PLEASE HELP SHIVA'S CENTER CONTINUE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY

If you'd like to donate to help animals like Brandy, Ranger, Coco and the gang, please go to our "Charitable Donation Information" page and make a donation. These companion animals are clear examples of pets that would have suffered unnecessarily or died without the help and generosity of strangers.

Whatever the situation, the fact remains the same: When an ailing pet is unable to receive veterinary care, it suffers. One animal at a time - we can and we do make a difference .

Kit Cat

Kit Cat is a 9 month old female kitten, adopted from the shelter two months ago by a college student. She has become his study buddy and all around best cat friend. On March 17 she was doing what young cats do – jumping on furniture – practicing her Cirque du Soleil type act when the unfortunate happened. The bookshelf she jumped from fell as did she... and the books or shelf or both... landed on the little girl.

She had a bladder rupture that had to be repaired surgically. Because the damage was so near her ureters, a longer hospital stay with a urinary catheter in place was mandatory. Her feline pal/parent is a college student and has lots of potential but nothing current by way of finances – but his mom, an animal lover and mom, wanted to and was willing to help out as best she could. But most of us have limits and mom had reached a limit that she couldn't pass... so the family applied for assistance through Buddy’s Fund. Kit Cat would be Shiva’s Center and Buddy’s Fund first cat ... not via discrimination ... just the way it’s gone so far. And Kit Cat is a well loved cat. His pet parent does not currently have a car – all resources towards education for now - but that did not keep him from visiting. Many times, he walked 45 minutes – each way to visit his beloved Kit Cat. He has come to love the little girl. The hospital staff has such tenderness and respect for his commitment and love for a kitty that he adopted just two months prior that when possible, they arranged rides to/from his apartment for the visits.

Kit Cat is headed home ... with a very good prognosis (barring more daring acrobatics). We hope to see her only as she peers through her apartment window at her lovely Santa Barbara view and not in any more emergency rooms or ICU's. We wish years of happiness and health to Kit Cat and her loving family.

Heidi

"Heidi" is a 12 yr Rottweiler Mix who was walking at a local Santa Barbara Beach with her dad one afternoon. After returning home, her owner noticed her having trouble eating her dinner. At that time he noted swelling in her throat area. He took her to her regular veterinarian who referred her to CARE when he quickly realized that this may become a life threatening situation. When she arrived she had severe swelling of her tongue base, throat and bruising of her neck. She was quickly treated for what was presumed to be a severe allergic reaction but her breathing difficulty worsened. An emergency tracheostomy was performed by CARE’s ER veterinarian, Dr. Stumpp. After a couple of days of intensive treatment, the swelling resolved, she was able to breathe on her own, and was discharged home to her family. Although the exact cause of Heidi’s ailment is unknown, an allergic reaction secondary to a bee or spider bite or some other beach dweller is suspected. Her pet parent is a local artist in Santa Barbara. Financially, he wasn’t prepared for a $3,700 bug bite! He called friends, family, and came up with as much as he could. His uncle stepped up and helped quite a bit. The $1,000 Buddy's Fund Award came within $350 of paying the balance. The veterinarians and technicians were touched by the devotion between this canine and his dad. The photo captures, what this non-profit is all about – the human-animal bond.

If you’d like to help animals like Heidi or “Heidi Bird” as her dad lovingly refers to her – please do. You can send a check to our address, make a credit card donation online or call us at Shiva’s Center to discuss how you would like to help. Buddy’s Fund – the medical assistance portion of the nonprofit is but one of several important programs that you would be supporting. Thanks in advance for your consideration and support!

Jackson

Jackson, is a 3 year old male Jack Russell Terrier, who was hit by a drunk driver on February 21, 2009. Jackson was walking on leash with his family member on the sidewalk along Shoreline Park when a drunk driver reportedly drove up onto the sidewalk and hit Jackson -- barely missing his family. The ‘driver’ got out of the car, apologized for hitting “the dog,” said he was “intoxicated,” returned to his car and fled the scene!!!. Jackson sustained significant injuries. He had severe chest trauma (rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax and a hemothorax) secondary to being hit by the drunk driver. The good news is that he is recovering; he is home and he is expected to make a full recovery. He is clearly a hardly little fella.

