Her French bulldog may be gone, but The Izzie Fund keeps giving
Victoria Chester Rose and Izzie were so close that the French bulldog was the flower girl in her wedding. When Izzie was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in December 2020, Rose made sure she got every available treatment, regardless of the cost.
Izzie died in February 2021.
In her dog’s memory, the McCandless woman earlier this year launched The Izzie Fund, which will help dog owners pay for the cost of specialized veterinarian care. The fund began on what would have been Izzie’s 16th birthday.
“I always promised her I would give her the best Sweet 16 party, and I didn’t disappoint,” Chester Rose said. “She was my constant companion, who was there in the happiest of times and the darkest of times,” which included two miscarriages and the death of her father in 2017.
“Losing her was unbearable, but even through the grief, I recognized my husband and I were given the gift of never wondering ‘What if?’ We were at peace knowing we did everything we could do to help her.”
Then, they decided to give that opportunity to others. After a slow start, the nonprofit gained traction over the summer.
“What used to be events where we gave away a lot of free branded doggie balls and treats, we now have been turning into mini fundraising events,” Chester Rose said.
They’re building a campaign around Giving Tuesday, in which nonprofits collect donations as part of a global network to inspire generosity around the world. This year Giving Tuesday is Nov. 29.
“Our cause makes us unique in the fact we provide financial support to keep dogs in their homes with family,” Chester Rose said. “Too often, owners are faced with considering surrendering or euthanasia due to the cost of specialized medical care and supporting therapies.
“I am hoping early next year we will have some success stories.”
Salty Paws Pittsburgh Doggie Bar & Bakery in Lawrenceville is a partner. The store donated a portion of sales from an October doughnuts and coffee event. Next will be a private holiday shopping and wine tasting event Dec. 2.
“I love the driving force behind The Izzie Fund,”
Salty Paws owner Jessica Kury said. “The fact there is a charity right here in Pittsburgh to help offset your pet’s medical expenses is fantastic.
“A charity like The Izzie Fund is a key component to keeping that pet in their home and receiving the treatment needed. It comes from a place of pure love and altruistic motives.”
Keri Harmicar, of Bellevue, also is a supporter.
“All too often, someone who loves their fur baby has to make a difficult decision regarding care, medication or surgery, all of which can be quite costly,” she said. “My husband and I recently had to make decisions for our sweet little old man in a dog costume, Henry, as he is facing numerous health challenges as he ages.
“Each assessment and consequent potential treatment came with significant price tags — $300 here, $1,500 there, potentially $6,000 for something else. Luckily, we were able to pay for the care we felt
Henry needed, but many are not as fortunate.”
For more information or to donate,
totheizziefund.org. Donations can be sent to The Izzie Fund, 128 Inverness goDrive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.