A Client Story – Bernard and Flash

 

When Bernard’s first dog passed on, Flash, a Black Lab, became Bernard’s family in 2001. Flash has shared good times and bad times with Bernard. Through it all, Flash has given Bernard the strength to continue fighting to regain his health — and because of the dedicated Staff and Volunteers of PAWS/LA, Bernard has been able to see that his dog is well-cared for. Flash developed health problems that Bernard could not have afforded to pay. PAWS/LA stepped in and provided the financial assistance meeded to see that Flash received the treatments he needed.

Every month, rain or shine, a dedicated PAWS/LA Volunteer makes food deliveries for Flash, which lifts another burden from Bernard’s shoulders. Like all of PAWS/LA clients, Bernard’s primary concern is for the welfare of his animal companion. Because of PAWS/LA, Bernard isn’t faced with debilitatiing stress over Flash’s welfare.

Bernard believes in giving back what he can to the organization that has allowed him to keep Flash with him. Whenever possible, Bernard helps to spread the word about PAWS/LA, happy to share his experience of the generosity and devotion of PAWS/LA Staff and Volunteers. “Flash has helped keep me alive,” he says, “and PAWS/LA has enabled me to keep Flash.”

Always a realist, Bernard knows that his life could end before Flash. He has tried to make provisions for his beloved dog to be adopted should the need arise. His worry over this matter is greatly decreased because he knows PAWS/LA will step in and make sure that Flash finds a loving human to care for if Bernard is taken from him.

Bernard has not had an easy road to walk, but because he had Flash by his side he’s never felt alone — and for that he will always be grateful to the wonderful people at PAWS/LA.

 

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