Like so many families struggling in this economy, Jackson’s family had to borrow money in order to save their family member’s life. If you happened to have been at Shoreline on 2/21/09 and/or have any information regarding the person who did this to Jackson and his family, please contact us at Shiva’s Center so that we can get the information to the appropriate authorities. This family paid a $7,000 bill. Shiva’s Center was privileged to help and pay their remaining balance of just over $800. But we’d like to see the person responsible step forward and pay Jackson’s medical bills. It’s simply the right thing to do. Thanks for helping Jackson’s family. Your donations make a world of difference and give families a chance to help their pet rather than having to base the life or death of their family member on money. We would love for this to not be a reality - - but it is. And with the worsening of the economy, we need your help even more. Your donations, large, small, one time, monthly, via your estate, cars for causes, anyway that you can help – helps us help the animals. Reading these stories helps put faces and stories to the ones who need us. Please give what you can.

Choya

Choya, a 6 year old female mixed breed - shall we say part St. Bernard - has Addison’s Disease. Addison’s Disease is an immune mediated illness that affects the adrenal glands. While difficult to diagnose, once identified, Addison’s Disease is very treatable. Carefully monitored dogs can go on to lead normal lives. Their prognosis is good. The family had been on a three day trip and had pet sitters attending to their beloved canine. However, the pet sitters did not realize how to interpret Choya’s progressive symptoms of lethargy and vomiting. In an otherwise healthy dog, vomiting or lethargy would be troubling, but not necessarily critical or life threatening – but in Choya’s case, her health was deteriorating by the moment. When the family returned from their trip, they found their dog close to death. They rushed her to C.A.R.E. Hospital for intensive and round the clock care. Her initial prognosis, given her condition, was guarded - at best. But Choya and her family soldiered ever forward - they were all determined to have her walk back out of that hospital. She was in the ICU for almost a week -- touch and go for a while -- before making a turn for life. No one, well except maybe Choya, could be happier than Victoria, Brian, and Samuel – Choya’s beloved family. They sacrificed a great deal to save her life, spent money they really couldn’t afford to spend during these economic times but did so willingly. Shiva’s Center is proud to have been able to help – even if only a portion of the bill. We wish Choya and her family years of health and happiness.

Zowie

Zowie, is a 7 year old Havenese who, along with her Internist Dr. Shannon Carley, her family veterinarian Dr. Beverly Holmes, and her family has been battling renal failure due to a Leptospirosis infection. Zowie is a real trouper. When she first presented at CARE, she was very ill and was given a guarded prognosis. However, Zowie has a very strong spirit. This spirit, along with medical care and TLC started tipping the balance towards health. Zowie has since made almost a complete recovery. This photo was taken the day she went home, smiling for the camera. We are always happy to see pets and their families head home in good health. We wish Zowie and her family many healthy, happy years together.

Senor “Tuffy” Perez

It is a privilege to introduce Tuffy, a 9 year old Jack Russell Terrier - a tender, loving soul who is as devoted to his dad as his dad is to Tuffy. Tragically, Tuffy was hit by a car in early October and suffered multiple pelvic fractures which are still in the process of healing. He’s been such a trooper, fighting for life, desperate to get home with his dad. It’s a privilege to see the two together. So obvious that the relationship transcends words that would only limit rather than capture their remarkable relationship. Their bond is palpable. You can sense it – feel it – and see how Mr. Perez has sacrificed everything he can – financially, emotionally and otherwise to save his little buddy. I wish that Buddy’s Fund wasn’t limited to $1,000 – the multiple surgeries required, critical care and round the clock nursing costs are now close to $20,000!!! And though Mr. Perez has come up with the bulk of it - he’s reaching his limit.

If you’d like to help Tuffy and his family – specifically – please call CARE (899-CARE) and let them know. If you are in a situation where you can help ease this families’ burden, please do so. They do not expect something for nothing. In fact, they’ve not asked for any assistance at all. Its situations and families like these- hard working, dedicated and responsible pet parents that Buddy’s Fund was established to assist.

Buddy’s Fund at CARE and Shiva’s Center Funds to promote our services and fund our programs are running low and we need your help. If you can, please go to our PayPal program on our website and securely donate to animals like Tuffy. By doing so you also keep the free pet loss support groups available, you help us continue to provide educational programs about the human-animal bond, and you help contribute to keeping specialists like those at CARE and our equine counterparts at Alamo Pintado in our community. We do not want Tuffy, Coco, Brandy or any of our animal families having to go out of county for treatment where their families can’t visit or the extent of the human animal bond isn’t fully appreciated. Help us keep veterinary specialists in Santa Barbara. Help us continue to treat both domestic and wild animals – there is no valid reason for them to suffer. We have the training, equipment and staff available. With your financial assistance, we can help those that cannot fully help themselves. And most importantly, send warm and loving thoughts to Tuffy and his family that his healing continues and that he’s back at work supervising his dad on the job very soon.

