Brown Dog Foundation is an amazing nonprofit that helps families and their fur babies in times of need. I’ve seen them help in my own life (years ago with our black lab’s ACL surgery we got a referral for) and have tried to help in return along the way. We’ve attended the wine dinner and got Top Cat of the year a few years back by raising funds. What a beautiful, breath of fresh air BDF is!
In 2009, a friend called that his Old English Sheepdog had been diagnosed with a non-malignant growth in his pallet. This growth would eventually make it impossible for Oliver to eat. My friend, David, was ill and going through a divorce and could not afford the surgery. I did an online search for help and Brown Dog Foundation came up. I completed the application and within hours, the founder, Carol Smock, contacted me. We obtained the surgery needed, with the help of the Brown Dog Foundation, and Oliver lived many happy years after the surgery. Carol advocated for Ollie and helped secure veterinary aid, and financial assistance. Oliver would have been euthanized without Carol Smock and The Brown Dog Foundation. I have been a supporter of this foundation since experiencing the dedication and wonderful work this foundation does to provide aid to pets in need.
In 2005, one of my greyhounds was diagnosed with a form of cancer that was operable. She was only 2.5 years old, so I felt in my heart it was important for me to fight for her life. Unfortunately, my heart wasn't supported by my budget at that time. Fortunately, I was able to borrow money from my family and Eve became a $20K greyhound. My story had a happy ending and Eve lived for 7 more years cancer free. If I had not had someone to turn to financially that wouldn't have been the ending.
I met Carol Smock, the founder of Brown Dog Foundation, in 2009. We got together for breakfast so that I could learn more about the mission and that was all. I left the breakfast after leaving Carol with a personal check for Brown Dog. Once she told me her story - I was hooked. I couldn't help but reflect on my experience and know exactly how it feels to have a baby that needs medical help when the dollar signs seem out of reach.
I am still actively involved in supporting Brown Dog financially every opportunity I can get. So many non-profit organizations suffer from mission creep and Brown Dog is not one of those. One thing that I have admired about the organization is that it has stayed focused on what it does best since its inception. I don't believe it is necessary to replay all of the personal stories as you can find those on the website. I support as many non-profit organizations as I can, and Brown Dog is one that will be on my list for years to come.
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I have always had dogs and cats in my life so I know that they are much more that pets they are family members. When one of our greyhounds was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age we knew that we wanted to fight it with everything we could. Unfortunately we didn't have enough financial resources at the time to cover all of the expenses. Fortunately my sister helped us out and Evie lived for 6.5 more years as a happy pup. Many pet parents do not have access to money when their pets get sick and that is why Brown Dog is so important!
The Brown Dog Foundation saved my babies life, LITERALLY! My furbaby was diagnosed with cancer and I had no way of financially paying the entire bill to save her. Brown Dog Foundation stepped up in a HUGE way! Not only did they help me with the cost of having the surgery performed to remove the cancer, but they helped me keep my girl with me even longer by helping pay the costs of her monthly medications. Carol was not only extremely helpful to me when going through the application process, but she also became my friend. I am forever grateful to Carol and the Brown Dog Foundation.
After my divorce in 2006, life became quite a struggle for me as a single mom.
My son and I had two cats and two dogs, all the same bills, and living on 1/3 of the income.
Our cockapoo, Wagner developed a black growth on lis upper lip a few years later. It was melanoma. I could not afford surgery. The vet gave me the contact info for Brown Dog. I contacted them and asked for help.
They agreed and paid for all of his treatment. It saved Wagner’s life.
He lived 5 more years to the ripe old age of 15 and a half. He was the sweetest, most loyal dog ever!
Through the process, I was able to meet Carol Smock, the founder of the organization. She is a wonderful person, and though we are now only in contact through facebook and messenger, I consider her to be a dear friend.
She took a time of hardship in her life and the loss of her precious dog and used that experience to save the lives of countless pets.
Brown Dog Foundation helped me when my beloved dog Cal had a medical emergency and incurred thousands of dollars in medical bills. There was no guarantee of recovery but I wanted to do everything in my power to give Cal a chance. Years later he is still going strong and thriving.
