Help 81-year-old Frank keep his best friend, sassy Texas street dog Cali, alive.

Frank is a pensioner who has had the hardest year of his life and is now facing the loss of his best friend.

In June of 2023 Frank and his beloved wife of 46 years, Janis, moved into an Independent Living facility after her dementia advanced beyond Frank's ability to care for her alone at home. Very quickly, the facility observed that it was necessary to move her to their memory care ward and Frank committed to spending their savings to keep her in private care until a VIHA spot became available in March 2024. Now Janis continues to be well cared for, but they are no longer under the same roof. Living apart from his wife has been a very difficult transition as Frank is a committed husband and father.

Cali, who was rescued by Frank and Jan from the Texas streets in 2020, has been the center of his universe and a huge support to him, bringing light, levity and love. Cali came into our family very ill. She was subsequently diagnosed with a lifelong health issue that Frank keeps well managed and caring for her has forged a very strong bond. Cali is a wonderfully sensitive soul whose playful demeanour helps us all through the tougher days.

Cali was just diagnosed with a life-threatening thyroid tumour. This particular tumour is, thankfully, operable, and the post-op prognosis is positive: Cali is expected to live another 3-4 years if she is able to get the surgery, but without it, has little time before the carcinoma spreads. Frank’s family have cobbled together enough funds for the preoperative appointments, medications and assessments, as well as a portion of the estimated $9,000 surgery. However Frank and Jan’s penions cover the cost of their care with little to spare. They are stretched to financial capacity and need assistance saving the life of this sweet and feisty pup.

Times are tough right now, but even a $5 donation would be a huge support, and would help Cali and Frank hang on to each other. Surgery is scheduled for April 2, 2025 and we are in need of $6,000.