Comfort for Colette

When I first saw Colette’s photo on Pet Finder in early October 2008, it showed a pretty girl with a lot of character who was clearly too skinny for her large frame.  She was billed by Bideawee (shelter) as a sweet chatterbox that had been abandoned for “no apparent reason.”  I fell in love with her. She has battled immune system-related health issues since our first days together. Her treatments, hospitalization, medicines and diet regimen have been extremely costly.

Recently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Her oncologist estimated that, with treatment, she may have as much as two years more to live.  Colette is a lovely, sweet cat that deserves to live out her life to its full potential, but the only way I was able to pay for chemotherapy treatment was with help from Frankie’s Friends.

Other people have told me that when Colette met me she met her guardian angel.  Frankie’s Friends Zeus Varis Fund is now our guardian angel.  I don’t know what we would have done without your organization.  I am so relieved and so thankful.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely, Colette's "Mom"

Thank you from Gigi

When I needed help the most, Frankie’s Friends Kallee Varis Fund was there especially for the needs of my puppy, Gigi. My puppy and I will forever THANK YOU! - Tiara from Ozone Park

Nino Takes His Mom's Medicine ... by Mistake. Frankie's to the Rescue!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my mom’s dog, Nino. Just before Christmas, my mom became gravely ill and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. She remained in the ICU for more than a week. Nino was in my care, but because my landlord doesn’t allow pets, we would go to my mom’s place to walk, play with, and feed Nino. On December 26, a bag with medication in it that had been left behind when my mom was taken to the hospital was ripped open. Medications were all over the floor. Nino’s back leg wasn’t moving and he was shaking. We immediately called around for a clinic but all were closed or closing. I was directed to BluePearl Veterinary Partners. I had very limited funds but knew that I had to use whatever I had to help my mom’s dog. When I saw how much treatment would cost, I nearly cried because I knew there was no way I could pay. I am so thankful to BluePearl because they told me about Frankie’s Friends.

Nino is recovering. I just want you to know that you have made my mom so happy and thank you for putting a smile back on her face after the tough ordeal she has gone through in the last few weeks fighting for her life.

I can’t thank you enough and God bless!

Nino's family

'Thank you for another year with Dobe'

Without care, Dobe would have just a few weeks to live. Flash forward more than a year later, and you’d never know he was the same dog. Some days I just hold him and cry for joy. If it were not for Frankie's Friends' Zeus Varis Fund, this would not have been possible. I could not have continued Dobe’s care without your help. You made the memories of this past year possible. Thank you, thank you. We can never thank you enough. Truly yours, Dobe and his “Mom”

The entire neighborhood loves Barney

Please, meet Barney! Barney is a character. Barney loves everyone and everyone loves Barney. I live a simple life and Barney is the most important part of my existence and my days. He makes my life full.

When I first learned of Barney's diagnosis, I was in shock, I was desperate. Barney 's veterinarian recommended Dr. Timothy Rocha at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Finding Dr. Rocha and his staff gave me a sense of security and hope. It's a wonderful place.

It was Dr. Rocha that told us about Frankie's Friends and it felt like a 1000-pound rock had been lifted from my shoulders. Receiving a positive response was like opening the doors for Barney's cure. It will be an enormous help for us and we are forever grateful for that. On behalf of Barney, myself and all the dogs and cats that are helped through your foundation, a sincere thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Since all this happened Barney and I have had incredible support of friends and neighbors. Barney turned 8 years young on December 5th and our friends threw a birthday party for him at John Jay Park!

Barney's rehabilitation will mean more smiles, laughter, love and a neighborhood coming together to help bring Barney back to health and save a creature of God. And I will keep the gift of his loyalty, companionship and unlimited source of love by my side for much longer!

We love you for that.

