Thursday, 29 March, 2007 11:28 PM

Simon Wilby and Levi - Adopted Dog Gets Second Chance

PHOTO BY SIMON WILBY / AMERICAJR.com

Levi, the adopted dog.

Good samaritan Simon Wilby adopted his dog Levi, and because of high vet bills, created the Second Chance Foundation that will help other pet owners financially.

Levi, an 11 year-old black lab, was living in Calgary’s SPCA, and because no one wanted to adopt him, was scheduled for euthanasia. Through a caring e-mail campaign, he soon had volunteer walkers. During one of his walks he was injured and the SPCA thought a disc had slipped in his neck. Again it looked like the end for poor Levi, until 34 year-old Simon Wilby stepped into the building September 2nd. He adopted Levi even though the SPCA vet had declared that it would take an expensive operation to repair the problem.

Reffered to a specialist at Western Veterinarian, Simon was told that Levi had to stay overnight for testing, and that as much as $5,000.00 was needed to pay for the operation. After giving them a rather hefty deposit, Simon left Levi in Western’s care. The next day Simon was informed that through their extensive testing, it was found that Levi didn’t need the operation after all. This was great news for Levi, but not so great for Simon, who was told that not only would he would not be able to claim a refund for his deposit, he was charged an additional fee for the EMG (electomyogram) before Levi was released.

Because Simon realizes that others may be in the same situation, he has created The Second Chance Foundation. It is designed to help other pet lovers pay for needed veterinarian care worldwide, and includes vet visits, operations and/or related medical aid, and pet-meds.

“Nine out of ten times when someone cannot afford sometimes astronomical fees, the vet will suggest to the owner that their pet be put to sleep,” says Simon. “There are no payment plans for vet services; it’s almost like holding the pet for ransom if its owner cannot pay. The Second Chance will be sending money directly to the vet so the pet will get whatever help it needs when it is sick or injured.”

Mr. Wilby also says, “I just love animals and want to be able to give back to them for all they have done for me.” In fact, when I last spoke to him, he had just granted assistance to a man in Arizona via Second Chance, so that he could save his best furry friend.

Levi has finally settled into his new home and is getting along just fine with Simon’s other dogs Rigs, Emmy, George, and Abbie, and cats Cinder and Bear. He visits the Canine Fitness Center for massage physiotherapy twice a week. The lab is expected to make a full recovery in time, although his progress is more like inches than feet. That’s ok with Simon, he loves Levi and together, they have all the time in the world.

If you or someone you know need veteranian services, and would like to seek funding from the Second Chance Foundation, contact Simon Wilby at www.thehearnow.com or toll free 1-866-343-4327.