We are Max's Fund...
...And our mission is to increase access to essential veterinary surgical care for animals in Muskingum and surrounding counties. Through financial assistance and partnerships with local shelters and nonprofit organizations, we help provide lifesaving surgical care for pets whose owners cannot afford treatment and expand access to high-quality spay/neuter services for shelter, rescue, feral, and other vulnerable animals.
With your help, we are ready to begin addressing this problem now.
ACCESS TO CARE
for OWNERS
ADDRESSING STRAY
and HOARDED PETS
Why did we begin? Here is the problem:
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Many pet owners find themselves faced with needing surgery for their pet, whether it be a torn ACL, broken leg, or infected uterus. Owners are typically referred to MedVet, OSU and other specialty hospitals; these are far away, expensive, and often associated with a long waiting period.
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Many veterinary clinics (including all but one in Zanesville, for instance) are not accepting new clients.
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Traveling for surgery is an added burden of time and expense that some caretakers can't afford.
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Owners are forced to consider things like limb amputation or even euthanasia for broken bones
In addition to support for affordable and accessible trauma surgery, we also help with the ongoing problem of too many unowned and uncared for pets. To that end, we currently provide support for:
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A newly developed Local High Quality/ high volume spay and neuter (HVHQSN) program targeting unowned and confiscated county animals.
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Targeted reduction of the cat overpopulation by working with PAWS of Muskikngum County to spay and neuter and vaccinate feral cats.
Max's Story
Through a local humane officer, Max arrived unexpectedly at a shelter where Dr. Gandolf was working. He lay on the floor unable to lift his head. He was emaciated, had open wounds on his head, and a broken upper jaw.
We suspected that he may have been struck in the face with a blunt object such as a baseball bat. Many shelters would have elected to euthanize him due to his severe injuries and poor prognosis. Dr. Gandolf saw a spark of life in his eyes and chose to give him a chance.
She directed his critical care and discovered that he also had multiple open fractures of his maxilla (upper jaw). With the advice of Dr. Jon Dyce (OSU orthopedics), and with help from a local dentist, she cleaned out his upper jaw and stabilized it with wires and a poured acrylic splint. He ate via a feeding tube in his neck for two weeks, then one of his first oral feedings of turkey on Thanksgiving Day!
Max turned out to be such a wonderful dog! He was adopted as soon as he was medically cleared to go home, where he enjoys naps on the couch with his loving family.