Application Process

Applying for financial assistance from Orthodogs' Silver Lining is a simple process. However, we ask that you review the General Information page as well as the funding page that is specific to your situation. Your familiarity with the policies, procedures and requirements outlined by OSLF will allow us to process all applications in a timely and efficient manner.

Although OSLF will strive to help as many dogs as possible, we regret that not all applications will be approved to receive financial assistance. In many cases, the decision to approve an applicant's request will be easy—in other instances, it may be more difficult. To ensure the decision making process is as equitable as possible, all applications for financial assistance will be reviewed by the OSLF Approval Committee. If at any time the Approval Committee is unable to reach a decision, the application will then be reviewed by the Board of Directors. The Board will then vote to either approve or deny the request.

Before You Apply

All applicants should consider OSLF as their last resort to obtain financial assistance. All other potential sources of aid should have been exhausted.

How To Apply for OSLF Assistance

Our Assistance Application is available in printable HTML format. You may submit your application, along with the required supporting documentation, via postal mail to the following address:

OSL Foundation
Attn: Assistance Application
18402 E. 101st Place North
Owasso, OK 74055

If you have an emergency situation or would like to expedite the submission process, you may fax your application, along with the required supporting documentation, to e-fax number 703-562-0781. In the case of faxed applications, the required photograph may be mailed to the address listed above, or submitted via email to info@oslf.org. The photograph must be clearly marked on the back with the applicant's name, address, telephone number, and the dog's name. See the Assistance Application page for more information.

Before completing the Assistance Application, please review the General Information page, as well as the individual funding pages. The Orthopedic Cases, Shelters/Rescue Groups and Service Dogs pages will provide you with all of the information you need to determine whether or not your dog will qualify for assistance, under which category you should apply, and what type of supporting documentation must accompany your application.

Please note that although OSLF volunteers will be available to assist applicants with questions regarding the application and required supporting documentation, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the application. If OSLF receives an application that is incomplete or lacks supporting documentation, the applicant will be given an opportunity to provide the missing information prior to the application being submitted to the Approval Committee.

OSLF volunteers will contact all applicants to confirm that their Assistance Application has been received and that it is complete, or that it requires additional information or supporting documentation. In the case of faxed applications, OSLF volunteers will make every attempt to confirm receipt the same day. For applications that are sent by mail, an email confirming receipt will be sent within 24 hours.

Application Review Process

Once an application has been received by OSLF, the applicant will be assigned an OSLF Client Liaison. The Client Liaison will contact the applicant to let them know that the application has been received. The Client Liaison will review the application to make sure it is complete and will verify that all supporting documentation accompanies the application. The Client Liaison will work directly with the applicant to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the application. Once it has been determined that the application is complete, the Client Liaison will submit it to the OSLF Approval Committee. The Approval Committee will review the application and the accompanying documentation and will determine if the applicant is eligible to receive financial assistance from OSLF. This determination will be made within 48 hours of the committee having received the completed application.

Notification of Acceptance or Denial

Applicants will be notified either by letter or by email of the acceptance or denial of their application. If an applicant is denied financial assistance through OSLF, they will have one opportunity to appeal this decision. They will work with their assigned Client Liason who will inform them of additional documentation that may be required in order to have their application resubmitted to the OSLF Approval Committee. If the applicant does not agree to submit the additional documentation, the denial of their application will be final. If the applicant agrees to submit additional documentation, the Approval Committee will review their original application along with the additional documentation and may change their ruling. However, the Approval Committee may still decide to deny the application. In the case of a second denial, the decision cannot be appealed.

What Is Expected of the Applicant?

Registration on the OSLF Community Forum and an introductory post are expected within 24 hours of notification of an application's approval. Applicants must post frequent updates as to the status of their dog. Updates must be posted a minimum of twice a week until the dog's treatment is scheduled. Once treatment is scheduled, the applicant will be required to post updates a minimum of once a week. In cases which require on-going treatment, updates will be posted a minimum of once a week. Failure to post the required updates may result in the closure of an applicant's case.

During the period of time that a dog's case is considered active, the applicant will be required to play a continuous, active role in the fundraising campaign. In most cases, the applicant will be required to contribute to the expenses for their particular dog to the extent to which they are able. The amount of an applicant's contribution will be determined during the approval process, but OSLF reserves the right to amend this if the applicant's financial situation changes.

During the application process and fundraising campaign, applicants will be required to respond to all communication from OSLF within 48 hours. Failure to do so may result in the closure of your case.

Because OSLF cannot guarantee that the necessary funds will be raised for any given dog, all applicants will be encouraged to pursue other fundraising options. These may include garage sales, local fundraisers, and sale of personal goods. All proceeds from personal fundraising endeavors must be reported to OSLF. This will not adversely effect your dog's fundraising campaign on OSLF, but will allow us to keep contributors updated as to the amount needed for a particular dog.

Post Assistance Follow-Up

Once a dog's treatment is completed, and the case has been moved to the Success Stories page, the applicant is required to post updates to the Community Forum a minimum of once every two weeks, for a duration lasting at least 6 months. Applicants may post more often, and for a longer time period, if they choose.

Case Closure for Failure To Participate in the Forum

Failure to post Community Forum updates according to the previously stated schedules may result in case closure, without further notification. All donations will be redistributed to other cases or funds, at OSLF's discretion. OSLF will make no exceptions to this rule without prior written approval. If, for a period of time, you will not be available to provide Forum updates as required, you must make prior contact with OSLF to request an exception.

Case closure for caregiver noncompliance is our very least favorite thing to do, so we request that you please make every effort to abide by this requirement.