Yours sincerely, Barney & his “Mom”

(The above was edited from a much longer, even sweeter letter of thanks from Barney’s “Mom”)

Orion's on his way to recovery

During the entire treatment process for Orion there had been an underlying struggle that I didn't want to have to think about. It seemed unfair to Orion to even have to consider something like a price tag getting in the way of providing him with the help that he needs. But it unfortunately is something I had to consider. I am writing to express my sincerest thanks! Thank you for the gift that saved his life. I cannot put into words how much Orion’s well being and happiness means.

With all of my heartfelt thanks, Orion’s “Mom”

Shorty: Getting Better With Chemo Treatments

We recently received the following update from Shorty (aka "Spooky") and his mom, Lillian: Spooky has passed his 1 year chemotherapy protocol. Spooky is now in remission, thanks to the Dr. Agnes Varis and Zeus Varis Fund. Spooky would never have gotten this far without Dr Varis.

It was not an easy year for Spooky. Even though Spooky had no major side effects with his chemotherapy, he did have a few small ones. I think if Spooky could talk he would tell you how happy he is to be given the greatest gift of all, another chance at life.

Spooky loves Dr. Kyles, Dr. Lachowicz, Dr. Oberthaler, and the entire staff at (BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Manhattan). I hope that many other cats and dogs can be as lucky as Spooky has been.

Thank you, Dr. Varis and Zeus, for believing in Spooky

The following was from the fall of 2010, shortly after treatment had begun: How do we -- Shorty and I -- begin to thank you for your compassion and generosity in paying for Shorty's chemotherapy treatments? You have given my cat, Shorty, the chance to beat lymphoma. I am a great believer in miracles and I feel Shorty will complete his chemotherapy treatments and be cancer-free.

Shorty and I will be forever grateful. Thank you so very much.

Sincerely yours, Lillian and Shorty

Yellow's Family Says "Thank You!"

Our family would like to thank you for your generous support. Ever since our beloved golden retriever Yellow underwent surgery, our lives changed. We wanted to help him to our fullest extent, but when the doctors told us that he only had 6 months to live unless he had chemotherapy, we were shocked and deeply saddened, because we could not afford the cost. We went out of our way just to give the dog something we should all cherish every single day: life and love. Frankie’s Friends’ grant made that possible. Thank you so much! Yellow’s family

Amber Bounces Back

Words cannot express my thanks and appreciation on being a recipient of a grant from Frankie’s Friends Zeus Varis Fund, which is providing chemotherapy for Amber, my four-and-a-half-year-old cocker spaniel. As a senior citizen, my only family and companion is Amber. Learning that she had cancer came as a shock, as did the reality of costs associated with her treatment and on the possibility of her demise. I am grateful for your interest and concern for the many wonderful pets you save and their owners who are so blessed. Amber’s "Dad"

Thanks from Clementine

My pet Clementine and I thank you for funding a portion of Clementine's radiation treatments. Clementine and I appreciate your help! Thanks again, Leslie Farer

Sunny: Has a new sunny outlook on life!

I just wanted to take the time to say thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me with my Sunny. He is looking so much better now and has gained weight. Now I have hope for a future with my Sunny Bunny. I would like to tell you his story. He was born in the basement of my building. His mom was feral and she was eventually trapped and sent to a sanctuary. His twin sister died of poisoning from licking oil based paint that was stuck to her fur, and his other sister is still living out in the streets on my block, and sometimes still sleeps in the basement of my building. A sweet old lady feeds her. I remember his mom being pregnant and I remember Sunny being so tiny following his mom around the block. One day he disappeared. A year later a crazy alcoholic woman in my building that is known for taking in kittens and then throwing them out when they are grown, came to me and said  that she had a boy cat named Sunny. She said that she had no money for cat food. I bought her cat food and took it to her home instead of giving her money. I knew if I didn't she would just buy alcohol and cigarettes. I offered to have Sunny fixed for her, she refused. I warned her that his behavior would change if she didn't let him get fixed, she also had another unaltered female cat in her home.  She still refused. A week later I was walking my dog in the back of the apartment building when I noticed a large yellow cat that I haven't seen before looking lost. He followed me into the building and up the stairs to my apartment. I realized this was the kitten that went missing from the front of my building, and the one the crazy lady called Sunny. The crazy lady had thrown him out, as expected. I asked her where was Sunny, and she lied and said she gave him to a friend. I told her I found Sunny out in the back and that he had started to sniff at her apartment looking for her. She said Sunny was a bad cat. Well, he's mine now, and is the sweetest baby in the world. He is so good and never does anything wrong.

