A Milton-based pet support group is once again welcoming the community to get in gear to aid their efforts.
Registration is now underway for Farley Foundation’s annual Ride for Farley, which this year – on Sept. 14 – will be complemented with a community barbecue.
Taking place at the organization’s 420 Bronte St. S. location, the event will include a DJ and free pet photos.
Funds raised will go to the Farley Foundation, which helps pet owners access medical treatment for their furry friends that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
“The human-animal bond is so unconditional. Many, unfortunately, aren’t able to pay for those particular procedures that are not elective,” said Farley Foundation president Dr. Gwendolyn Jeun.
The foundation was established in 2022 by former Ontario Veterinary Medical Association president Doug Raven as a charitable arm of the organization. Since then, it has helped roughly 15,000 pets get healthy. This includes nearly 9,000 dogs and a little over 6,000 cats, as well as many ferrets, birds, rabbits and even two horses and ponies.
Financial assistance comes through an owner’s veterinary clinic. Those eligible include seniors receiving the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement, those on the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works, anyone with an annual income of under $25,000 and seniors’ home residents.
Dr. Jeun said the organization has seen about a six per cent increase in pets they’ve helped in recent years – attributing that to raised awareness of the service – with roughly 800 pets receiving Farley Foundation-supported care so far in 2024.
“We are aiming to double our fundraising revenue by 2027,” said Dr. Jeun. “Eighty per cent of clinics in Ontario are OVMA members. There’s a lot of possibility there, but there is an education piece from our side to remind our members and veterinarians that Farley is accessible to them.”
If the English sheepdog cartoon in the foundation logo looks familiar, that’s because the founders received permission from renowned Canadian cartoonist Lynn Johnston to use it.
Farley was a member of the Patterson family in Johnston’s newspaper comic for Better or for Worse. In an Apr. 18, 1995 issue, the family dog rescues their youngest daughter, April, from drowning. A few issues later, Farley succumbs to complications from the rescue and dies.
“It just speaks to how much love Farley had for his family,” said Dr. Jeun. “People love their pets and their pets love them right back.”
Ride for Farley participants choose between a 50 and 100-km route. They will be treated to breakfast at 8 a.m. and will begin the ride an hour later. The barbecue will run from noon to 4 p.m.
See more details at Eventbrite.