Grants in Action: Copper View Angel Foundation

As mentioned here, The Allen Foundation is always looking for charitable activities of a “new and innovative nature” to which we can provide support.

Now, we’re pleased to begin a series of articles called “Grants in Action,” where we relate how our Grant Recipients are making a real impact.  This helps us all to, in the words of our Board Chairman David Casarotto:  “Imagine what kind of world we could produce.”

For our inaugural “Grants in Action” profile, we’re delighted to feature the Copper View Angel Foundation.

Located in Riverton, Utah, the Copper View Angel Foundation was organized to provide financial support for quality care to animals in need, in association with the Copper View Animal Hospital.

Here are just a few examples of how the Copper View Angel Foundation is using Grants from The Allen Foundation to further its mission:

Meet Remi Kearney

Remi Kearney, a five-month-old Belgian Malinois, was the first recipient of the Copper View Angel Foundation. Remi was hit by a car, and was taken to Cottonwood Animal Hospital where they found her femur was broken in multiple places (which requires large and complicated surgery to repair), and her owner was having difficulty finding the money.  Being so young, Remi has a good chance of living a long happy life after surgery, so Remi’s owner was against any amputation, and did not want to euthanize Remi. So, the Copper View Angel Foundation was the perfect answer to help pay for the surgery Remi needed!

Remi lives with her mother, who is also a Belgian Malinois. Before the surgery she was highly energetic and very loving, and we hope she goes through surgical recovery and physical rehab well and can continue her happy energetic lifestyle. Travis, Remi’s owner, is extremely grateful for the foundation's involvement in Remi's surgery.

Meet Baloo West

Baloo West, an eight-year-old male Boxer, was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on the ear. The owners did not have the financial ability to perform the surgery and keep the cancer from potentially spreading. When Baloo returned to a follow-up appointment, The Copper View Angel Foundation was able to help!  Veterinarians were able to perform a “pinnectomy,” or removal of the entire ear flap, on the ear with the tumor. This provided Baloo with a much more comfortable life and chance at keeping the tumor from spreading. Baloo’s owners were very grateful for the financial support that the foundation provided. 

While Baloo was only able to live a few months after the surgery, his quality of life was much improved.  He was such a happy dog.

Meet Oakley

Oakley, a young French Bulldog, had broken its leg when it had an accident with the kids outdoors. Right before Christmas, and with a newly married family, the price for surgery was too great. Oakley would have a long life ahead of her if her leg could be repaired properly. 

The Copper View Angel Foundation was able to provide financial support to Oakley and her family so she could have her leg repaired, and give her the best chance of a long happy life!

Meet Maggie Thill

Maggie Thill, a seven-year-old Mastiff, was diagnosed with an “open” pyometra; not as life-threatening as it could be, but still an urgency that needed to be addressed. Once surgery and treatment were discussed with Josh, the owner, it was discovered that Josh did not have the financial ability to perform surgery to save Maggie’s life. Josh was devastated, and was going to choose humane euthanasia to keep Maggie from suffering further. At this point the Copper View Angel Foundation was brought into the conversation, so Maggie could have her surgery performed!  Josh was thrilled and contributed what he could to the costs. Maggie had a same-day spay performed to remove her infected uterus and is recovering well with Josh, who takes great care of her. 

Mastiffs don't live a very long life, but this surgery should help her have a healthy few remaining years with Josh.

Meet Rogue

Rogue, an eleven-year-old Chinese Pug, had been dragging his hind legs for a few days. This is an indication that the patient had neurological damage or abnormalities that need to be addressed. These issues can quickly become permanent, so the conditions need to be identified quickly and can become surgical. When Rogue was initially seen, it was clear that advanced imaging with an MRI or CT scan was needed. These services are expensive, and it is unclear if surgical intervention afterwards will be needed (which costs even more). 

The Copper View Angel Foundation was able to help Rogue and his owners get to Bark City Specialists in Park City, Utah for the advanced imaging! Thankfully no surgery is needed at this time and his owners will keep a close eye on him. 

Meet Ripley

Ripley, a one-year-old Pomsky, had eaten an extremely dangerous amount of Rimadyl (which is an NSAID and is usually prescribed as an anti-inflammatory pain medication). Ripley had eaten more than 100 times its appropriate dose…which is toxic to the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. This kind of toxicity needs to be hospitalized, and Ripley’s internal organ function needs to be monitored. Ripley’s owners needed help with the funds for such an expensive and intense hospital stay. The Copper View Angel Foundation was happy to help pay for Ripley to go to Medvet in Salt Lake City to get the care she needed. 

Ripley is doing very well after her hospitalization!

Keep up the great work, Copper View Angel Foundation!

Article by:

Mike Bush, Strategic Advisor, The Allen Foundation

Bri Melton, Copper View Angel Foundation