Pet Helpers Launches Levi's Legacy
What would you do if your family pet was suddenly faced with a treatable illness, or experienced a medical emergency—would your family be able to afford the cost of veterinary care?
According to one ASPCA study, forty percent of low-income pet owners who surrendered their pet to a shelter, did so because they weren’t able to afford the cost of medical care. These families would have kept their pet if they had access to affordable care. Furthermore, thirty percent of those surrendering a pet said they would keep their pets if they had assistance in receiving low-cost or free pet food.
Pet Helpers is making it their mission to help families avoid having to make the heartbreaking decision of whether or not to surrender a pet. Levi’s Legacy is a new community program that aims to provide financial assistance to pet owners when a pet is facing illness or a medical emergency. Available to residents in the Lowcountry, Levi’s Legacy will provide grants up to $250.00 to obtain initial diagnostic and medical treatment through working partnerships with several Charleston area veterinary practices. Grant funding is made possible through generous donations from the community, and will be awarded based on need and fund availability.
“Levi’s Legacy is a much-needed community program, even before the pandemic hit, but even more so now,” said Melissa Susko, Executive Director of Pet Helpers. “We can all do our part to save adoptable animals, and it starts with helping responsible pet owners in our own neighborhood.”
Levi’s Legacy is named after Susko’s personal dog, Levi, who was rescued at just three weeks old. Levi was a pit-bull, and an ambassador for his breed, full of love and affection for every human and animal he came into contact with. Levi overcame a series of medical issues himself, including dermoid cysts and pancreatic cancer, before he succumbed to illness in late April of 2020, at the age of 10. “Super Levi,” as he was affectionately known, served as the welcoming committee at Pet Helpers, and more importantly, as an inspiration to help all animals.
Donations can be made directly to Levi’s Legacy by visiting the link below, where grant applications can also be submitted.
