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 much 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
