Erin's Hope Fund

We, at Vet-I-Care, are happy to announce the naming of the main fund in honor of "Erin," a Cocker Spaniel whose story exemplifies the human-animal bond that drives us to help needy pets. Erin is owned by Katherine and Alan Boardman. Katherine, the president of Vet-I-Care, is a passionate supporter of aiding all animals and we are so blessed to have her as our leader. Please read Erin's story below and if you feel so moved, contribute to the fund. Thank you for visiting our website.

Sincerely,
Vet-I-Care

Erin's Story:

Erin came into our lives on Saturday, November 18, 1995, my father's birthday. She was a throw away pup at the age of 9 months. A neighbor of my parents found her tied up in the boiler room of his school - her owner was taking her to be put down that day! Steven brought Erin home but his wife said no to a third dog. Erin was, at this point, offered to us. We immediately said yes.

The very next day, Sunday, began Erin's love affair with the vet. We found that she was urinating blood from a kidney infection that had been left unattended and she was infested with a variety of bugs (large & small). We also found that she had been badly beaten. All you had to say was "no" and she collapsed on the floor and put her paws over her head all the while shaking. It was pitiful. Erin also did not know what it was to eat or drink out of a bowl. She was so skinny that we often said you could play a tune on her ribs. Alan & I decided to keep her name - she knew it - but that was all you would ever see of the old Erin.

For Alan and me, it was love at first sight. For me, she was my salvation as she pulled me out of a bad depression. Till this day, 15 years & 10 months later, I believe that puppy helped center me and save my life. She gave me a new purpose for living and for that I will always be grateful. Aside from a brief hospital stay recently, we have only been apart for 4 days out of the last 15+ years.

Alan and I have seen Erin through multiple operations and procedures over the years. All I can say is that Erin is "Grace under fire." Never once has she been nasty or bad tempered, not even a growl has passed her lips. We have slept together on the floor during recovery times, walked the streets at 4am, carried her certain ways for particular operations and she has been nothing short of awesome on these occasions. In short, she has always been there for us and we have always been there for her. We are the Three Musketeers - one for all and all for one.

Erin's longevity is due mainly to the extraordinary care and attention she has received throughout the last 14 ^1/2 years from Dr. Daniel Stobie (Erin's personal Guardian Angel) and the wonderful team of gifted doctors and caring support staff of NorthStar Vets. Dr. Stobie together with Dr. Tammy Anderson, Dr. Kristina Vygantas, Dr. Sheila Gomez, Dr. Eric DeRose and Dr. Rosalie LoScrudato have kept Erin on her feet through two cancer operations, two patella luxations, an ACL with ripped meniscus, food allergies, high blood pressure, disc issues, facial paralysis (both sides), Cushing's disease, diabetes insipidus and cognitive dysfunction to name but a few. Without these doctors and the caliber of care Erin has received from them, we do not believe that she would still be with us had she gone to any other animal hospital. We have often said that if Dr. Stobie were to move to Timbuktu, we would be right along side of the moving van.

Sad to say, Erin's fight for life came to an end on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 15 years 11 months. The doctors and staff of NorthStar VETS could not have been kinder or more compassionate. Our girl's passing was handled with dignity and love. We miss her terribly and, as always, she is with us every day in our hearts and minds.

Katherine Boardman