Houston’s Help is a not-for-profit organization that assists in providing emergency pet surgery funds for owners that cannot afford medical care. We are based in Greenville, South Carolina and service a local network of pet-parents, veterinarians and animal surgical offices. Houston's Help was originated in response to the incredible generosity displayed when my dog Houston required a life-saving
amputation that I could not afford. Houston, then 12 years old, had been my best friend and partner since his adoption as a puppy. He was adopted only hours before his scheduled euthanasia in NYC and from that moment on, was my undisputed and trusted sidekick. His paws made sandy imprints on both oceans’ coasts. He has served a therapy dog, flown cross-country, survived a tornado, and worked as my shop-dog when I owned a small retail business. He was a leash-less adventurer that never met a stranger. In the fall of 2015 he was diagnosed with a very aggressive and fast growing malignant tumor in his tail. The only option to keep him healthy was to remove it, requiring an intensive and expensive surgery. With no financial backup plan, I went to a crowdfunding website to seek help. Within 4 hours of the original post, I had received almost double the amount requested from friends, family and strangers all across the country, and even some internationally. In response to the outpouring of emotional and charitable support, I began to brainstorm how I could start a nonprofit by “Petting-it-Forward.” After careful consideration, and after speaking with pet owners, vets and animal surgeons, Houston's Help was born.
