Oscar the Grouch Memorial Fund for Pets in Need

Yesterday, my best friend woke and let me know it was time. Oscar was the center of my world for ten years, never leaving my side. Last summer, Oscar was diagnosed with gastrointestinal lymphoma and congestive heart failure. Through his diagnosis, multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and visits to specialists, he never gave up. Still, every morning, he would let me know it was time for breakfast. Every afternoon, he would greet me at the door with just as much joy as the last. Every night, he would find a spot next to me and purr until we both fell asleep. He provided the constant supply of love necessary to get to the next day, and I was never alone. He was my strength through the pandemic, and his remission, resilience and continued love gave me hope.

Through what would be his final year, Oscar's quality of life was beautiful, thanks to the extraordinary care from his team of doctors and their staff. However, not lost on me during every veterinary visit was how incredibly fortunate I was to have the resources necessary to keep my best friend alive and well.

Seeing others face the decision to treat or lose their beloved pet left me equally heartbroken. For this reason, I would like to create a need-based pet fund in Oscar's name. The goal is to provide owners with pets facing terminal illnesses with the funds necessary to extend their quality of life. The funds will be split between the three local veterinary hospitals and offered to pet owners in need at the discretion of the treating physician/surgeon. I will personally match every penny of the funds raised with what I was able to save for Oscars medical care.

I would like to thank the extraordinary team of physicians/surgeons and their staff. I could not say enough praise, as a physician/surgeon myself, for how caring, compassionate and thoughtful these providers were to Oscar and me.

Dr. Jamie Putt and staff of Animal Hospital of Dauphen County. You are the most gifted, friendly, and compassionate veterinarian and the only provider Oscar did not bite. You are a superhero in a white coat, and without you Oscar would have been gone years ago. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Internist Dr. Damon Rodriquez, Cardiologist Dr. Dennis Simon and their staff of Lancaster Veterinary Specialists. Thank you for your kindness, patience, availability and care. You answered every hysterical phone call/ email, and treated Oscar with the same quality care as I would expect. The countless email exchanges provided the hope and calm I needed to get through these treatments.

Dr. Sarah Moser and staff of Shores Animal Emergency Hosptial in Harrisbug, PA. You brought Oscar back to life when he went into heart failure and gave him 6 more months of quality life. In his final hours, you and your staff provided a peaceful and respectful passage. I knew he was grateful for those final months and would not have wanted to leave this earth any other way.

I am forever grateful for these providers and their staff during these times. I know Oscar would want nothing more than to help others receive the same care that extended his quality of life.

Thank you,

Dr. Anthony Luzzi