For many shelter dogs, the road to adoption is not an easy one. Limited resources can mean that animals requiring specialized care may not receive the treatment they need, and may be at risk for euthanasia. However, The Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs is changing this reality for hundreds of shelter dogs.
Since 2015, the Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs has been funding the Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Project at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital. Through this program, dogs in partnering shelters that are at risk for euthanasia are selected and provided with life-saving, specialty care.
Thanks to Richard Lichter’s generous gift of $2.7 million in April 2019, the Emergency Room at Penn Vet was redesigned and renovated to provide even better care for shelter dogs. In addition, the Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs has also funded the creation of a new ER, dog lobby, and advanced dentistry and oral surgery suite at UPenn Vet Hospital.
The Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Project is a collaborative effort between Penn Vet, community shelter partners, and foster families. Penn Vet provides all medical and diagnostic services necessary to treat the condition, and after treatment, the dog is placed in foster care and becomes available for adoption.
“I am delighted with the start of the Shelter Dog Specialty Medical Treatment Project, this partnership with Penn Vet, which has incredible veterinary specialists and emergency care, has enabled numerous dogs without families and without hope to have another chance at life,” said Richard Lichter.
The impact of the Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs is clear. To date, the organization has funded life-saving medical treatment for over 564 shelter dogs. And for dogs like Truffles, the impact is even more personal. Truffles was brought to Hernando County Animal Services as a stray and was recommended to be an only pet due to stress from long-term kennel life.
Thanks to the Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs program, Truffles was able to receive the surgery she needed and recover with her adoptive family. The Richard Lichter Charity for Dogs is not only saving the lives of shelter dogs, but also giving hope to these animals and the families who adopt them. As the program continues to grow, it is sure to bring many more success stories and happy endings for shelter dogs in need.
This article feature is from our annual special edition issue, the L.A. STYLE Magazine Most Influential of 2023.
