired in 2018, after 33 years at three different Universities (Ohio State, Fordham and Tufts) doing alumni relations and fundraising. He currently lives in Grandview Heights with Ed and Theo!
ED SWIECH
Board Member at Large, Fundraising Committee
Ed grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Fairfield University, after which he worked in NYC and Boston. From 2015 – 2020, Ed was a Volunteer Ambassador for Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue (Y.G.R.R.) in Massachusetts. In 2019, he traveled to China to help rescue and bring home 41 Goldens to the US, where they were put up for adoption. In 2024, he began volunteering for Ohio Pet Charities and now serves as a Board Member at Large focused on fundraising.
Ed’s first dog as a child was a black Poodle named Pierre. He adopted Max, his first Golden Retriever in 1988. Over the past 20 years, Ed has rescued three other Golden Retrievers - Texas, Cooper and now Theo – all of whom have been both his dear companions and family. “The bond I established with Max had a significant impact on my life and led me to recognize that helping animals in need is one of my deepest passions in life,” he said.
“I have learned that the connection a person can establish with an animal is so deep and special and gives meaning to life. Compassion for animals is associated with goodness of character; and it can confidently be asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.”
JOIN US FOR THESE GREAT UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for the Summer Barkers Market sponsored by Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic, held within The Dublin Market at Bridge Park! This pet-friendly event brings together rescues, charities, vendors, and veterinarians for a fun morning dedicated to our furry friends.
🌟 What to Expect
Free goodies for your pets 🐶🐱
Unique pet products and gifts 🛍️
Chat with veterinarians about services and care 🩺
Meet adoptable pets looking for forever homes ❤️
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026
HONDA & HOUNDS
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Downtown Marysville, Court Street
Marysville, OH 43040, USA
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time because Marysville’s entire downtown will be transformed into a festive playground! So grab your furry friends and get ready for a day filled with laughter, love, and lots of wagging tails! Activities include: Themed Pet Photo Booth 2k Dog Walk Free Pet Grooming Pet Treat Bar Dog Wash Dog Water Park Dog Playground/Agility Course – and Dozens of pet rescues, vendors and veterinarians! Help us Stock our Pet Food Pantry – We’ll be collecting pet food and pet related goods for rescues and Union County residents in need – so bring a donation with you! We’ll also announce the winners of The Great Union County Doghouse/Crate Build Contest ~ Sponsored by Honda Marysville, and Honda Federal Credit Union!
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