Ron and Tina Hatin along with their new rescue dog, Mama.Burlington, Vermont - May 3, 2011
Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience, but one Vermont couple turned the death of their beloved dog into an opportunity to help others.
Ron and Tina Hatin, of Milton, lost their 10-year-old yellow lab, Emma, to bone cancer of the jaw last summer. They say it opened their eyes to the prohibitive costs of treating a canine with cancer, especially after seeing some pet owners who were forgoing food for themselves so their dogs could get treatment.
In her memory, they started Emma's Foundation for Canine Cancer. It raises money to assist dog owners with paying for the cancer care and also provides resources and referrals. People can apply for assistance, which is awarded based on financial need.
To contact Emma's Foundation or to make a donation, call (802) 893-7457 or write a letter to P.O. Box 1115, Milton, VT 05468. The foundation's website, www.EmmasFoundationForCanineCancer.com, is currently under construction but will be up and running in June.
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