Quote Originally Posted by cyber-sibes View Post
I called the hospital & asked for a contact number for Phred, and I just talked to Joan (Phred's neighbors who are taking care of his dogs).

Joan & her husband Pat saw him 2 days ago. Her words were that he is a balancing act for the medical community right now. His heart, lungs, kidneys, & blood pressure are affected. His situation is very, very serious. (please keep in mind I'm not posting details, just feedback from the neighbors.)

I asked her if there is anything we (as the PT community) could do, and there is a situation coming up over the holidays that Joan & Pat would appreciate some help with. (She is thinking Phred probably won't be home living on his own yet by then.)

They have been close friends for years and have 2 dogs of their own. All the dogs get along nicely, but over the holidays they have a daughter with severe asthma who is coming to visit. They are very concerned that 5 dogs will be overwhelming for her. Pat & Joan would appreciate if someone could step forward to take Phred's dogs temporarily. The alternative plan is to board them during their daughter's visit.

I told her I would put the word out - so:
Is anyone here up for some canine company over the holidays? Do you know anyone who could take them in temporarily to help out?

I suggested that we on PT could possibly start a fund to help cover the kennel fee, if a temporary home isn't available. (It isn't the money as much as it would be done as gesture of friendship and support from all of us)

She said they don't mind having the dogs for now, that they've helped each other out in the past watching each others dogs. Should the situation change and Cinder, Smokey & Heidi need long-term care, they will have to consider the best course to take at that time.

Joan has my phone number and email, and will keep me updated as to Phred's situation. I'll post any update info here.

Personally I think starting a fund to help care for Phred's dogs over the holidays is a great idea, we all know how much he will appreciate that. If someone does step forward, we can still use any collected funds to help care for the "3 amigos."

Does anyone here have experience how to go about setting up a private fund?
Thanks Pat - I wasn't able to reach him on the cell phone and got concerned. I called the nurses desk and she asked if I was family and I said "darn close!"
Thanks for the update. I just talked to him and to be frank - he sounds extremely dire. He didn't know who I was. He sounds extremely weak. And I am to call tomorrow I'm not entirely sure he will be strong enough then or not.