Empowering Pet Owners in Need & Promoting Compassionate Pet Care

Meet Rex, a feisty, furry, lively and selectively affectionate corgi. He has been the heart of my whole world since I brought him home as a puppy 13 years ago. With his short legs, fluffy coat, and signature booty shake, Rex (sometimes known as Sexy Rexy) has been a constant source of joy and companionship through the majority of my adult life. Whether chasing after a ball, stealing treats, snuggling on the couch, begging for ear rubs or greeting every visitor with boundless enthusiasm (jumping and barking), Rex tends to leave an impression (and a trail of fur) wherever he goes.

A few months ago, I noticed that Rex seemed to be a bit more lethargic than usual. His breathing seemed strained, he was panting way more than usual and had lost some of his usual energy. Concerned, I took him to the vet, hoping it was something minor. However, after a series of tests, x-rays and ultrasounds, I received the devastating diagnosis that the lump they had found in his lungs was in fact cancer.  This news was a very hard pill to swallow, but I was willing to do whatever it took to help him get better and ensure the best quality of life for my fur baby. 

The vet outlined a treatment plan that included chemotherapy, and regular check-ups. The costs quickly added up, creating a bit of a financial strain, but I was fortunate to be in a position to handle the set back and also have the support of my family to help with some of the mounting bills.  We’ve been alternating paying at each visit. (Needless to say, I’m earning a lot of skymiles this year!)

Through it all, Rex has remained brave and resilient, his spirit shining through even on the toughest days. After 3 months of treatment, the chemo proved to be working and the tumor shrank significantly, however the chemo was severely impacting his liver, thus we decided to discontinue the chemo treatments and treat him with a liver supplement and prescribed pain relievers.  We continue to celebrate every small victory, along the way, spoiling Rexy with pup cups, cheeseburgers & gourmet treats, cherishing our time together more than ever.  

Recognizing firsthand the heartache and financial burden of caring for a beloved pet with a serious illness, and realizing how fortunate I’ve been to be able to afford and have support through this challenging journey, I was inspired to ensure that other families would have the support they needed in their time of crisis. 

I’ve established “Rex to the Rescue”, a charity fund dedicated to providing financial assistance through the MSPCA’s Pet Care Assistance Fund for pet owners facing costly medical bills.

We are selling merch and hoping to partner with local businesses to share Rex's story and our mission.  We want to ensure that no pet goes without the care they deserve, and no family has to choose between their pet's health and financial stability.

My hope is for Rex's legacy and spirit to live on beyond his earthly years through the countless pets and families that the “Rex to the Rescue" fund will assist. 

Rex recently celebrated his 13th birthday and is currently enjoying his days hanging out in front of the AC unit, going to the beach, noshing on homemade treats, and being wheeled around in his carriage when he is too tired to walk. 

All of our fundraising efforts currently support the MSPCA-Angell''s Pet Care Assistance Program. 

The Carter Luke Pet Care Assistance Fund was established in 1990 to provide funds for three basic purposes:

• to support medical care at Angell Animal Medical Center for sick or injured animals whose owners have limited financial resources.  
• to support the medical care of abused or neglected animals 
• to support the medical care of homeless animals in their adoption centers. 

We fundraise in a variety of ways. From traditional t-shirt and apparel sales to online crowdfunding campaigns, and community events. We want to find fun an innovative ways for community and connection to support families and pets in need.