BIG DONATION BOOSTS ANIMAL SERVICES’ SPIRIT FUND

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By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego

This video, produced in 2011, gives an overview of the Spirit Medical Trust Fund and how it helps animals in need. https://youtu.be/d2g8-qhMLKU

April 11, 2017 (San Diego) -- An anonymous donor has given County Animal Services’ Spirit Fund more than $101,000, an amount that will help dozens more sick and injured animals get the specialized medical care they need to lead healthy lives in new adoptive homes.

The County Board of Supervisors approved the acceptance of the donation during a board meeting Tuesday. That brings the Spirit Medical Trust Fund’s current total from $127,315 up to $228,597.

“Thanks to the compassion and generosity of not only this donor but everyone else that has donated to the Spirit Fund, we’ll be able to continue to provide veterinary care above and beyond the capabilities of our shelters, giving more animals the chance at a forever home,” said County Animal Services Director Daniel DeSousa.

The Spirit Fund began in July 2008, after a 10-week-old puppy was found savagely beaten near the Mexican border. Despite her many injuries, she was still loving and hadn’t lost her spirit. As a result, the dog was named Spirit.

Her plight gained national attention and donations poured in to help with her medical care. So much money came in, the department started the Spirit Medical Trust Fund to help other animals in need of expensive treatment.

Since that time, hundreds of animals have received medical attention. Among them, Scooter, a dog born with an unusual deformity and Frankie, a poodle that had been abused. Both of them were then adopted.

If you’d like to contribute to the Spirit Fund, visit the department’s Spirit Fund donation page.


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