I couldn't ask for a better companion. He does wake me up in the middle of the night with head bumps while I'm trying to sleep, but who could get angry with that? He plays with my rat named Local and is so gentle with him. I found another cat in front of the building that is his brother from another litter. They love each other. I am sending you a picture of Sunny with his brother Fela, one with me and Sunny, and another of Sunny with Local, my rat.

Sunny is only 3 years old, and I was so devastated to hear he had lymphoma. After all this poor guy went through in his life, to end up like this breaks my heart. My family came to visit him in the hospital when he was hospitalized. He's stayed in my sister's home, and my mother's home when I needed them to babysit Sunny, and he was so well behaved that they asked me to bring back for a visit. If I hadn't had your help, the help of Frankie's Friends, and Dr. Lachowicz (the oncologist), Sunny would be gone from my life. I just suffered the loss of my dog named Stranger from old age (14-1/2 years old) in January, and the loss of my cat Butterscotch from old age (16 years old) last September. It's just too much pain to endure losing another family member so soon. The day he was diagnosed  with cancer I had been laid off from my job. I thought to myself, "What else could go wrong?" With your help things finally got better. The doctor said he is reacting positively to the chemo and he will be weaned off of the chemo little by little. What a relief. I just wanted you to know where Sunny came from, and now his life is turning around for the better. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Sincerely, Miguel

Angel is Alive Thanks to Frankie's Friends!

Our dog Angel was diagnosed with stage II lymphoma in September of 2009.  Thankfully, Angel was a candidate for a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant at NC State; the bone marrow transplant is the only possible cure for dogs with lymphoma.  The only thing standing between Angel and her cure was money.  We were able to fund the chemotherapy, and we had to raise the additional $16,000 needed for Angel’s BMT.  We applied everywhere for financial aid, and after several weeks we finally had a breakthrough. Angel’s vet emailed Frankie’s Friends asking if they had any grants available in our area.  Frankie’s Friends wasn’t able to offer a donation, however their offer was incredible.  Frankie’s Friends agreed to accept donations on Angel’s behalf.  This was just the breakthrough we needed!  Once Frankie’s Friends decided to help we had instant credibility and were able to offer donors a tax deduction.  Suddenly, doors flew open where walls once stood.  It was amazing!  Because of Frankie’s Friends we were able to fund-raise for Angel on Facebook, and we raised close to $2,500!  Frankie’s Friends donated directly to the school when Angel checked in and the rest is history.

May 6, 2011 marks Angel’s 7^th birthday and her one-year post-BMT anniversary!  Angel just received her one-year post-BMT test results and she is still 100% CANCER FREE without medication or radiation. : )

THANK YOU Frankie’s Friends for helping us Save Angel’s life!  We are forever grateful for your kindness. You are TRUE SAINTS!!

Sincerely,

Kristie & Angel

Bear: Doberman Cuddles & Love

Words can really not express how thankful we are that our Bear was chosen to receive funding for his cancer treatments. Bear means the world to us, and you gave him the opportunity to become healthy. You also gave us hope. You are very much someone we think of daily and we are so grateful to cross life paths with you. Your generosity has truly inspired us to become involved in foster care of both dogs and cats, and to strive to give. We hope to someday be able to provide funding for a pet in need like you have done for our family. Bear has been through two surgeries recently and has recovered remarkably well from both. Our biggest issue was trying to have him not run around. He is finishing radiation today and still enjoys coming in for treatment each day. He has been having some really happy days lately! We get him out of bed in the morning by saying, “Want to go to see Dr. Lachowicz, Alba, and Darlene!" He jumps right out of (our) bed with his ears sticking straight up and heads to the door. We are very grateful to NYC Veterinary Specialists who have “spoiled” our Bear. We joke that we are leaving him at daycare each time we drop him off.

