October 2015: After the Valley Fire
A HUGE Thank You to the Banfield Foundation for driving from Sacramento to Middletown to deliver a check for $10,000 for Middletown Animal Hospital’s disaster relief efforts in the wake of the Valley Fire.
Last October Banfield Foundation provided our practice with a grant to help us continue to care for the pets of our community in the wake of the devastating wildfires. As the Banfield Foundation approaches its one year anniversary this September, they are preparing to share stories of impact to celebrate this milestone. they will be partnering with famed photographer Seth Casteel (best known for “Underwater Dogs”) to capture compelling imagery that they will subsequently use in social media, print, web, video and potential PR efforts. As a beneficiary of one of the foundation’s grants, Middletown Animal Hospital was photographed by Seth at our veterinary practice on July 22, 2016.
With less than a minute to spare, Sandy Negrete managed to load her dogs into the car and escape the fire that would be named the 2nd worst in California’s history. Her community of Middletown was one of the worst hit, with more than half its residents losing their homes, including Sandy and her husband Antonio. Amongst the rubble of their home they found three of their lambs severely burned. Fortunately, Middletown Animal Hospital was unscathed and in the wake of the disaster, owner Dr. Jeff Smith decided to treat all the town’s animals at no cost. A $10,000 grant from the Banfield Foundation to the California Veterinary Medical Foundation enabled Dr. Smith and staff to keep their doors open. In the first month, almost 1,000 animals were treated, including the three Negrete lambs who have now fully recovered thanks to the kindness of those near and far.
“Knowing that their animal family was going to be taken care of while they navigated the insurance, contractor, government, hazmat, housing, vehicle, and possession replacement dimensions of the fire gave them some sorely needed relief and peace of mind." – Dr. Jeff Smith
