Who Gives a ***?

Who gives a PET a chance, that is!  ;)  Seriously though, this blog is an interview with Jillian Indelicato, an administrator with www.petchance.org, an awesome and basically fool-proof crowd-funding site that raises money for urgent medical care for pets in crisis, an organization HEX can really get behind.  

PetChance.org, as of 2013, is a 501(c) organization and they are hosting their first Pedal for Paws Spin-A-Thon on January 31, 2015.  Team HEX is enthusiastically participating... even though it's a little intimidating.  Check out the following interview & info:

Cassie:  Jill, who is PetChance.org?

Jill:  PetChance.org is a national non-profit that helps pet owners raise money online for veterinary expenses when money is tight.  Our mission is to “remove obstacles that deny pet owners the ability to provide proper care for their pets.”

Cassie:  That is an excellent mission and I know PetChance does it differently than everyone else.  How did you get involved?

Jill:  I got involved through my husband.  He was first to make a connection and as soon as I heard about it I wanted in.  I think it’s a great way to help and I can’t imagine the heartache that must come with making a decision on your pet's care because of finances.  Just the thought breaks my heart.  I wanted to help,  I also see it as a great option for people instead of taking out high interest loans that take forever to pay back. Even if it supplements some of the cost I think it can really help people out in a tough and extremely emotional time.

Cassie:  What gave you so much passion for this organization?

Jill:  I have three dogs of my own and I cannot imagine the heartache that comes with making a decision about your pets' life because of finances.  I do understand that sometimes you just don’t have the money [&] that’s why I think PetChance is awesome.  It gives you a way to get what is desperately needed without financial ruin. 

Cassie:  It is a heartbreaking notion to think of being in that situation, for sure.  Who does PetChance help?

Jill:  PetChance helps any pet owner who puts their story up on our site.  We help by having a platform where people can go put up their stories of what is wrong and help them get their story out to help fund the medical needs of their pets.  It also helps the pet by getting it the care it needs.

Cassie:  Explain the checks & balances, if you would...

Jill:  This is one thing I love about PetChance:  We are extremely vigilant about our process.  When someone sets up a Chance they have to tell us who is providing the care.  Also, we directly pay the hospital for the care.

Cassie:  As a bully breed lover & advocate, I of course have to ask: what are Pet Chance's views on BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)?

Jill:  Our only litmus test for working with PetChance is that a state-licensed veterinarian must provide the treatment.  We do not discriminate against any breeds, diagnoses, prognoses, or types of treatment.  When pets come to us they are in need of medical care; we just want “Healthy pets. No matter what.”

Cassie:  Fantastic.  How can one get involved?

Jill:  There are many ways to get involved.  Right now, the best way is starting or joining a team for Pedal for Paws, our first large fundraiser that we believe will take us from helping hundreds to being able to expand and help tens of thousands of pets across the country.

Cassie:  Please explain the upcoming event... 

Jill:  Pedal for Paws is a 24-hour spin-a-thon at the Solomon Pond Mall [in Marlborough, Massachusetts].  Each rider will spin on a bike for 1 hour and raise $300.00.  It’s going to be a blast!

Cassie:  How can someone participate?

Jill:  There are a couple ways: they can start a team, join a team, or they can donate to a participant that is pedaling.  Go to http://pedalforpaws.petchance.org


Cassie:  What other things can one do to help?

Jill:  They can also suggest Event Sponsors or Team Sponsors if they know anyone who might want to get involved.

Cassie:  And where do the funds go specifically?

Jill:  For the Pedal for Paws fundraiser, some of the money raised will go to the actual Chance that each team picks as their mascot.   The rest of the funds are going to PetChance.org so that we can take Pet Chance to the next level and help many more pets.  Our goal is to go for helping hundreds now to helping tens of thousands!

Cassie:  I would love to see that happen as well.  How do veterinarians get involved?

Jill:  The best way veterinarians can help is to learn about who we are and teach their clients about us.  PetChance is a great option to give their clients.

Cassie:  Which is so great because it doesn't disadvantage the vet or the client in any way at all.  Would you give us some of your personal thoughts on the organization?

Jill:  I love PetChance as you can tell.  Again, I can’t imagine having to make a choice about one of my dogs' health/life because of money.  I feel like I would rack up a credit card or do whatever I needed to do to make my dog better; this gives people like me an option that isn’t going to negatively affect their credit, debt, life so that is all good!  Also, I love the idea that people that donate because PetChance.org is a non-profit [501(c)] do get the tax benefit of the donation along with the benefit of helping a beloved pet in need.

Cassie:  Your passion is clear here!  Who are your dogs & what do you love most about them?

Jill:  My dogs are Duncan, Knox, and Nia.  They are the best dogs I could ask for.  They make me laugh, they give me love, they are always happy to see me and really, what more could I ask for!

Cassie:  Thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with HEX!  We are super duper excited about participating in the Pedal for Paws event January 31st.   See the event page on facebook here, and please.. consider joining Team HEX!  It costs just $35 to register, and don't worry about being able to last the whole hour on the bike!  If you can't commit to the event, please sponsor Team HEX by donating!  Donate or register here.