Collette

Collette, a 5 month old retriever mix, had been rescued by her family approximately two months prior to her accident and had become a loved member of the family. She was traveling with her family in their Jeep, held tightly in her mom's arms when she leaped from the Jeep onto the pavement. They were traveling about 25 MPH when their puppy (who also had a 20 foot leash attached) jumped from the Jeep. Of course, they stopped immediately.

Collette was taken directly to CARE Hospital for treatment for her badly injured paws. She had what is referred to as "degloving injuries" on all 4 paws. While all four paws were badly wounded, one paw was worse than the others, having a deep flesh wound on her toe. She was treated for shock and pain. Her wounds were cleaned, medicated and bandaged. Though her immediate crisis was stabilized - she would be in for a world of soreness as the paws healed - requiring frequent bandage changes, antibiotics, and of course, TLC.

Buddy's Fund was able to help Collette and her family literally get back on her feet again.

Ranger

Meet Ranger, a sweetheart of a guy! He ate a toy that made him very sick - blocking his intestines. His mom had just been laid off from her job and was absolutely distraught about how she could pay for his treatment. CARE attempted to reduce costs as best they could. For example, they attempted to protect his stomach by bulking him with food to see if the toy would move through, but the food also remained in his stomach, making him even more uncomfortable. Two choices remained ... surgery or endoscopy (because of the location of the object - it was worth an attempt to retrieve the plastic toy with an endoscope). Dr. Erich Stumpp, CARE’s Resident in Critical Care (under the watchful eye of our Board Certified Internist) went in with the endoscope and fished it out. This saved Ranger a surgery, recovery time, his total bill was much less, and he went home several days sooner than he would have after a surgery. He was a much happier and more comfortable boy. Without Buddy’s Fund at CARE (a component of Shiva’s Center) and your generous support, Ranger would not have been able to obtain the care he needed. So, Ranger, his mom, and Shiva’s Center thank you!

Brandy

Dr. Shannon Carley, one of CARE's internists called a member of Shiva's Centers Board with a plea to help Brandy. Diagnosed with IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), Brandy was given a "50/50" prognosis. Dr. Carley and the Internal Medicine Team - not to mention Brandy and her family - were not willing to surrender to those or any other odds. Dr. Carley said that there was something special about this girl and her will to live. This was matched only with her family's dedication to get her well. Brandy’s family put all of their financial reserves towards her care and while they were unsure of how they'd take care of themselves ... they'd worry about that later. They had to try to save their girl.

Without funding, Brandy would not have had a chance. She has improved greatly and is now home with her loving family. Pictured here with Dr. Lane (founder and president of Shiva's Center), are Brandy, and Brandy's dad and mom. We have their permission share to their story and photos. They wanted to send a personal thank you to the many individuals and businesses that support Shiva's Center and especially "Buddy's Fund at CARE".

So, a big thank you to those of you who donated and keep donating to Buddy's Fund at CARE. Here is one family's heart felt gratitude and, take it from me, one sweet puppy dog. (Dr. Trish Lane)

Brownie

Happening more than most people realize, Brownie, a little Chihuahua was accidentally stepped on by her human family. It's bad enough when our pets are ill or injured but when we do it - even though a total and complete accident - the terrible feelings are exponential.

Brownie, a 10 month old Chihuahua mix, was accidentally stepped on by her ‘mom’. As the family was facing some financial challenges and because Brownie is a youngster ... the family and the ER doctor at CARE opted a conservative first approach. They gave Brownie pain medicines and splinted her leg to see if it would heal on its own. It did not and the family returned with Brownie lame and in pain. Now, the remaining option was surgery which the family would be challenged to afford. However, like other Buddy's Fund Recipients, her family was dedicated to finding a way to take care of their girl.

After a number of discussions and CARE doctors advocating for Brownie and her family - Brownie's family applied for and met all criteria for Buddy's Fund at CARE. The family is clearly committed to this pup. They did try the conservative route given financial limitations but as sometimes happens -- the leg did not heal properly. Dr. Jack Henry and CARE's Surgical Department did a great job repairing her leg. Brownie is now home with her family -- enjoying all four legs.

To all of you who donate and keep donating to Buddy’s Fund - here’s a big thank you from Brownie’s family, CARE Hospital and Shiva's Center for the donations that made it possible to say yes. Yes, we'll help your family pay for the needed surgery to help Brownie walk pain free and without lameness. Please make a donation today so we can continue to help companion animals like Brownie and her family in their time of need.

