Land of PureGold Foundation Cancer Treatment Grants for Working Dogs

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 had compounded difficulties his mom, Andrea Hanssen, was experiencing due to being a widow, single mom, and nursing student. Wanting to do all that was being recommended by the veterinary specialists, 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 raised over $10,000 for Harley, our grant program then named in his wonderful memory.

How to Apply for a Working Dog Cancer Treatment Grant
Our grants are $500 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.

1.	Click here to download the [PDF] Cancer Treatment Fund Grant Application.
2.	Send an email to let us know of your interest in a grant and that you have obtained a grant application.
3.	Snail mail your completed application to the Land of PureGold Foundation with a copy of all the required documents.
4.	The Land of PureGold Foundation will pay $500 of the bill total within 14 days of receipt, if the application meets established criteria.

Dogs Helped by our Grant Program

Meet Sharon Wachsler and her Bouvier des Flandres Service Dog, Gadget [9/2009]. Gadget was trained by Sharon to do the following:

Open and shut doors
Turn lights on and off
Retrieve items
Carry necessities
Answer the phone (getting the phone when it rings)
Brace on command, stiffening body to play the Rock of Gibraltar, to steady Sharon after she get up or after Gadget pulls her to her feet
Alert to the stove timer
Alert to people that they are needed to help Sharon in some way

Gadget worked with Sharon for seven years, trained via positive methods such as the clicker, and provides 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. Check out the following videos that show Gadget and Sharon working together.

Please learn more about some of the wonderful dogs who have received grants to aid in their cancer treatment.

Animal Assisted (Visitation) Therapy Dog Harley

Animal Assisted (Visitation) Therapy Dog Inker

Search and Rescue Dog Brady

Search and Rescue Dog Alley

Animal Assisted (Visitation) Therapy Dog Chance

K-9 Enforcement Dog Xantho

Animal Assisted (Visitation) Therapy Dog Molly

'Giving' Programs and Making Donations 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 "Make A Donation" button.

Make a $50 donation and you will receive the wonderful plush pup shown here as a thank-you for our most generous supporters. A plush Russ Berrie pup, he has been named in memory of our first Golden, Ollie. Be sure to click on this little guy to see a Super-Sized version!

These Golden Retriever pups are 5 inches high and 12 inches long, and their materials are additionally non-toxic & non-allergenic. Believe me, these puppers are just too cute and squeezably soft for words.

A man with Alzheimer's wanders from his home, a hiker goes missing, a trapped family desperately tries to escape flood waters. The National Association for Search & Rescue indicates that the ability to save a life is often dependent upon how quickly the person can be found and accessed. But, providing enough well-equipped and well-trained search and rescue professionals is a daunting task.

The first in hopefully a series of cards honoring our wonderful working dogs was inspired by SAR Golden Brady, a talented boy whose specialties include Live Finds and Area Search. His handler is Deana Hudgins, President of the Ohio Search Dog Association, Inc., a non-profit all volunteer response unit. Sadly, Brady was diagnosed with cancer in June 2008, our learning about his plight when a application to this grant program was received. We have provided Brady with a grant and are keeping him in our thoughts and hoping for a good recovery. You can learn more about Brady's story here.

This design is featured on oversized 5¼" x 7¼" quality classic ivory linen cards, which are a hefty 80-pound weight. The set includes matching 70-pound ivory linen envelopes along with 10 glossy puppy stickers (can be purchased separately here). The cards are blank inside to allow for your own message. Make a $60 donation and receive this 10 Card Set.