Recently, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) awarded its 2,500th financial grant to save the life of a local family pet in need of critical veterinary care. Charlie, an adorable 5-year-old terrier mix, is FACE’s 2,500th life saved. Suffering from a near-fatal infection, Charlie was close to death. Thankfully, her story didn’t end here.  

Charlie came into Janine and Paul’s family when she was a young pup. Paul, Janine and their two teenagers have loved Charlie and cared for her dearly ever since. Paul remembers when they first got her: “Another family said she was too needy. She was very standoffish and skittish. Over time, once she realized we weren’t going to abandon her, she became more comfortable. Now, five years later, we can’t imagine our lives without her.” 

Recently, the family noticed Charlie acting lethargic, uninterested in playing, vomiting, and refusing treats – they knew something was wrong. After rushing her to the vet, it was determined that Charlie has pyometra – an infection in unspayed female dogs that if left untreated can be fatal. Her veterinarian at VCA Animal Medical Center of El Cajon recommended emergency surgery to save Charlie. Her family never expected anything like this to happen to her, which is why educating pet owners about the health benefits of spaying and neutering is so important. They didn’t have the funds to cover this life-saving procedure and were in desperate need of help. Without this surgery, Charlie wouldn’t have been able to make it. 

Both Janine and Paul are seniors working to make ends meet. After a major fall three years ago resulting in injury, Janine is now disabled and wheelchair-bound. Her fall and injury caused Janine deep depression, making her almost unrecognizable to their entire family. Her rehabilitation therapist suggested incorporating Charlie into her rehab, and she quickly transitioned back to her old self. Through tears, Paul told us, “I honestly credit Charlie with saving my wife’s life. Though she is still wheelchair-bound, Charlie helped get her through this tough time. Charlie is always by her side.”

Thankfully, FACE’s supporters were able to raise enough funds to get Charlie the surgery she needed. She is now resting comfortably at the hospital and will be coming home to her family later today.  

Founded in 2006 to alleviate the tragedy of “economic euthanasia,” the FACE Foundation provides financial assistance to San Diego pet owners who are unable to afford the cost of critical or emergency veterinary care for their beloved companions. To date, FACE has given over $4.5M in life-saving grants and works with over 169 local veterinary hospitals. FACE’s network of partner hospitals generously discount their fees by at least 25%. 

FACE relies on the generosity of its donors to come to the aid of families and pets in need. In celebration of our 2,500th life saved, FACE is asking for gifts of $25 to help continue saving the lives of animals in need. To make a donation, please visit http://bit.ly/face4pets-donate or call 858-450-3223. 

The Foundation for Animal Care and Education is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity. To learn more about FACE, visit www.face4pets.org. 

Read more about Charlie’s story here: https://face4pets.org/face-saves-2500th-life-meet-charlie/