A Letter from Coco's Family

Coco, a young Yorkie, is a recipient of Buddy's Fund at CARE. She was admitted to the watchful eye and service of Dr. Andrea Wells and her Internal Medicine Team at CARE Hospital. Coco had a rough go of it initially, she could not eat on her own and required a peg tube - and she was in and out of the hospital quite frequently for awhile. It was a lot of stress for a little pup ... but her family and the CARE family persevered. Coco would go on to make a full recovery. Below is a letter from Coco's mom:

Dear Andrea, Dyan, and Staff @ CARE Hospital,

Every once in a while you have an experience in Santa Barbara which is worth sharing. The premise of my letter to you is to not only celebrate the work of the CARE Hospital, but an effort to bring CARE and Buddy's Fund the praise and press it deserves.

CARE Hospital is Santa Barbara's only 24 hour emergency and specialty animal hospital. It is a pet emergency room, as well as a hospital for when your pet requires treatment or care that your veterinary office cannot provide. It is a gem tucked away on Haley Street that many of us do not know about until we so desperately need the services it offers.

Eight weeks ago my puppy Coco became ill. After two days at the vet's office, they were uncertain about her diagnosis, and we were heading into a weekend when the office would not be on hand to care for her. Our arrival at CARE was somewhat different for that of most patients, as we did not arrive in a trauma state, but with a very sick puppy with a very thick chart full of records.

Dr. Wells' expertise and her calming and reassuring manner helped us move forward with decisions for Coco's care that were extremely difficult. All of the CARE staff continually displayed patience, sensitivity and genuine concern. They are not only professional and talented doctors and staff members, but individuals completely devoted to animals, and to those who love them. I am continually humbled by our experience at CARE, and just overwhelmed with gratitude for all they have done. I believe that as a community we must celebrate and recognize what is truly good in our midst.

Very truly yours
Denise Glesby

Casey the mighty Cavalier King Charles

July 2008, almost 9-year-old Casey was admitted to CARE’s ICU. Her family had been evacuated from the Goleta fires. As the fires raged and the family evacuated, Casey began vomiting and showing signs of illness. Her primary care vet had been evacuated as well so her family took Casey to another vet who performed supportive care and returned her to her family. Now several days after having been sick, Casey began to “crash.”

When she presented to CARE’s Emergency Department, she was critical. After a thorough exam and some supportive measures, the first course of action was to have CARE’s Internal Medicine specialist perform an ultrasound. Findings indicated a small intestinal foreign body and an intestinal obstruction. Off to surgery she went - her mom suspecting a small plastic toy. Our emergency surgeon found a small toy (just as mom suspected) that Casey had ingested – it was lodged in her intestines.

Casey had also developed a case of aspiration pneumonia. Determined and ever so cute - she’d stand in her cage wagging her tail (albeit weakly) – slowly but surely improving. She was not going to die. Not for this toy! A week in the hospital, a lot of tender loving care, top notched medical professionals and the resilience of a little girl named Casey has the kind of ending we all hope for. She went home, happy and sore but feeling much better.

UPDATE: August 8, 2008. Casey’s mom reports that Casey is doing “GREAT.” “She’s back to her usual self.”

How you can help : Donate.

As the founder of this wonderful organization, I am humbled that last month (September 2008) a group of young children set up a stand to sell lemonade to help fight canine cancer. The kids' Golden Retriever, Ginger, had recently died of cancer, and together they collected an impressive sixty dollars. Also this year, school children from the Cold Springs School District chose Shiva's Center as their organization to sponsor for 2008. The children had a talent show and other sales and earned almost $2,500 - TWENTY FIVE HUNDRED dollars!!!. Together these kids have helped save and comfort several animals, sponsored several pet loss support groups and keep helping us get the word out to help animals and the people who love them. The generosity of their time and commitment to there beloved companions as well as their earnest act of kindness inspires me to keep asking each of you to do what you can. If you can't help financially, perhaps you can volunteer at our upcoming fundraiser - December 6 at Elings Park.

Please donate now - donations are tax deductible!. You can securely charge your donation on this website via Pay Pal or send a check to our address listed on the website. Please - help us, help them. No amount is too small. If you can't give cash but own a business, you can donate gifts 'in kind' ... for example restaurant certificates, gym memberships, spa treatments, pet toys, food or supplies, cases of wine, opportunities for people to check out your business and hopefully become regulars. Gifts in kind are also tax deductible. We're also looking for Vendors, sponsors, all forms of donations, and volunteers for our first ever fundraiser, Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Elings Park.

Warmly,
Trish Lane (The humble mom of my teacher, muse, entertaining, spiritual guide, Shiva girl. She started it all. She's the reason CARE Hospital is here and she's the reason Shiva's Center was founded. You too can honor your loved one by joining in our efforts).