The Bo Fund: A Special Dog Needs Your Help (updated 10/10/2010)

*UPDATE, October 10, 2010:

Bo's surgeries are complete and he is standing tall and proud in his adoptive home! He now enjoys the normal, happy life he so deserves, thanks to all who donated to the Bo Fund and the veterinarians who took such wonderful care of him.

Bo was recently featured in Chase Utley's Dog Blog. He says, "Go Phillies". . . and we say, "Go Bo!"

07/23/2009

Bo is a young pit bull (less than one year old) who was rescued by PAWS from Philadelphia's animal control shelter. He is a happy, friendly, playful, loving dog, but his front legs are badly malformed (a congenital defect) and he needs reconstructive surgery in order to live a normal life. Bo loves to cuddle with people and play with other dogs, but he tires easily and cannot walk or run more than a little bit at a time. As he ages, he will experience more pain and mobility limitations due to his condition. It must be corrected now, while he is young, to give him the best chance at a long, healthy, happy life.

PAWS is committed to getting Bo the care he needs, and has enlisted the help of a team of veterinarians at the Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center in Langhorne, PA. His surgeries (one on each leg, 2-3 months apart) will be performed by Cathy Popovitch, VMD, DACVS, a specialist in the area of angular limb deformity and corrective osteotomy. Robert J. Orsher, VMD, DACVS, will oversee Bo’s follow-up care and recovery. They are generously discounting Bo’s surgeries and will provide much of his follow-up care at little or no cost.

However, PAWS still needs to raise at least $5,000 for Bo's surgeries, and our budget does not allow for such extraordinary expenses. We are appealing to the public to help us help Bo. (Donations to PAWS are tax-deductible, and any funds raised beyond what is needed for Bo will be used to provide veterinary care for other sick or injured animals rescued by PAWS.)

Bo is currently in foster care. He is still searching for a loving adopter who will be committed to helping him through his operations and recovery, and give him the loving, permanent home he deserves. Bo loves other dogs, so the ideal home will have a dog that can be Bo's playmate and companion (once he has healed and is ready to play!). If you are interested in adopting Bo and can help him through his lengthy treatment process, please email bo@phillypaws.org.

How you can help:

• Donate to the PAWS Bo Fund by clicking here.
• Attend the Benefit for Bo:
  When: Thursday, August 6, 8-10 p.m.
  Where: Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse, 1823 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
  What: $20 cover charge includes premium open bar, buffet, DJ, and giveaways. We’ll also have great items to raffle off and offer for silent auction! Plus, meet Bo!

From Bo and all of his admirers at PAWS, thank you in advance for your support.

Update (8/15/09): We are very happy to report that, between our online fundraising effort and the Benefit for Bo on August 6, we have raised enough money for Bo's surgery and his first operation has been scheduled for September 3. He is very happily living with his new family (including three other dogs who love him!). His new dad will be building a web site to chronicle Bo's progress though surgery and recovery, so we can all keep tabs on him! We will post the link here as soon as it’s up and running.
 
Many thanks to everyone who so supported Bo! Your generosity has made a tremendous difference in this wonderful dog’s life.