Kaileigh’s Story...

Kaileigh has been my best friend for almost 8 years now. I got her at the SPCA in Montreal in 2002. She was 6 months old. She has been there through countless moves and lifestyle changes. I was 21 when I got her. She has been the one constant in my ever changing life. She has been everywhere with me. She is the most patient dog in the world! Such a lovely soul – she truly is my soul mate.

A few weeks ago Kaileigh got sick. We had no idea what was wrong with her and she just kept getting worse. I took her in to see a vet down the street from where we live. He told me to give her some pepto, and if she's not better by the following Tuesday to bring her back in. He was going out of town. Throughout the day she got worse, and around 7pm I was extremely concerned. I called around, but the only vet open was the Veterinary Emergency Clinic (VEC) on Yonge St.

I brought Kaileigh in to the VEC – they admitted her right away and kept her there for 5 days. At first the specialist thought she might have cancer or a tumor, so they ran all sorts of tests. She was also on an IV to give her fluids to keep her hydrated.

I visited Kaileigh 5 times a day while she was in the hospital – I was just so worried about her and missed her so much. The staff at the VEC were incredible. Every single one of them. They made the experience much easier on me.

The cost for all of the diagnostic work to determine what was wrong with Kaileigh and figure out how to treat her was tremendous and without pet insurance, I did not have the ability to pay for all of it. I explained my financial situation to the doctor taking care of Kaileigh and she told me about the Companion Animal Wellness Foundation. I found out I that I qualified for funding as economically disadvantaged based on the low income measures. I was so relieved that I could be able to provide Kaileigh with the veterinary care she needed!

I am so incredibly grateful to the Companion Animal Wellness Foundation. Without them, I don’t know what would have happened to Kaileigh.

I am happy to report that Kaileigh and I are now back at home, it turns out that she doesn't have cancer, phew! Or a tumor, double phew! But she does have inflammatory bowel disease. She is home, on meds, steroids and a special diet, but she is very happy. She will only have to take the steroids for three months, and then only when she has a bad episode in the future.

-Jackie S.