When a pet faces an unexpected medical emergency, the emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming. Sahara’s Healing Fund helps provide urgent veterinary care for Rutherford Veterinary Hospital clients in need, as well as Good Samaritan cases and injured strays whenever possible.
In partnership with the Veterinary Care Foundation, Rutherford Veterinary Hospital collects tax-deductible donations for Sahara’s Healing Fund and uses them exclusively to help pets in urgent need. Because the foundation’s operating expenses are covered by membership dues, 100% of every donated dollar goes directly to the care of sick or injured animals. Currently, assistance is reserved for existing Rutherford Veterinary Hospital clients.
What Is Sahara’s Healing Fund?
Sahara’s Healing Fund is a giving fund created to help provide veterinary care for pets whose families are facing financial hardship. Donations help make essential medical care possible for pets in need, giving them a better chance at healing and returning home to the people who love them.
How to Donate?
Every contribution, big or small, can help provide care for a pet in need. To make a donation through the Veterinary Care Foundation, please visit:
About the Veterinary Care Foundation
The Veterinary Care Foundation (VCF) helps veterinary practices establish charitable funds to support pets and families in need. Through these funds, donations can help provide access to veterinary care when financial circumstances would otherwise make treatment difficult.
How the Funds Are Used
Sahara’s Healing Fund supports pets receiving care at Rutherford Veterinary Hospital and may be used in the following ways:
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Funding for Good Samaritan cases
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Funding for abandoned and injured pets
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Assistance for owners in financial crisis
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Emergency and medical care for lost or injured pets
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Care for pets harmed or displaced by natural disasters
To receive assistance, families must have a treatment plan and estimate from our hospital and show that other payment options have been fully explored, including:
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Personal finances (credit cards, Cherry and Care Credit)
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Donations from family and friends
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Additional fundraising efforts
How You Can Help
Here are a few meaningful ways you can help make a difference:
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Donate online through the Veterinary Care Foundation website
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Contribute in-person at Rutherford Veterinary Hospital
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Mail a check payable to the Veterinary Care Foundation
Veterinary Care Foundation
16550 NW 46th
Morristown, FL 32668*In the memo, please include “Rutherford Veterinary Hospital".
Giving is simple and secure, and every contribution makes an immediate difference. By supporting Sahara’s Healing Fund, you help us bring comfort, care, and hope to pets and families when they need it most.
Sahara’s Healing Fund exists to support animals in need, inspired by the memory of Sahara, a remarkable dog whose journey embodies hope, resilience, and compassion. Many years ago, Sahara was found late one night on the side of I-30 between Fort Worth and Dallas. Barely visible in the tall grass, for a split second his small, skinny, yellow head peeking out and by some miracle his rescuer was able to stop on that lone section of the road. It took hours to coax him to safety. He was emaciated, suffering from Scabies mites, covered with fleas and ticks, pretty much bald, and facing daunting odds. Yet the moment he realized he was safe, Sahara jumped into the car and knew he had found his family.
His recovery was a testament to perseverance. Sahara endured digestive and skin issues, living in a veterinary clinic for a month while recovering from his multiple infections. Slowly, he regained strength, his beautiful coat returned, and his intelligent eyes shone with gratitude and wisdom. Sahara didn’t just heal himself—he inspired healing in his humans. He guided and supported his caretaker’s journey to becoming a veterinarian and for her to contribute to the enduring legacy of Rutherford Veterinary Hospital. He taught invaluable lessons about having an open mind when approaching healing both physically and emotionally and he opened the door for other animals in need to be brought into his caretaker’s life.
For seventeen years, Sahara’s presence was a blessing—a smart, beautiful, loving soul who changed a life. Through generous donations, this fund will provide medical care, shelter, and hope to animals who need it most. Sahara’s Healing Fund is a tribute to his legacy, a promise to care for those in need, and a way to ensure that animals crossing our door have a chance to be seen, healed, and loved.