Five-year-old Ellie has been part of Ms. B’s family since she was a puppy. Adopted from a local animal shelter, Ellie quickly became more than a pet. She became a beloved member of the family. Whether accompanying Ms. B on daily routines or relaxing at home with their rescue cat, Arnold, Ellie is at the center of Ms. B’s life. Ms. B describes her as her “best friend,” sharing that she looks forward to coming home each day to spend time with her.

When Ellie swallowed a rubber toy, Ms. B acted immediately, bringing her to VCA Tanglewood Animal Hospital. While Ellie had not yet developed clinical signs of illness, attempts to induce vomiting were unsuccessful. Her veterinarian, Dr. Megan Matthyssen, determined that endoscopic removal of the gastric foreign body was necessary to prevent a life-threatening obstruction. Fortunately, because Ellie is otherwise young and healthy, her prognosis following the procedure was excellent.

Despite always making Ellie’s medical care a priority, this unexpected emergency placed significant financial strain on Ms. B. Rising living expenses, her own ongoing medical expenses and an already costly year left her unable to absorb the full cost of an emergency procedure.

“Ellie is an excellent candidate for a Rusk Veterinary Assistance Grant,” Dr. Matthyssen said. “She is a sweet, well-cared-for young dog with an excellent prognosis if treated promptly with endoscopic removal of the gastric foreign body.”

“While Ms. B has consistently provided responsible and attentive care for Ellie, this unexpected emergency has left her emotionally and financially overwhelmed despite her best efforts to manage the situation,” she added.

Because of donor generosity, Ellie was able to receive the timely endoscopic procedure needed to remove the gastric foreign body and is expected to make a full recovery. Your support makes cases like Ellie’s possible. Each Rusk Veterinary Assistance Grant gives veterinarians the ability to act quickly in emergencies and helps ensure that beloved companions can remain safely with the families who depend on them most.

TVMF is here to support you too.
As the charitable arm of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, TVMF exists to support TVMA members in their day-to-day practice while also helping pets and their owners in need. From Rusk Veterinary Assistance Grants to disaster relief support and educational materials for your clients, don’t forget to take advantage of the valuable resources TVMF offers through your TVMA membership. Let us help you make a lasting impact—for your clients, their animals and your profession.