Bearen is the youngest of my 2 wonderful, loving kitties. In the summer of 2000, he fell victim to acute kidney failure. His only hope was the vet hospital at UC Davis, where doctors have the highest success rate for kidney transplants. I drove him there immediately, and he began receiving dialysis treatments, in the hopes of boosting his strength enough to allow for a transplant.

Back in Oregon, campaigning began for the Bearen Fund- to help raise money for his transplant. I put jars and posters in local businesses and wrote letters and emails to every pet organization I could find. Through it all, I began to realize that many people face this sad dilemma; most end up having to put their animal to sleep. I became aware of a larger need.

Bearen’s kidney transplant was a success, and his recovery is going very well. Despite daily medication, he lives a normal, happy kitty life, and hopefully he will live many more years with his new kidney.

I am so thankful to have been able to make that choice for Bearen. I think that same option should be available to other families committed to providing healthy, loving homes for their pets. That is why I started The Bearen Foundation, dedicated to helping people help their pets. I have been fortunate enough to encounter other caring individuals with the same hopes and dreams. I know that together we can make a difference.

Megan Bendtzen
President & Founder