The Farley Foundation: Helping People. Healing Pets

March 21, 2015

by Natalie Secretan

The Farley FoundatonEstablished by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) in 2001, the Farley Foundation is a wonderful organization that helps people on fixed income and those receiving disability take care of the veterinary needs of their pets.

Every pet owner knows how expensive non-elective veterinary procedures can be and sadly, many animals find their way into shelters because their owners simply can’t afford life-saving surgery. Recognizing the importance and value of the human animal bond, especially for the elderly and disabled who depend heavily on the companionship of their pets, the Farley Foundation has made a concerted effort to assist these individuals in our society who may benefit most, physically and emotionally, from pet companionship.

Thank you very much for paying for half of my surgery costs. We appreciate your kindness. I’m home now with my Grammie and the rest of my family and I feel a lot better. Meow for now.

We don’t need studies to tell us how vital pets are to our own health and well-being, but there are countless studies out there proving again and again that pets are indeed as valued as family members, especially for those living a solitary existence. Even thinking about your pet will elicit feelings of warmth and love.

Pets have an enormous impact on our social and emotional well-being. Just knowing you have someone to come home to at the end of the day is enough to make you feel good.

Pets can also reduce stress and anxiety. We’ve seen studies on Alzheimer’s patients who experience fewer anxious episodes when there is a pet living in the household. Even these patients’ caregivers experience less stress and improved well-being from living with a pet.

Interacting with your dog or cat has physiological effects such as increased production of dopamine (the feel-good drug of the brain) and serotonin that helps relieve stress. Petting your dog or cat lowers blood pressure and helps instill a feeling of calm. Pets are magical, a necessity of life and vet bills should never be a deterrent for people who long for the companionship and unconditional love that a pet can bring.

That’s where the Farley Foundation steps in. By subsidizing vet bills for non-elective treatment for the pets that mean the world to them, the Farley Foundation supports:

  • Seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement – GIS
  • Disabled individuals receiving the Ontario Disability Support Payment (ODPS) or the Canada Pension Plan – Disability (CPP Disability)
  • Women at risk of abuse entering registered women’s shelters, and who are participating in the OVMA SafePet Program.
  • Individuals receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works.

To find out more about the Farley Foundation or to make a donation, click here. It’s a cause worth supporting.

 

Photo Credit: Dave.See