news releases

In January 2004, the PETCO Foundation and the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) partnered to create the Public Service Canine Healthcare Fund -- a grant-making program to support the healthcare needs of current and retired certified search, arson, detection (includes search and rescue, water, wilderness, cadaver, avalanche, bomb, dugs), and patrol dogs.

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To date, some twenty-five canines been funded from the program. One grateful recipient is Barney, a Weimaraner, who is the partner of Kathleen Berard. Together they are a wilderness search and rescue team servicing the San Antonio, Texas area. During a search and rescue exercise, Barney was bitten by a rattlesnake. This was the beginning of a long ordeal of anti-venom treatments in addition to hydrotherapy sessions three times a day. The damage was extensive but they are now at the tail end of a long recovery and the prognosis looks good.

The fund is designed to assist working dogs, in service or retired, in cases where the handler is unable to meet the full cost of their medical care. All too often, these canines are in service to fire and police departments with stringent budgets. Unexpected medical costs place a particular burden upon them. The Public Service Canine Healthcare Fund provides the resources to alleviate the situation and preserve good dogs in service to the communities that need them.

Another example of the importance of this fund was a 2 yr old Chocolate Lab named Bear, who developed a blockage in his small intestine and needed surgery costing the state thousands of dollars. Gerald Engle, the handler, is affiliated with the Buffalo Special Police in New York. Bear is an explosive detection K9. Although his department wanted to assist, they were unable to do so because of budgetary restraints. "Within a week everything was taken care of. I was amazed," said Gerald.

"This is exactly how we envisioned this fund working, and we are grateful to have a partner like the Search Dog Foundation," said PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly. "These noble animals give of themselves for us, it is only right that we return the favor when they are in need."

Wilma Melville, Founder and Executive Director of SDF stated, "We remain appreciative of the PETCO Foundation and the visionary efforts it has taken to ensure that every canine in service is able to remain healthy and have a productive life".

ABOUT NATIONAL DISASTER SEARCH DOG FOUNDATION

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prepare rescue dogs and partner them with firefighters to become the most highly trained canine search teams in the nation. The Foundation is responsible for training over 40% of all of the nation's Advanced FEMA canine search teams and 80% of California's. Many of these dogs were once abandoned in shelters and now are helping to save lives -- in other words, from rescued to rescuer. Website: www.SearchDogsUSA.org or call 1-888-4K9-HERO

ABOUT PETCO

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO operates more than 670 neighborhood stores in 45 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at www.petco.com. The PETCO Foundation as raised more than $17 million since inception in 1999. More than 2,000 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

SOURCE: PETCO Foundation