Dog News

Twelve-year-old boy raising money to save the sight of his neighbor’s dog

by ADMIN

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jackbrodyA 12-year-old boy from Winchester, Massachusetts has a mission. Jack McPadden’s neighbor’s dog, Brody, has a diseased cornea. Brody is at risk of losing his sight. McPadden, who lost his own sight from cancer when he was nine months old, has raised hundreds of dollars to help pay for the veterinary care Brody needs.

Brody, a 5-year-old Boston Terrier, was rescued by Just a Touch Rescue, a nonprofit that saves dogs that have problems. “We take dogs at the bottom of the list – those little, broken critters with special needs who have no chance. All they need is a little help,” said Just a Touch founder Debbie Fahrenholtz. Just a Touch consulted a vet on Brody’s condition who believes Brody’s eye can be saved. It might require surgery costing $800 though.

Brody was placed in foster care with McPadden’s neighbor, Mariana Ovnic. McPadden is a big animal lover and bonded instantly with Brody and decided he wanted to help. “Animals can give so much to humans, and we can give back,” McPadden said. “They can give you love, and you get the feeling that you’re providing a home for them and nurturing them.”

McPadden reached out to his schoolmates and raised $211.05 in donations. Combined with the $100 from his own family, he says he is just getting started.  McPadden’s public service project in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah next June is to raise more money for Brody by baking and selling dog biscuits. McPadden is looking forward to Brody being healthy and adopted, “able to have a rich and wonderful life – like I have.”