Frankie's Friends

Sweetface the Ringbearer

Bonni Voiland — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:17:07 +0000

Sweetface is back to mischief!

Sweetface is our 13-year-old Pomeranian mix, who was adopted from a shelter almost 4 years ago. Sweetface has been a constant joy in our lives and is an important part of our family. We were delighted that he was the ring-bearer in our wedding this past October!

Sweetface had always been happy and healthy until about three weeks ago, when we noticed two small bumps on his neck. We were beyond devastated when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and learned that without appropriate treatment, he would only have weeks to live.

Given our current financial situation, we did not have the resources to fully cover the costs for Sweetface’s cancer treatment. But because of your help, we were able to begin chemotherapy right away and, so far, Sweetface has been responding incredibly well.

We hope that 2012 will bring on many blessings and happiness, and that Sweetface will be healthy and live to be a part of the memories we will share together in the year(s) ahead! Thank you again for helping us!

Comfort for Colette

Bonni Voiland — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:47:39 +0000

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. I had been out of work since May of that year, but I expected to find another job soon and saw no reason why I shouldn’t adopt her.

Three years and thousands of dollars in veterinary care later, I am still jobless. I look back and ask, ‘How could so much be going on in the same animal?’ 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. Our oncologist estimates that, with treatment, she may have as much as two years more to live. Colette is a lovely, sweet girl that deserves to live out her life to its full potential, but the only way I can pay for chemotherapy treatment without help from Frankie’s Fund is at the risk of bankruptcy.

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 you. I am so relieved and so thankful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
Carol

Thank you from Gigi

Bonni Voiland — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:17:04 +0000

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!

Bonni Voiland — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:21:26 +0000

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 Blue Pearl. 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 honestly thought I was going to be sent home with a sick dog. I was so thankful to Blue Pearl because they told me about Frankie’s Friends Kallee Varis Fund that helps with the cost of emergency care for pets from families who can’t afford it. Nino is now 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!

Olga

‘Thank you for another year with Dobe’

Bonni Voiland — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:34:50 +0000

Thanks to your generosity and the unbelievable care we have received from the oncologists at Blue Pearl, my dog Dobe and I have memories from an incredible year — a year we were not supposed to have had. When I first brought him in last fall, Dobe had stopped eating and was so weak. Tumors had taken his gallbladder and much of his liver. Without care, he 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. If anything, Dobe has more zeal than ever – he plays more, walks farther, and swims faster than ever before. I feel like every day he looks at me and says, “thank you.”

Some days I just hold him and cry for joy. If it were not for the Zeus Varis Fund, this would not have been possible. Financial troubles don’t always bend when you need them to the most. I could not have continued Dobe’s care without your help. You made possible the memories of this past year. Thank you, thank you. We can never thank you enough.

Truly yours,
Dobe and his “Mom”

The entire neighborhood loves Barney

Bonni Voiland — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:26:31 +0000

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

Bonni Voiland — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:58:26 +0000

(When I learned) Orion had a tumor in his small intestine, I was heartbroken. Orion has been my best friend for over 10 years and was only 6 weeks old when I got him. My choices were surgery and chemotherapy, or steroids to make him as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.

Once I finally processed what was happening, I struggled with whether to go through with such an invasive surgery at the Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners hospital in Brooklyn. With the help of the great doctors there I finally came to the decision that it was the right thing to do. During surgery, Dr. Danielson successfully removed the tumor and took a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node.

The biopsies came back and diagnosed Orion with small cell lymphoma. He began chemotherapy treatment with Dr. Oberthaler after he healed from surgery.

During the entire process there has 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! 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

Frankie's Friend Admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:04 +0000

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!”

Bonni Voiland — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:06:05 +0000

Our family would like to thank you for your generous support. Ever since our beloved golden retriever Yellow underwent surgery, our lives have changed. We were on the verge of a financial crisis for the cost treatment. 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

Bonni Voiland — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:47:45 +0000

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”