Carol and the foundation were so kind and compassionate through the application and grant process and even followed up with me later to see how Cal was doing. Their support eased a tremendous burden and I am so glad each time I see another story of how they helped another beloved family member.
In December of 2016, my beloved dog, Aspen was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. A canine oncologist advised me that there was a treatment available that could prolong Aspen’s life by up to a year, but it could not cure him. Although the treatment cost more than I could afford, I authorized the vet to begin that same day.
When I got home, I researched organizations that assist pet owners with catastrophic veterinary bills. I contacted several nonprofits, but only the Brown Dog Foundation helped me. Aspen needed six chemotherapy sessions. BDF generously paid for one treatment and gave me an interest-free loan to cover another one.
I was and remain very grateful for this kind gesture. Aspen responded very well, and despite that initial prediction, 18-months after his first treatment Aspen was diagnosed cancer free! The specialist termed his cure “a miracle” because he had never seen that type of cancer cured before. Without the Brown Dog Foundation’s help, Aspen wouldn’t have had his miracle cure. Although old age eventually claimed Aspen, I am forever thankful to the Brown Dog Foundation for being there for Aspen and me when we needed financial assistance.
Carol, her team and all the volunteers and donors truly do something amazing for families and their beloved four-legged family members. I’ve talked to countless people who were able to save their pet by turning to Brown Dog and each has been full of gratitude that there was an organization that allowed them more time to love and be loved by their pet.
I have not had to call on Brown Dog although I do donate when I can. I know that when and if the time comes that Gizmo needs them, that I can certainly call on them for help. This is a wonderful foundation for our furbabies.
Brown Dog Foundation has helped many pet owners that come into our hospital to be able to get their dogs the medical care that they need. There is a great need for this as many families cannot afford the cost of veterinary care for their furry animal friends.
We love helping Brown Dog and the pets that need assistance with medical treatments. We understand fully the financial strain that comes with medical care. We love helping Brown Dog both with treating patients as well as donating to this wonderful cause. Thank you so much for the great work that you do!
Brown Dog Foundation helped me immensely when my newly adopted dog Piggy was diagnosed with heartworm, and I was not going to be able to keep her because I am disabled and unable to afford the treatment to help cure her. Because of the Brown Dog Foundation, my Baby is cured of heartworms and as healthy as can be and will be with me for a long time. I am so very grateful to the Brown Dog Foundation and so is my pack.
I donate to Brown Dog for the cost of medical bills for our pets is rising every year. They help family’s and they do it fairly. Carol is such a wonderful, trusting leader and has made the difference in so many peoples lives.
We need more people like her helping more family’s. Brown Dog is truly a life changer no -profit.
Brown Dog Foundation helped me immensely with my dog's medical bills after she was diagnosed with Dermal Hemangiosarcoma in 2019. She needed surgery to remove a mass and I only had enough money to pay for the ultrasound and x-rays. I wouldn't have been able to get the life-saving surgery without them!
After my boyfriend passed away in 2018, I had no help with finances and my dogs had become my entire life. I'm eternally grateful for Brown Dog - my sweet girl wouldn't be here without them. The staff was so helpful and professional.
Friday's surgery was in April 2019 and as of September 2022, she's still in remission!
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Brown Dog Foundation helped me immensely with my dog's medical bills after she was diagnosed with Dermal Hemangiosarcoma. She needed surgery to remove a mass and I only had enough money to pay for the ultrasound and x-rays. I'm on disability, so I wouldn't have been able to get the life-saving surgery without them.
After my boyfriend passed away in 2018, I had no help with finances and my dogs had become my entire life. I'm eternally grateful for Brown Dog - my sweet girl wouldn't be here without them.
Friday's surgery was in April 2019 and as of this May (2020), she's still in remission!
The thought of having to put your beloved pet to sleep only because you do not have the financial means to pay for their illness or injury is unthinkable. That is where Brown Dog comes in - an angel for these four-legged friends and their families. I have donated for several years as I truly believe in this organization and it’s mission. So many pets have been saved and live long healthy lives with their families because of the financial assistance from Brown Dog.
