You have shared a precious gift Thank you from THE Cornell University Hospital for Animals
Dear friends, Thank you. It’s a very simple statement that means so much. And we can’t say it enough. Thank you for choosing Cornell for your beloved companions. In doing so, you have shared a precious gift with us. For that we are grateful. By bringing your pet to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, not only have you benefitted from the expertise of world-renowned faculty, you have trained a future veterinarian and added to the breadth of knowledge to benefit all animals. As we look back on the best of 2016 and celebrate the beginning of a new year, allow me to say thank you again for bringing us into your family. You have given countless others and their companions a valuable gift. Gratefully,
Margret S. Thompson, DVM, Dip. ACVR Assistant Dean for Hospital Operations Director, Cornell University Hospital for Animals
Thank you for choosing Cornell for your beloved companions. In doing so, you have shared a precious gift with us. For that we are grateful.
We didn’t have to worry Derek Cohen, a Leonberger champion, needed an eye surgery to relieve the pressure of sudden onset glaucoma. His pet parents Michele and David Cohen didn’t wait a moment to get him to Cornell. They knew the way — they have been coming to Ithaca for nearly 20 years for their medical needs for their dogs. “The level of caring for my dogs was unbelievable,” said Michele. “Derek is blind now, but when he hears the voice of Linda (the veterinary technician) he runs to her and nuzzles right in. I know he’s in safe hands and I don’t have to worry.”
Their Cornell connection doesn’t end in Ithaca. Dr. Eric Hartelius ’86 in Upstate New York is their primary veterinarian and Drs. Joe (’80) and Donna (‘81) Nizolek are there for them when they are in Maryland. “I tell everyone to go to Cornell.” She is hopeful that people will receive news that will change the course of their animal’s health. “There is no finer institution. You get the best of the best here. I am sentimental about Cornell because of what they have done for our dogs.”
Choosing the Cornell University Hospital for Animals was natural for them. David is a Cornell graduate (Agriculture and Life Sciences ’76) as well as is his sister and an uncle. David and Michele knew about the reputation of the Veterinary College. Their first experience at Cornell involved the father of neurology, Dr. Sandy de Lahunta and surgeon Dr. Jay Harvey, whom Michele refers to as being “as close to God as you can get.” Their boy Angus developed laryngeal paralysis and needed a tie-back surgery. At the time this was a common disorder in the breed. They can tell you the names of all of the students who helped them through some very difficult nights. Today, ophthalmologist Dr. Tom Kern follows Derek and their other Leos Mr. Big and Tug. “He has taken Derek’s case to a different level of care and is there whenever we need him – I feel so proud to be part of Cornell in this way.” From left to right: David Cohen, Dr. Tom Kern, Linda Caveney, Michele Cohen. Middle: Tug and Derek. Front: Mr. Big
“The level of caring for my dogs was unbelievable,” said Michele. “Derek is blind now, but when he hears the voice of Linda (the veterinary technician) he runs to her and nuzzles right in. I know he’s in safe hands and I don’t have to worry.”
You know your animal is in good hands Shared by Denise Wilson and Anne Wilson We first went to Cornell University Hospital for Animals in the 1990’s when we were told what a good center it was for diagnosis and treatment for small animals. Our precious Golden Retriever, Nuna, was evaluated for a “swollen abdomen” and was found to have liver cancer. The surgeons, in cooperation with the oncologists, saved her life. She had the tumor removed and lived a good, happy five years. I was so impressed with what Cornell did for her then that I knew exactly where we needed to be when we needed help again with our “Lady”, my mother’s 15 year old cat. Lady had such vigor, so when she started to lose a lot of weight, her hair and her sparkle, we took her to our local vet who diagnosed hyperthyroidism, a common endocrine disease in older cats. Months of trying medication, which she wouldn’t take, led us back to Cornell. We knew if there was anything to help her, they would know. She underwent radioactive treatment for hyperthyroidism which is not commonly offered at local veterinarians. She was cured and her weight returned, her hair grew back and she became her old self. She miraculously recovered and had the best looking coat we had ever seen during her lifetime.