Everyone (really everyone) at NYCVS has been amazing and Bear has been given wonderful care. Bear is a gentle soul, who is happy just to be loved. We raised Bear from day one, when our other Dobie, Chyna, gave birth to a litter. He was a round pup that loved to cuddle so it is easy to see how we fell in love with him. Bear has done wonders for the Doberman breed. He is kind and gentle, and very friendly. His amazing demeanor and warmth has helped others become more interested in the Doberman. He has helped people who are not Dobie owners see what we see; that they are the best “cuddlers”, are sweet, smart, and very sensitive to our moods. Bear and Chyna are our “kids”, and we both credit them with getting us through some very difficult times. They saved us, and your kindness helped our family immensely.

I have enclosed some pictures of Bear for you to enjoy. He is quite a sweet boy and we believe these will bring you enjoyment. We will keep you updated on Bear’s continued progress! Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts.

Warmest regards,

Amy and Joseph Bear & Chyna

Loki: Playful & Mischievous Again

I cannot begin to thank you enough for funding my cat’s lymphoma treatments through your foundation, the Zeus Varis Fund. Without your assistance, Loki and I would have had little hope as my limited financial resources could never have supported the world-class care he is currently receiving. I rescued Loki (and his sister, Freya) over eight years ago, and he has been a fearless and loving little character since the day I brought him home. I’m often inspired by his tireless curiosity, and his warmth and unconditional affection have helped get me through more than a few tough days. Needless to say, Loki’s diagnosis before Christmas broke my heart.

After researching possible courses of treatment, I was very lucky to reach Dr. Oberthaler.  My experience with her and the staff at the NYC Veterinary Specialists (Alba Salcedo, et al.) has been extraordinary. Dealing with professionals whose competency is matched by their warmth and genuine compassion for the animals has made a very difficult time for me much easier. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to them.

In closing, I am elated to report that since beginning treatment in early January, Loki’s condition has improved dramatically. He has gone from hiding under the bed and eating very little to his former spirited self…chasing his sister, eating like a lion and creating endearing mischief. Although Loki may never be permanently cured (although I remain cautiously hopeful), I sleep a bit easier knowing that through your generosity and compassion and the talents of Dr. Oberthaler and her staff, I was able to provide Loki with the best care possible and additional time with his family.

Every day I get to spend with him is a gift. Thank you again for caring.

Sincerely,

Holly

Eliot: A Best Friend Is Saved

Thank you. Thank you. I am indebted to you and your generosity. What you have done for Eliot will stay with us always. You have made what I thought to be impossible possible and you have saved my best friend and wonderful companion. Eliot thanks you, too. He wants to live; he is a survivor dedicated to getting better and stronger, and every day, he is. Your gift shined the light on us that we desperately needed in the middle of a very dark six weeks. It shifted the pattern of bad news to a string of good news; recently Eliot's blood work has gotten consistently better, he is eating on his own, and he is responding to the chemotherapy well.

I am an English Ph.D. student, my partner is an aviation student J and my brother has been living with us virtually unemployed since graduating college in 2008. We have no money and lots and lots of debt. I do not know how we would have supported the chemotherapy without your help.

Eliot's illness has made me reflect quite a bit both on life and giving. I study ethics as a part of my literary pursuits and I feel both from an erhical standpoint and an emotional standpoint totally indebted (in a good way) to your kindness. You have become a model for how I would like to contribute to the world once I get my degree and a job. I am inspired to "pay" my good luck in receiving your gift "forward" and once I have the resources will help other families treat their animals through Frankie's Friends, too. Thank you for giving me a model act of citizenry to which I can aspire. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for your help.

