Healing is at the heart of what we do Cornell University Hospital for Animals
Dear friends, Healing is at the heart of what we do. And we couldn’t do it without you. The mission of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals is to heal. Every day, our world-class veterinarians deliver innovative and compassionate care to pets and comfort to their families in times of need. You have experienced it first-hand. For thousands of pets and people every year, the hospital’s cutting edge treatments extend and enhance lives. Among the top veterinary teaching hospitals in the world, Cornell’s hospital is an exceptional resource that delivers a level of medical care for animals that is available in few other places.
Among the top veterinary teaching hospitals in the world, Cornell’s hospital is an exceptional resource that delivers a level of medical care for animals that is available in few other places.
We simply could not do it without pet owners and animal lovers like you, who make this vital work possible. You and your pets play an integral role in our tradition of excellence, for which we are truly grateful. We thank you for your support and hope you take pleasure in knowing it helps us heal animals. We’re pleased to share a few of the heartwarming stories of how your partnership has helped save the lives of pets and enhanced those of the people who love them. Sincerely yours,
Margret Thompson, DVM Interim Director, Cornell University Hospital for Animals
The big picture makes all the difference
“It was a relief to actually know what was wrong,” says Jodi. “Dr. Lucy said that as long as we keep the IBD under control, there’s no reason why Truffles shouldn’t live a full life.”
When Jody Littlefield brought home Truffles, a West Highland White Terrier, she immediately noticed that the puppy had tummy trouble. Truffles would go through long spells of intense vomiting and diarrhea. She would change his food, thinking that some ingredient disagreed with him, but even when it helped, the problems always resumed eventually.
Truffles went home with an antibiotic and a prescription for soy-based dog food. Six months later, “There’s been an unbelievable turnabout — it’s like Truffles has his whole life back!”
“I’ve lost track of how many times I changed his food,” says Jodi. Truffles spent much of his early life in veterinary facilities undergoing tests. “They all tried to do what they thought was best for Truffles, and at times he would seem to improve,” she says. “Then he’d go right back to the same cycle. It was so painful, because you don’t want to see an animal go through that.” In the meantime, Truffles wasn’t getting much joy out of life. Terriers are known for their exuberance and high energy, but when Truffles was ill he slept most of the time and often refused to eat. Jodi decided to take things to the next level. Having heard good reports about Cornell’s animal hospital, she brought Truffles to Ithaca, where he was put in the care of Dr. John Lucy.
Jodi calls Cornell the most unbelievable place for any animal. “Everyone is so kind, so caring, so compassionate. One of the veterinary technicians sent me pictures of Truffles in his crate every night because she knew I missed him.” “Please tell the donor how much it means to me to have the equipment available for Truffles and many other animals like him,” she adds. “I will be forever grateful for that gift.”
Ms. Littlefield calls Cornell the most unbelievable place for animals. “Everyone is so kind, so caring, so compassionate. One of the veterinary technicians sent me pictures of Truffles in his crate every night
Dr. Lucy’s evaluation was similar to previous assessments, with one difference: He could offer endoscopy and colonoscopy to directly view Truffles’ troubled digestive system. A donor had recently helped fund an endoscope that gave Dr. Lucy the clear picture he sought and the tools to perform biopsies at the same time. After three days he had a diagnosis: inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.
because she knew I missed him.”
Patience and persistence pay off When Cully, a two-year-old Border Collie from Canada, arrived at Cornell in January 2013, she had already undergone six surgeries to correct congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. Her surgeon said Cully had the worst hips he had seen in a 25-yearplus career; that he had done all that was possible for her; and if either hip failed, he recommended euthanasia. The right hip failed soon after that. Cully’s primary veterinarian consulted veterinary surgeons throughout the province of Ontario. Their response was unanimous: if anyone could save Cully, it was Dr. Kei Hayashi at Cornell. “When we met with Dr. Hayashi, he told us that he could help; that Cully could lead a meaningful and happy life,” says Cully’s dad, Steve Webster.
“We are grateful for the skill and dedication of the veterinarians and staff at the Cornell Hospital for Animals, and their willingness to extend care to our hometown.”
