Mondee Tilley/The News

An annoymous donor recently gave seed money to Mayberry4Paws to establish a fund at the Surry County Spay and Neuter Clinic that will be used to help defray the cost of medical treatment for dogs like Stella who sometimes develops a heat rash.

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An anonymous donation has opened the door to help needy families receive emergency and/or basic health care for their dogs, and animal supporters in the county are hoping other residents will follow suit.

A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has provided the seed money to Mayberry4Paws to establish a fund at the Surry County Spay and Neuter Clinic that will be used to help defray the cost of medical treatment for dogs whose families are unable to pay, Mayberry4Paws Director Jane Taylor said.

The donation was made in honor of the donor’s pet chihuahua — Kami Greer — who died recently at the age of 13 after enduring multiple health problems over the past several years.

The donor, who asked that her name not be used, made an emotional explanation of decision to set up the fund.

“I was lucky enough to be able to provide the care that she (Kami Greer) needed,” she said through her tears. “Foothills Pet Health Care worked hard to sustain her life and provide her with a good quality of life, but I was in and out of that office a lot over the past several years and I saw a lot of people coming in who weren’t as lucky as I and couldn’t afford to care for their dogs.”

While the donor said she is “anything but rich,” she decided to donate the money she was previously spending on her dog in hopes of helping others who may be struggling to provide quality medical care for their dogs.

“Those of us who are fortunate enough to have a job and be working can provide what needs to be provided,” she said. “We sometimes take it for granted and think everyone is where we are. But very often their dogs have needs that they might have difficulty meeting.”

The fund will be administered by the Surry County Spay and Neuter Clinic, and the veterinarian on staff will determine how the money is used.

“It will be just for that one clinic and used at the discretion of Dr. Anthony Russo, the veterinarian on staff,” Taylor said. “They will know what the balance is in that account and as the need arises, they’ll be the ones to decide whether to offer help.”

The fund will depend on donations that are specific to the Kami Greer Fund, and because Mayberry4Paws is a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible.

“The money will be used for emergency services, basic health care, etc., and will not be used to spay or neuter,” Taylor said.

Taylor said she hopes others will follow suit, and suggested that donations can be made in memory or honor of a loved one or beloved pet.

“I’d like to see everyone get involved and this become a viable way to help improve the lives of dogs in Surry County,” she said.

The donor agreed.

“I hope others will do what they can to help provide these much-needed services to the pets in the county,” she said. “The key is for people to make a commitment to make regular donations, as little or as much as they can afford, and do just a little bit when they can.”

Donations may be sent to Mayberry4Paws at 134 W. Wilson St., Mount Airy, NC 27030. Receipts are available upon request. For more information, call 336-786-1-34 or 336-789-4775.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.