Furry Friend Feature: Buddy
We first met Buddy in April 2024, when he was suffering from painful skin allergies and hot spots. This sweet 15-year-old Akita mix shares his life with Wanda, a widowed senior living on a very modest Social Security income.
But their relationship is about so much more than pet and owner. Buddy is Wanda’s best friend and her whole world. They sing and dance together, Buddy gets a special meal on every holiday, and when chilly weather arrives, they keep each other warm.
Over the past 2½ years, we’ve stayed in touch with Wanda and Buddy, occasionally helping with checkups and medications to manage his ongoing allergies. Then, this past April, Wanda called us frantic: Buddy’s back legs had given out.
Helping Hands contributed toward bloodwork, diagnostics, and medication. Thankfully, Buddy responded well to Carprofen, an anti-inflammatory, and his mobility improved significantly.
In June, Buddy faced another health challenge when he needed surgery to remove three small masses. Once again, Helping Hands contributed toward his veterinary expenses. Unfortunately, the masses were malignant melanomas.
Given Buddy’s age, Wanda made the loving decision to focus on palliative care — keeping him comfortable and showering him with as much love as possible.
And recently, we heard from Wanda with some good news: Buddy is doing well!
His allergy medication, Carprofen, and a joint mobility supplement are helping keep him comfortable, but his prescription refills cost nearly $300. For someone living on a limited income, that’s a significant expense.
So Helping Hands was there again, helping ease the financial burden so Buddy can continue receiving the medications he needs. Wanda’s message to us afterward said more than we ever could.
“God bless you. We love you. May God multiply for you all that you have done for my dog and for me. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.” — Wanda
Since we first met Buddy, his wellness needs have changed — from managing allergies and routine care to mobility issues, diagnostic testing, surgery, ongoing medications, and now palliative care.
And that’s exactly the point.
Wellness isn’t one appointment, one medication, or one stage of a pet’s life. Sometimes it’s preventive care. Sometimes it’s managing a chronic condition or navigating an unexpected diagnosis. And sometimes, especially for a beloved senior pet like Buddy, it’s keeping them comfortable and giving them as many good days as possible.
Your support helps us be there through all of it.
