Welcome . . .
to the world's largest Golden-inspired website! Since 1997 we have strived to help others strengthen and proactively lengthen the bond. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit additionally provides cancer treatment grants for working dogs and funds research in comparative oncology.
A Personal Struggle
Our
Golden Oliver
led the way when our site came online in 1997. And, his
valiant struggle and loss to lymphoma helped us channel our efforts in more
healthful and holistic ways. Yet, even with reduced vaccinations, filtered
water, a chemically-clean environment, organic foods, and more, we did not
escape a fibrosarcoma diagnosis with our
Golden Darcy in 2005. Their images, along with other Goldens who
have lost such
battles, are honored above.
In October 2006, we learned about
Harley, a Golden boy from San Antonio. The discovery of a brain tumor compounded
difficulties his mom, Andrea Hanssen, was
experiencing due to being a widow, single mom, and
nursing student. The huge costs of
treatment took her entire savings.
But, Andrea
continued on, her positive spirit present
even though Harley was not well enough to continue his visitations to
wounded soldiers at the Brooke Army Medical Center. We
provided a special fundraiser for Harley, raising over $10,000 to cover his
medical bills.
The amount we can extend ($1,000 per dog) is small, when one considers the enormous cost of scans,
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, it allows more dogs to be
helped. But your help for a specific dog
could make a huge difference. (Dogs that have special fundraisers solely for
their medical care are noted.) Remember, whatever you donate, always goes directly to the
treating veterinarian or veterinary specialist. And, it is tax-deductible as well, which means a win-win for
all.
How to Apply for a Working Dog Cancer Treatment Grant
Our grants are $1,000 per individual working dog, the
reimbursements provided directly to respective veterinary personnel for oncology
related expenses in the United States and Canada. Applicants MUST BE active
working dogs, that is, in the areas of assistance, detection, search & rescue, enforcement,
military work, or animal-assisted therapy. All breeds, pure or
mixed, may apply.
Send
an email informing us that you have downloaded a grant application.
In the email, detail the job that your dog provides and a
biography of his/her life (please feel free to enclose
photos), including his/her recent cancer
diagnosis.
3.
Complete and snail mail your
downloaded application
to: Land of PureGold Foundation, 3731 Greenway Lane, Owings
Mills, MD 21117. Be sure to include copies of all the
required documents.
4.
The Land of
PureGold Foundation will pay $1,000 of the bill total within
14 days of receipt, if the application meets established
criteria. Supportive supplements, to augment the dog's
current cancer treatment regimen, will also be provided by
the founder of
Smiling Blue Skies ® Cancer Fund. These may include
Artemisinin, Chinese medicinal mushrooms, etc.
A Few of the
Dogs Helped by our Grant Program We have helped close to 20 working dogs with their
cancer-related bills. While we'd love to share all of their stories, we
don't always get materials and information from their respective
partners. But, when we do, it is wonderful! Below, please enjoy some of
the partnerships that we have assisted.
Service Dog Gadget Meet
Sharon Wachsler and her Bouvier des Flandres Service Dog, Gadget
[9/2009].
Gadget worked with Sharon for seven years,
trained via positive methods
such as the clicker, providing a critical function for increased
independence despite her disabilities. Sadly, Gadget was diagnosed with Lymphosarcoma in May 2009 and then with a Mast Cell Tumor in September 2009
(which sadly took his life on 11/19/09). This grant gave Sharon a little bit of relief, being utilized for
Gadget's chemotherapy treatments.
Enjoy the videos of this special team.
the phone (getting the phone when it rings)ace on command, stiffening body to play the Rock of Gibraltar,
to steady Sharon after she get up or after Gadget pulls her to her
feetrt to the stove timerert to people that they are needed to help Sharon in
some way
Make a Donation to this Special Program
Your tax-deductible donations are integral to our provision of grants to
help working dogs in need of cancer treatment.
Donations can be made in any amount by clicking below on the "Donate"
button.
Service Dog Gadget
