Sadie's Gift Emergency Fund

Orthodogs' Silver Lining Foundation's emergency fund is dedicated to the memory of Sadie, a dog who lost her life because local veterinarians would not treat her before receiving payment. Sadie was struck by an automobile, which shattered her leg, likely requiring amputation. Sadie had to wait an agonizing nine days before OSLF was contacted to step in to help secure treatment.

The Sadie's Gift Emergency Fund will help to ensure that OSLF has funds available for cases like Sadie's. A percentage of all incoming revenue will be reserved for building and maintaining this emergency fund. Our initial goal is to maintain an available base of $2000, which will only be paid out in emergency cases.

OSLF's process for emergency case applications is essentially the same as for that of non-emergencies, but our decisions and payment are expedited. Special consideration will be given to true life-threatening emergencies. Depending upon recent case load, our emergency funds may be limited, but we will do our best to help.

Eligible Expenses

OSLF will consider a case to be an emergency, and eligible for an immediate pledge, if immediate treatment is necessary in order to save the life of the dog, or if the condition or injury is causing severe disability. OSLF will only make this determination based upon a written statement from the treating veterinarian. If your situation is not life-threatening, it will not be considered for emergency funding, and you should follow the process outlined on our regular funding pages.

Note: In keeping with OSLF's upcoming "Please Fence Me In" owner safety awareness program, we will not provide financial assistance for injuries suffered as the result of an accident when that accident occurred because a dog was improperly fenced, not securely leashed or was being handled in an unsafe manner. This includes, but is not limited to, dogs being hit by cars or dogs suffering injuries as a result of a fall from an unsafe height.

What is considered an eligible —or ineligible— expense is dependent upon the type of fund under which you apply, and you can find more details on those funding pages. See our fund guidelines for more information: service dog cases, companion orthopedic cases, and shelter/rescue orthopedic cases.

Step-by-Step Emergency Application Procedures

Please refer to our Application Process page for important information pertaining to application acceptance requirements, and OSLF's guidelines for what is expected of you throughout the application submission and post-assistance stages.

We understand that dealing with an emergency situation can be very stressful and overwhelming. We are also aware that our guidelines may seem extensive, and that there is a lot of information to read through. However, it is important that you take the time to understand our requirements before submitting an application, or your case could be denied or cancelled due to non-compliance.

What You Need To Provide

Your application and the supporting documentation as specified on your application must be sent together to OSLF. And, since OSLF will not take any action on your case until we have received a complete set of the required documentation, it is to your benefit to get everything to us as quickly as possible.

Items that you will need to include in your application package:

1. Send an email to info@oslf.org to alert us to your situation, and let us know when to expect your faxed application and documentation.
   
   
2. Get a written estimate and status statement from the treating veterinarian. We will not accept an emergency application without a written estimate. In addition to full contact and identifying information for you, your dog, and the treating veterinarian and clinic, this document must include the following information:
   
   
1. Your pet's diagnosis, and prognosis for recovery after treatment.
   
   
2. Itemization of treatment needed, and estimated costs.
   
   
3. The vet must be of the opinion that your pet will not survive without immediate treatment. This must be clearly stated in writing by the veterinarian.
   
   
3. Print OSLF's Letter of Introduction and Waiver Form for the veterinarian, and ensure the signed copy is returned to us. The vet must agree to work with OSLF's payment policies, shown at the bottom of this page. You may download the OSLF Veterinarian Waiver [PDF] here.
   
   
4. Complete an OSLF assistance application for the fund under which you are applying. Be sure to include all supporting documentation, as specified on the application form. Visit our Assistance Application page to access our printable HTML assistance application forms.

You may email a scanned copy of your application package to info@oslf.org, or e-fax it to: 703-562-0781. It's worth repeating that OSLF will not take any action on your case until we have received a complete set of the required paperwork.

OSLF Payment Policy

A few important OSLF payment guidelines:

• OSLF will only assist with charges directly related to the emergency, and may not provide funding for charges incurred prior to the approval of your application.
  
  
• OSLF will not reimburse the applicant for payments made to the veterinarian. OSLF will only make payment to the treating veterinarian.
  
  
• OSLF will not pay on an invoice which shows no balance due, or make a payment for more than the balance shown.
  
  
• OSLF will send a check within 15 days following receipt of an itemized invoice.
  
  
• If OSLF emergency funds are not immediately available, and the treating veterinarian is willing to accept payment plans, OSLF will continue fundraising after treatment has been provided and make payments as funds become available.

Want to help? Please make a donation to the OSLF Emergency Fund!