These two experiences at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals have shown us that there is nowhere else we would rather go for the care of a sick animal. Knowing the emergency room is always open and staffed with well-trained doctors as well as the equipment and tests available to diagnose the ailment, is a comfort so needed when you know you need help. The doctors and technicians are so compassionate and caring. They seem to “cover all bases” being aware of both your pets needs and yours as well. We didn’t think twice about driving four hours to take Lady to the emergency room because we knew what good care she would get, that we would have the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. I will always support the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. You know your animal is in good hands.
Dr. Denise Wilson and her mom Anne will always remember their Lady and Cornell
“These two experiences at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals have shown us that there is nowhere else we would rather go for the care of a sick animal.”
A little dog with a big story
Meet cancer survivor Riley. Riley, a Cairn Terrier, came to Cornell from Apple Country Veterinary Hospital in Hilton, New York, looking for some help. She started making strange noises and gasping for breath. One look in her mouth showed a large mass at the back of her throat. After surgery, radiation therapy and immunotherapy with the melanoma vaccine for oral malignant melanoma, Riley is now doing well. This type of cancer is the most common cancer seen in the oral cavity of dogs. Drs. Vincent Baldanza, Joshua Henry and Lillie Davis have followed Riley over the last few months. Dr. Baldanza says, “Riley has exceeded our expectations. She was unfazed throughout her radiation treatments and is such a happy little girl who loves life.” Knowing the costs of treatment were going to be high, Cornell was able to offer Riley some financial assistance through the Petco Foundation & Blue Buffalo Foundation Cancer Treatment Support Fund. Established specifically for families facing the costs of cancer treatments, this fund has literally been a life-saver for Riley.
Riley’s dad says, “I still cannot believe how great she’s doing. It’s like she never even had cancer. Everyone I tell her story to is amazed.”
Knowing the costs of treatment were going to be high, Cornell was able to offer Riley some financial assistance through the Petco Foundation & Blue Buffalo Foundation Cancer Treatment Support Fund. Established specifically for families facing the costs of cancer treatments, this fund has literally been a life-saver for Riley. Petco Foundation & Blue Buffalo Foundation Cancer Treatment Support Fund
The gift of hope Will you join Riley and Derek and their pet parents by considering a gift for Cornell’s Hospital for Animals? Because of your support, Cornell can continue to be here 24/7. And when something unexpected happens, our Patient Assistance Program is available for those in need. Education matters. Be a part of It. By choosing Cornell you are investing in education. Students learn from their work with you in the Hospital every day. And the collective knowledge that is gained from caring for your animal is shared daily with your local veterinarian as well as with your family through our quarterly email newsletter and our mailings. Let us know if you would like to receive this timely information by sending an email to vetfriends@cornell.edu with your choice of publication and your mailing address. We’ll send you a free issue. • Hospital for Animals electronic newsletter (4 times per year) • ‘Scopes, the College magazine, produced three times a year, visit www.vet.cornell.edu/news/joinscopes • CatWatch, a newsletter for cat lovers • Cornell’s Feline Health Center membership • DogWatch, expert information on medicine, behavior and health Yes, I will help! Gifts of any size in memory or in honor of a pet or clinician who made a difference in the care of your loved one(s) are such a meaningful way to celebrate a pet’s life. A letter from the director will be sent to the person of your choosing, notifying them of the tribute. Call 607.253.3745 or visit www.vet.cornell. edu/gifts/helpheal.cfm Checks can be made payable to Cornell University and 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, Cornell’s Office of Gift Planning can help: 800.481.1865 or gift_planning@cornell.edu. For more information on supporting the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, contact amy.robinson@cornell.edu or call us at 607.253.3745. The Road to a Cure. Share your gift. If you are interested in being part of a clinical study, visit our Clinical Trials webpages to find out more. www.vet.cornell.edu/ClinicalTrials/Trials/
Box 39 Ithaca, NY 14853