(some names and photos have been changed to protect privacy)

Times have been hard for Hayley, her 20-year old son, and their adopted four-legged family members, who have been living off AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) for the past several years, and who recently were forced to seek new living arrangements. After a ‘temporary’ arrangement for Hayley to do dog-sitting turned permanent, she spent nearly all her time with her pets due to her continuing inability to leave the house for prolonged periods of time. 

Their apartment had flooded four times in the past three years, and due to her restricted mobility, the ten flights of stairs Hayley had to take every day had become unbearable. Yet moving to a new place would mean losing their living subsidy. Deeply entrenched in the social services appeal process, they found themselves completely unable to respond to the financial burdens they were facing. 

Tragedy struck first in November of 2015, and again at the start of this year when first their treasured cat passed away from kidney failure, followed almost immediately by severe dental issues for Barry, their five-year-old toy Pomeranian/Japanese Chin cross. After noticing a putrid stench arising from his mouth, and realizing that he had not been able to eat for the previous four days due to intense pain, Hayley whisked him to the veterinary clinic. A free consultation revealed that his teeth had been growing into his bottom lip, causing severe infection. Pain medication and antibiotics were immediately administered, but it soon became clear that further action would need to be taken if Barry was to survive the ordeal. 

After the previous emotional devastation of losing their cat of 17 years, bankrupting their savings trying to ease her passing, and then losing their living subsidy, the prospect of being unable to care for their remaining furry family member was unbearable. Hayley states that she “emotionally could not have handled losing this dog”, with whom she was “attached at the hip”. Desperate and afraid of losing her closest companion, she searched for a way to get Barry the aid he needed to pull through. Thankfully, Hayley’s sister had heard of the Alberta Helping Animals Society (AHAS) which worked in conjunction with Tails of Help (TOH)), and they rushed to apply for financial aid. 

Together, the AHAS, TOH, and the veterinary clinic were able to provide Barry with the vital medical attention he needed, resulting in the removal of his bottom and front teeth. “He’s a whole new dog” said Hayley, amazed at what a difference the operation had made on the quality of life and personality of her dearest friend. 

Now, after his amazing recovery, Barry can be found chasing his favorite sock ball, eating his special dog food, and grudgingly enduring daily tooth brushing, which he hates. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” was all Hayley could say concerning her feelings towards Tails of Help, her voice brimming with a flood of emotions. After seeing the amazing difference that these vital organizations had made in the lives of her and her family, she is now eager to be a champion for TOH and the AHAS at every opportunity, adding how grateful she is for the quick and extremely important help she received. 

“I would have gone hungry before I gave up on this dog,” Hayley said, voicing her sincerest thanks to everyone involved in saving the little dog she loves so dearly, and with whom she looks forward to sharing many long years in the future.