Announcing Fur Kids Foundation
Group pledges to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County
GILLETTE, WYO., July 18, 2012—The average family can cope with the financial commitment involved with the day to day care of their beloved pets—activities, food, treats, yearly vaccinations, and more. But when a pet tears a ligament in their knee, unexpectedly jumps out of a moving vehicle, or ingests a rock that gets lodged in its intestines, the costs of keeping a fur kid healthy increase. And, those that are financially challenged are faced with a much bigger issue when their pet is ill or injured.
Situations much like the ones listed above are why the Fur Kids Foundation was created. Founded in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County. The purpose of the Fur Kids Foundation is to:
The Foundation was formed because of the loving bond between a human and a very special fur kid named Morgan. Mary Melaragno, Fur Kids Foundation vice president and secretary, adopted a bullmastiff named Morgan in August 2010. The three-year old pup quickly made her way into Mary’s heart. During a checkup appointment for a Morgan’s knee surgery in June 2011, the vet mentioned that her lymph nodes were enlarged. In a few short days, Morgan was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma and began chemotherapy. In November 2011, Morgan passed away peacefully in her home with her parents by her side.
“While I had the means to care for Morgan, I realized that there are families who love their pets as much as I loved Morgan who may not be able to afford treatments,” says Mary Melaragno. “I was discussing this with friends and we decided to create the Foundation. We saw a need for this service in Campbell County.”
Fundraising and Pet-A-Palooza
The Fur Kids Foundation filed for 501(c)(3) status in January 2012; however, the members have raised nearly $2,000, and would like to begin providing assistance in the community before 2013.
On September 15, the Fur Kids Foundation is hosting its first Pet-A-Palooza at CAM-PLEX Park, Shelter No. 5 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. This family friendly event features a 5K race and mutt strut, artistic dog house raffles, pet fashion show, pet/owner look-alike contest, pet-related products and services and much more. The event is free to attendees; race and mutt strut participants pay a $20 fee (includes a T-shirt).
The Foundation seeks pet-related vendors, sponsors and volunteers for this event. Contact the Foundation at (307) 363-1131 or furkidsfoundation@gmail.com for more information. Visit furkidsfoundation.org or facebook.com/furkidsfoundation.
About the Fur Kids Foundation
Created in 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County. The Foundation provides veterinary financial assistance to those who demonstrate a need in Campbell County, promotes and educate the importance of spaying/neutering and veterinary care for pets, and provides support for groups for pets and their owners. For more information, visit furkidsfoundation.org or facebook.com/furkidsfoundation.
GILLETTE, WYO., July 18, 2012—The average family can cope with the financial commitment involved with the day to day care of their beloved pets—activities, food, treats, yearly vaccinations, and more. But when a pet tears a ligament in their knee, unexpectedly jumps out of a moving vehicle, or ingests a rock that gets lodged in its intestines, the costs of keeping a fur kid healthy increase. And, those that are financially challenged are faced with a much bigger issue when their pet is ill or injured.
Situations much like the ones listed above are why the Fur Kids Foundation was created. Founded in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County. The purpose of the Fur Kids Foundation is to:
- provide veterinary financial assistance to those who demonstrate a need in Campbell County.
- promote and educate the importance of spaying/neutering and veterinary care for pets.
- provide support for groups for pets and their owners.
The Foundation was formed because of the loving bond between a human and a very special fur kid named Morgan. Mary Melaragno, Fur Kids Foundation vice president and secretary, adopted a bullmastiff named Morgan in August 2010. The three-year old pup quickly made her way into Mary’s heart. During a checkup appointment for a Morgan’s knee surgery in June 2011, the vet mentioned that her lymph nodes were enlarged. In a few short days, Morgan was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma and began chemotherapy. In November 2011, Morgan passed away peacefully in her home with her parents by her side.
“While I had the means to care for Morgan, I realized that there are families who love their pets as much as I loved Morgan who may not be able to afford treatments,” says Mary Melaragno. “I was discussing this with friends and we decided to create the Foundation. We saw a need for this service in Campbell County.”
Fundraising and Pet-A-Palooza
The Fur Kids Foundation filed for 501(c)(3) status in January 2012; however, the members have raised nearly $2,000, and would like to begin providing assistance in the community before 2013.
On September 15, the Fur Kids Foundation is hosting its first Pet-A-Palooza at CAM-PLEX Park, Shelter No. 5 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. This family friendly event features a 5K race and mutt strut, artistic dog house raffles, pet fashion show, pet/owner look-alike contest, pet-related products and services and much more. The event is free to attendees; race and mutt strut participants pay a $20 fee (includes a T-shirt).
The Foundation seeks pet-related vendors, sponsors and volunteers for this event. Contact the Foundation at (307) 363-1131 or furkidsfoundation@gmail.com for more information. Visit furkidsfoundation.org or facebook.com/furkidsfoundation.
About the Fur Kids Foundation
Created in 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County. The Foundation provides veterinary financial assistance to those who demonstrate a need in Campbell County, promotes and educate the importance of spaying/neutering and veterinary care for pets, and provides support for groups for pets and their owners. For more information, visit furkidsfoundation.org or facebook.com/furkidsfoundation.