A top-notch organization that is dedicated to keeping pets and their families together by providing financial assistance for veterinary care.
While I personally have not needed the services of Brown Dog Foundation (thankfully!), they provide a much needed resource for pet lovers who face the heartbreaking scenario of not being able to afford the care that would save their much beloved pet. What Brown Dog Foundation does is literally life and death, and not just for the animals. involved. For many, a pet may be the one source of love, companionship, and in some cases, a reason for getting out of bed in the morning. I am honored to support this foundation and the important work they do.
Brown Dog Foundation is a literal lifesaver for pets who need veterinary care and the families who love them. In the current economic climate, many pet owners simply can't pay out of pocket for the full upfront cost of veterinary care - especially emergency or surgical care. Brown Dog helps fill in the gap for these pet owners, who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. I am a big fan of this organization because their mission keeps pets and their people together, and reduces the heartbreaking frequency of economic euthanasia and owner surrender of pets. Brown Dog is an innovator in coming up with sustainable, creative methods for helping more pet owners afford veterinary care, and they are deeply committed to improving financial access to care across the socioeconomic spectrum, as is evident through their activities and alliances with other organizations with similar missions. They are honest, transparent, empathic and compassionate. If you care about animal welfare and the human-animal bond, Brown Dog Foundation is worthy of your support, because they truly recognize and honor the sanctity of the human-animal bond.
We cannot thank Brown Dog enough!!! What an amazing nonprofit organization. They helped remove a bladder mass for our pup Bentley and saved his life!!! Forever grateful. Wonderful staff.
I can not say enough good about this nonprofit organization. They helped me and my pup, Gus get two lumps removed in August without their help I would not have been able to do this myself. Again, thank you Brown Dog Foundation
Hi my name is Iona and Brown Dog Foundation helped me and my Murphy dog out when he got sick and had cancer and helped with the medicine and doctor visits and treatment. I am very thankful for the foundation and all the help they gave me and Murphy
Our experience with The Brown Dog Foundation was awesome. Soldier our pit bull had bad experience and we didn't have the funds to do all the test and medical care for him. Brown Dog Foundation came to our rescue. Carol Smock and Dr. Hatcher help us. The Foundation helps people who cannot afford the cost for the treatment for our pets. They are the best. Please if you can donate to them. They do help our pets. Brown Dog Foundation is a worthwhile cause that does important work!
Brown Dog Foundation has been a God Send in my life and that of my 12 year old terrier mix, Allie. When I was facing more than my share of life challenges and found myself physically unable to work, Allie was diagnosed with a high probability of Cushing's disease. My veterinarian referred me to Brown Dog Foundation and I reached out immediately for help. At that time, without Brown Dog's help, I could not have afforded to have her testing done for correct diagnosis or purchased the necessary medications to keep my Allie as healthy as she could be. I probably would have lost my sweet girl. They helped save her life. They gave me hope. Since their assistance, I have volunteered for the organization whenever possible and have witnessed and heard many stories from others about how Brown Dog has made such a huge impact on the lives of pet owners/pet parents and their pets. When a pet parent is being faced with hardships such as personal illness, sudden loss of employment, etc., and their beloved pet companion is suddenly injured or becomes ill, it is devastating and overwhelming. Brown Dog helps bring recovery to the pet and hope to the pet parents. I cannot find the words to express how valuable this charity is to so many people. I am so grateful for their existence!
The Brown Dog Foundation has had a tremendous impact on pets being able to receive the care they need. Too many times I've seen owners have to make difficult choices because of financial constraints, but with the help of the BDF, owners and their pets have viable options.
What this organization has done and continues to do simply amazes me. I encourage all veterinary hospitals to consider working with the BDF and donating to this wonderful cause.
Carol, thank you for all of your hard work!
I have both volunteered and donated to this organization and will continue to do so into the future. The organization helps families pay the hefty vet bills that are often associated with injured or ill pets. No one should have to make the difficult decision to treat or not to treat but unfortunately, during these difficult economic times, many families are faced with this harsh reality. Brown Dog Foundation is a worthwhile cause that does important work!