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ANIMAL COMPASSION FUND RECIPIENT HAS SUCCESSFUL OPEN-HEART SURGERY

March 6, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2014

For more information,
Contact: Natalie Lester
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088

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Chihuahua at Young-Williams Animal Center heads to foster care

When a Chihuahua was found abandoned in a shed with five other animals last month, her future was uncertain to say the least. She suffered from a heart murmur that endangered her life, but the Harry and Carolyn Galbraith Animal Compassion Fund at Young-Williams Animal Center sponsored a surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine that ultimately saved her.

On Wednesday, March 5, Ariel, a 5-pound Chihuahua, underwent a surgery that lasted over an hour to repair her heart, and just 24 hours later, she heads to foster care for further monitoring until she can be adopted at Young-Williams Animal Center. Today, March 6, at 4 p.m., Ariel departed the center to be with her foster family.

“Ariel’s condition is one that commonly results in heart failure,” said Dr. Sophy Jesty, veterinary cardiology specialist at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. “However, closing Ariel’s duct means her life expectancy returns to normal, and we are happy to report that Ariel is recovering and able to go home today. We are so thankful to Young-Williams Animal Center for finding and caring for Ariel and to the private donors of the shelter for making surgeries like this one possible.”

The Animal Compassion Fund was established in 2013 through the estate of Harry and Carolyn Galbraith, a couple passionate about animal welfare. Since its inception, the fund has saved more than 300 animals’ lives and purchased a gently used X-ray machine that Young-Williams uses to diagnose and provide treatment for the animals in the center’s care.

“Ariel is the perfect example of how the Animal Compassion Fund works, and we’re excited to share her success story,” said Jeff Ashin, Young-Williams Animal Center CEO. “Without the support of private donations, this level of extensive care beyond basic vet services isn’t possible and Ariel’s future could have been very different.”

While the fund was established through the estate of Harry and Carolyn Galbraith, Ashin encouraged community members to continue to support the fund as a way to save lives in the community.

“At Young-Williams, we take in more than 14,000 animals a year for which there are simply not enough homes,” Ashin said. “Whether you are able to make a financial contribution to the fund to save lives like Ariel’s or offer your home as a temporary safe place for an animal in need, we invite you to support the Harry and Carolyn Galbraith Animal Compassion Fund.”

About Young-Williams Animal Center

Young-Williams Animal Center reminds the community to please spay and neuter your pets.

The Young-Williams Animal Center is the official animal shelter for Knox County and the City of Knoxville. The center is a nonprofit organization, community-supported through public and private donations, that turns no animal away and is dedicated to the sheltering and placement of animals, general animal welfare, and public education of companion animal issues.

Young-Williams Animal Center is located off Sutherland Avenue at the entrance to John Tarleton Park at 3201 Division St. Young-Williams Animal Village is located at 6400 Kingston Pike adjacent to Deane Hill Drive. Both locations are open seven days a week from noon-6 p.m.

For more information about Young-Williams Animal Center, including detailed driving directions, call 865-215-6599 or visit www.young-williams.org.