A unique not-for-profit charity assisting people with their vet bills has helped a Belgrave single mother hold onto her four-legged friend.
When Rachel Gordon first noticed a lump back of her dogs leg in December 2018, she passed it off as a benign growth, as did the vets.
But, when that tumour started to grow she feared that it was something far more insidious.
Speaking to the Mail, Ms Gordon said the family has had the loveable English Staffy since she was a puppy.
“Molly was the last of her litter, and unwanted due to her small size,” Ms Gordon said.
“We fell in love with her at sight. She came into our lives after my marriage break down. My children were one and four at the time.”
“Molly’s been a stable part of their life since then and both my children suffer anxiety, so she is like a companion dog for them.
“She helps calm my daughter down when she is not coping. She provides us so much love, safety and friendship beyond any measurable words.”
That love was not enough to save Molly though, and the family was hard-pressed to find a way to raise enough money to undertake expensive lifesaving surgery.
The surgery was estimated at about $1000 — a tough ask for the Gordon family, who were already going through tough financial times.
“We weren’t in any financial situation to cope with that,” she said.
“The kids were beside themselves about what might happen and they were offering to give their pocket money.”
Luckily, the Pet Medical Crisis Fund came to their rescue.
The not-for-profit charity not only helps pet owners and their pets, but also assists vets by not having to absorb the costs associated with treating pets free of charge.
Ms Gordon said that Ferntree Gully Veterinary agreed to waive the cost of the initial consult, and a further 20% off the surgery.
This along with the help of the Pet Medical Crisis made it possible for the vet to remove the cancerous lump.
“They did an estimate of what it was going to cost and they agreed she urgently needed the surgery,” Ms Gordon said.
“We were able to come to an agreement where the vet reduced their fee, I put in an amount, and Pet Medical Crisis put in an amount.
“Without them we could not have done the surgery and without that Molly wouldn’t be with us today, so I can’t thank them enough for their involvement and their assistance.”
The Pet Medical Crisis Fund relies on public donations to continue its work and is run by volunteers. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
For more information visit https://petmedicalcrisis.com.au/
