The Pumpkin Fund
When Bandit, the Saint Bernard puppy was brought in to the Humane Society after
being hit by a car, his prognosis was uncertain. Already 8 months old, this
friendly, happy dog had one of his legs fractured in two places. While another
dog might be able to function with only three legs, Bandit’s size made amputation
impossible; he could never support all his weight on just three limbs. The
only option was an extensive surgery by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon.
At moments like that, the staff at The Winnipeg Humane Society is relieved
to have a Pumpkin Fund.
The Pumpkin Fund is an emergency reserve of money, set up by the staff and kept
filled by generous donors. Our staff does their best to estimate the costs of
running a clinic in advance, but sometimes emergencies arise. When unforeseen
medical procedures are necessary, but was not planned for in the budget, the
money in the Pumpkin fund is used to make sure treatable animals get the medical
care they need. Named after a shelter cat who lived at the WHS for years, the
Pumpkin Fund has been around for 5 years and is used for myriad things, from
x-rays to special supplies.
As anyone who is familiar with The Winnipeg Humane Society knows, the shelter
would never turn away and injured or sick animal in need of medical treatment.
Our trained staff saves thousands of lives of year with skill and compassion.
While often animals come in with just bruises and bumps, the clinic also sees
its fair share of very serious injuries. Hank the cat might not have survived
his two broken legs had it not been for the Pumpkin Fund. 
Now he on the road
to recovery, he hardly seems to notice the pins in his arm. Penny is a golden
retriever who came in with a severe gunshot wound that shattered one of her bones.
Dr. Trevor Bebchuck, a local veterinary orthopedic surgeon was brought in to
do the surgery, and despite a significant discount the cost was high. Now she
is fully recovered and enjoying life with her adopters. As for Bandit the loveable
Saint Bernard, he is living a full and happy life on all four legs. These are
just a few of the most recent animals who have the Pumpkin Fund to thank for
their lives and well-being.
So, thanks to one little cat named Pumpkin, who touched the lives of the staff
at The Winnipeg Humane Society, and so many animals lovers who support our shelter,
our Veterinarians and staff know that in many cases, if there is any possible
way to save an animals life, the cost does not have to prohibit them.
