It was a happy birthday for a local eight-year-old who turned the loss of a pet into a positive experience.
Haze Hill celebrated his birthday Wednesday by collecting funds for Fur-Ever Able Dog Rescue and Rehab, an organization in Milton, Ontario, that takes in and cares for dogs with disabilities. As of Wednesday morning, Haze collected over $1,500 in bottles and cans for the organization and had received a visit from an OPP officer congratulating him.
Haze's mother, Sarah, told Blackburn News that the idea began after the family lost a dog to complications from having a cleft palate.
"One of our dogs had puppies," said Sarah. "We love dogs, but unfortunately, one of the puppies was born with a cleft palate. So we rushed her to the vet, and the vet gave us direction to put her to sleep."
Wanting to make sure that another puppy didn't have to suffer that way, Haze came up with the idea for fundraising, and the Fur-Ever Able Dog Rescue was perfect for what Haze wanted to do.
"They specialize in neonatal puppies with cleft lip, cleft palate, puppies with disabilities, so I got in touch with them," said Sarah.
According to Fur-Ever Able's Facebook page, the organization was started by a husband and wife who made it their mission to make sure that these puppies had a chance at life.
"We have a big place in our hearts for this cause, and my husband and I have had forever dreams of helping animals that are in need. We have big plans. It’s going to take a lot of time to get our ideas out on paper and build a plan," read the Facebook page. "We are literally saving dogs from being euthanized at birth for being born with disabilities."
Haze's fundraiser began at the end of May, and Sarah said the money raised will go toward purchasing goggles, dog toys, "pee" pads, and other items.
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If you'd like to donate, check out the information on the fundraiser's Facebook page.
---with files from Adelle Loiselle