
REACHing more animals in need: Gus’s journey from hope to healing
Meet Gus, a lively five-month-old Pug whose boundless energy was suddenly halted by a severe corneal ulcer. His condition required an urgent surgery to remove his eye, but his owner was facing significant financial hardship. After losing her job and caring for a terminally ill family member, she was struggling to cover the cost of Gus’s surgery. Desperate for help, she turned to Dr. Laura Maston and her team at Island Pet Urgent Care.
Fortunately, Dr. Maston reached out for assistance from the AVMF REACH Program™—Reaching Every Animal with Charitable Healthcare. This program is designed to help veterinarians provide immediate, life-saving care for pets when financial barriers stand in the way.
Thanks to the collective generosity of AVMF donors, Dr. Maston was able to say “yes” and proceed with Gus’s surgery.
“It’s reassuring to know there’s a safety net for those who have exhausted all other options.” —Dr. Laura Maston, Island Pet Urgent Care
Today, Gus is fully recovered and back to being his playful, thriving self. His story is a testament to the power of veterinary care, compassion, and the generosity of donors who make these life-changing moments possible.
Together, we can REACH more animals in need.
Every day, animals like Gus face urgent medical situations, and your support can make all the difference. A gift today helps provide critical treatment for pets in need, ensuring they receive the care they require when it matters most. Your donation can help another animal start their own journey from hope to healing.
This program is supported in part by PURINA through the ProPlan Veterinary Support Mission.