Dr. Hayashi operated first on Cully’s right hip. Her bone quality was poor, and she had acquired a drug-resistant bacterial infection during a previous surgery. The infection and the treatment were potentially life threatening. With Dr. Hayashi’s help, Cully’s veterinarian was able to cure the infection. Then Dr. Hayashi performed a second surgery. Through it all, his watchword was “patience.” “He said, ‘The body wants to heal itself. We must support it and give it time’,” says Steve. When Cully’s left hip failed, Dr. Hayashi consulted with peers in the US and Europe and devised a strategy to avoid problems that arose during the right-hip surgery. It was a success, and her left leg quickly regained full function. Dr. Hayashi performed two more surgeries on Cully’s fragile right leg. Cully was often in pain during treatment. Dr. Hayashi turned to Cornell pain relief specialist Dr. Luis Campoy, who administered regional nerve blocks that deadened her pain receptors. This provided months-long relief and enabled Cully to undergo rehabilitative therapy, at home, with minimal discomfort. Today Cully is a happy five-year-old, leading a relatively normal, pain-free life. Dr. Hayashi still checks on her every month, usually via an email sent late at night. “We are grateful for the skill and dedication of the veterinarians and staff at the Cornell Hospital for Animals, and their willingness to extend care to our hometown,” Steve says. “They made it possible for our wonderful little dog to enjoy the life she deserves.”
A priceless gift In 2014, a 14 year-old black and white domestic, long haired cat named Joe came to Cornell and received a devastating and rare cancer diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Parents Judith and Frank Battista were willing to do all they could to support his treatments, but the bills were adding up, as were the miles on their car, driving three hours one way for each treatment. Taking care of Joe was becoming a financial hardship for the retired couple on a fixed income. When expressing concern about the bills with the doctors, they were grateful to learn about the hospital’s Patient Assistance Program, which helped to ease their financial burden and give them another six months with Joe — a priceless gift. Eager to share their gratitude, they helped Joe pen a letter to Cornell that says it all.
“When I became ill my parents, knowing that Cornell’s Hospital for Animals is the “tops” in the country, brought me to you for treatment. Although the long drive was difficult for me, I know I am getting the best care any cat could receive.”
You can make an impact at any level Whether it’s a gift inspired by the care your pet received at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals or a tribute to a loved one, you can make a difference in the lives of pets and their families today. A gift of any size can help in so many ways. Many pet owners face a devastating dilemma when their pets are diagnosed with a serious illness. And, like you, they choose Cornell. The impact of giving is seen every day in our reception areas. A Golden Retriever here for his eighth medical oncology appointment wags his tail at others who walk by. He benefits from a reduced fee for medications through a sponsored clinical trial. Your gift of $50, $100 or $500 supports ongoing needs like his in all of the hospital’s specialty areas. Another retriever, a Labrador, comes in through the emergency room. Her owners are faced with the costs of emergency surgery or amputation and have to make the unexpected decision to proceed immediately. Because it is important to our community of dedicated veterinary professionals, owners, and animal lovers to take care of others, the generous, clientcreated Patient Assistance Fund allows us to offer them up to $1,000 toward the $5,000 procedure, lessening the burden for her family during the holidays. You can support two such emergency situations with a gift of $1,000.
Kate, a fourth-year veterinary student, ends her long day of meeting new patients by checking in on Boston Terrier Bo and updates his parents on how he is doing after surgery. She benefits from a $5,000 scholarship that allows her to gain an invaluable Cornell education. A gift for scholarships ensures more exceptionally and compassionately-trained Cornellians will be taking care of families’ beloved pets. For more information on supporting the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell or the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, contact amy.robinson@cornell.edu or call us at 607.253.3745. Checks payable to Cornell University may be mailed to: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Box 39 Ithaca, NY 14853-6401 To make a gift of securities or other appreciated assets, please contact Cornell’s Office of Trusts and Estates at 800.377.2177. To explore planned giving options, such as naming the Hospital for Animals in your will, please contact Cornell’s Office of Gift Planning at 800.481.1865 or gift_planning@cornell.edu.
You already have our gratitude for choosing the Cornell University Hospital for Animals to care for your pet. By making a donation, you are choosing to help other families who care for their animals as much as you do.
Box 39 Ithaca, NY 14853