Much love and warm wishes,

Eliot, Ashley, Andrew, and Robin

Thank you!

Boris: Successfully Undergoes Surgery Due to Generosity

I am writing this letter to thank you for the grant you provided for Boris, my dog. Without your help I would not have been able to pay for his surgery or the treatment he received afterward. I have no better words to express my feelings toward  your  generosity and kindness except to say, "Thank you."  Boris is doing very well and I am grateful for the outcome.

You gave Boris more time by my side.

Thank you,

Tsion

Loki: Gone But Never Forgotten

This letter is to express our deepest and sincere appreciation to Frankie's Friends Zeus Varis Fund for your very generous support of our dog, Loki, for his cancer surgery and treatment.  Your fund allowed us to react quickly to an aggressive cancer without having to make impossible decisions based on our financial situation. Loki succumbed to his disease on March 2, 2011 and will leave an enormous space in our lives but we are indebted to the foundation for giving us more precious, quality time with him.  For this, we cannot thank you enough.

We are also extremely grateful to the staff at BluePearl-NY, with special regards to Vivian, Dr. Kyles, Dr. Bessler, Dr. Snells and all the technicians that helped along the way.  We are especially grateful for Dr. Karen Oberthaler, whose sensitivity and guidance throughout this experience, reassured and comforted us in an extraordinarily difficult time.

Our only real regret is that all animals are not able to have the level of care that Loki received.  It is in that spirit that we will continue to support and promote the Frankie’s Friend Charity, so that others may be afforded the same opportunities, we were lucky enough to receive.

Thank you all so very much,

Nickolaus and Whitney

Sam: Opportunity to Spend More Time

Thank you so much for the support for my cat Sam, from the Zeus Varis Fund of Frankie's Friends, for his radiation treatments.  Sam has lymphosarcoma in his mouth. I would not have been able to pay for the radiation therapy so I was so grateful for this grant and the chance for Sam to have more time with me. Unfortunately the CT scan of his head showed a brain tumor. Dr Rocha and I discussed all the problems and  decided that the radiation therapy would not help the brain tumor and the best plan would be for Sam to not have any treatment.  I am still very grateful for your generosity and help. Here are some pictures of Sam.

He is a beautiful cat with a very sweet, friendly personality.

Thank you again for your offer of support,

Pam

Bloo: From Depression to Hope

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my cat Bloo. He has been through so much. I found him on the street seven years ago when he was about six months old. I have given him all the love a cat can possibly have. I was so depressed when I found out he was diagnosed with cancer, but knowing that you are going to give the care that he needs is helping me a lot. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! Love, Bloo's family

Coco's Love Is An Inspiration

Coco and I are writing this letter to thank you for the help that Frankie's Friends is providing for my little Coco. I won Coco's heart and he won mine, when I took him running with me while I was training for the army. He was originally my sister's dog and everyone could tell how much he loved me when I visited and took him out. The joy he has brought me and my family is irreplaceable and I love him very much. Although I am going through some hardship, God put Frankie's Friends here for Coco's joy to go on.

Coco was diagnosed with a Mast Cell tumor in the worst possible place, as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure he'd agree with me too. The cancer cell is on the tip of the prepuce and it is a very difficult surgery. I actually pawned all my jewelry for him to have this surgery. It was well worth it. My Coco has shown me unconditional love and has made me smile. He also made me cry when he was diagnosed. He has shown me how to love and my family and I love him very much.

I just want to thank Frankie's Friends again and every staff member at the NYC Veterinary Specialists hospital for the love, care and dedication that is brought to the table.  The staff may not always get the verbal appreciation they deserve, but it is definitely there on my part at least.

May God repay you and pay your generosity forward to you for all of your hard work. You have definitely given me and my family another chance and hope.

Thank you again.

Manuel