I get a ton of emails about animals that need life-restoring surgery, but their owners are hard-pressed to pay. If I wrote about every one, it could be my full-time job.
But there is something about "Hercules" that tugs at my heart.
This 12-year-old shepherd mix has served the Charles family of Queens in good stead, fending off burglars -- and holding one in his grip until police arrived -- and even saving a young family member from an unprovoked attack by schoolyard bullies. That young man is now 23 and a 2-year member of the New York City Park Police.
Now it is Hercules' turn to be helped. After he started circling round and round and his rear legs began giving out, specialists at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview performed an MRI and diagnosed a brain tumor.
The tumor is operable, and after surgery Hercules could live a few more years with a good quality of life.
The total fee for the MRI, surgery and hospitalization would normally be $4,500 to $5,500. Dr. Dominic J. Marino, chief of surgery at LIVS, discounted the MRI cost and is foregoing the fee for the surgery, which is schedule for next week. But the family still cannot afford the hospital fees of several thousand dollars.
A fund has been established to help the family, " VSS of LI-Hercules fund." To donate, call LIVS at 516 501-1700.
