JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) - There’s a new nonprofit in Cambria County that's helping families pay for their animal's medical bills, when they can't afford it.
They are our best friends, always by our side but owning a pet can tug at your wallet.
That’s why Missy LaMonaca from Johnstown and two of her friends started the Fat Cat Emergency Medical Fund in December.
“It's kind of funny. We all have different professions; one of is a vet tech, I work in the steel industry, and one's an ER nurse. But we all are in rescue and that's kind of where our passion is, working with animals but we want to help animals in a different way. We know that there are people out that need us,” LaMonaca said.
When someone in the Cambria County area has a medical emergency with their four-legged family member, the nonprofit steps in with lifesaving funds.
“We’ve seen someone come in with their dog, it got hit by a car and the leg was shattered. It had to have orthopedic surgery,” LaMonaca said.
They also provide funds for those who have fallen on rough times and can't afford shots, medications, or spays and neuters.
Beverly Fine had to quit her job because of health complications and can’t afford her veterinary bills.
“I just can't afford paying the bills, caring for my dogs and they're like my babies so that was another stressor to add to everything was not having the money to even get them their shots,” Fine said.
LaMonaca made sure Fine’s three dogs, Lilly, Josie and Bella, received their vaccinated.
“I think of my dogs as part of the family and I want to take care of them like I take care of my son and whenever I can't do that you feel, it is depressing... Feeling like you can't care for something that you love,” Fine said.
LaMonaca said they plan on holding low-cost vaccine clinics, including this weekend at Calvary United Methodist Church in Johnstown. They also want to hold spay and neuter clinics in the future.
You can never plan for the unexpected, like your pet getting sick.
“You’re thinking where am I going to come up with those funds? It's scary to think, how am I going to pay for that when I have bills that I have to pay, I have to feed children or I have to myself or I have to feed my other pets," LaMonaca said.
The nonprofit has fetched a few thousand dollars and has helped nearly ten families so far.
LaMonaca hopes community members and businesses will think of donating to their cause.
“They just give so much joy and so much unconditional love, no matter what kind I’m having, they're there to give me love and cheer me up,” Fine said.
The nonprofit will keep pawing away stress so cats and dogs can stay in their homes.
“Try to reach out to the different organizations before you turn to turning it over to a rescue organization because it's hard on a pet to be in a shelter or in a rescue so it would be easier for that pet to get better if it's in your own home," LaMonaca said.
And families can stay together fur-ever.
“Just thank you so much. I just couldn't tell her thank you enough,” Fine said with a smile.
Fat Cat Emergency Medical Fund is holding a low-cost vaccine clinic this Saturday, January 18th from noon to 2 p.m. at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Johnstown.
A veterinarian will be volunteering his time. He will be administering these shots:
Lepto (for canine) $15
DHPP (canine distemper shot) $20
FVRCP (feline distemper shot) $15
Rabies (feline and canine) $15
They will also be microchipping for $15. All you must do is show up with your cats or dogs and pay in cash.
If your pet is treated at Johnstown Veterinary Associates or Richland Veterinary Hospital, you can go through those offices for assistance from the nonprofit.
If not, you can contact the nonprofit on Facebook.
They really need donations and corporate sponsors so they can expand to other vets and counties. If you'd like to help Fat Cat Emergency Medical Fund, you can send a donation online to PayPal account fatcatemergencymedical@gmail.com or through the mail to 1210 Franklin Street Johnstown, PA 15905.
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