Yukon’s Story...

Yukon was brought to the Baltimore Humane Society in April of 2010. He was a one year old husky mix full of energy and optimism. When Yukon was being neutered, the veterinarian at the shelter discovered that he had a very large cleft palate on the roof of his mouth. He was probably born with this abnormality and he was lucky to have survived. Most dogs with an opening as large as Yukon’s cleft palate would have died due to pneumonia. Yukon beat the odds and survived an entire year with this medical condition. BHS wanted to help Yukon get better so that he could have the chance to live a long and healthy life. By working with the Animal Dental Center, an area specialty practice located on Cromwell Bridge Road in Towson, the shelter was able to get Yukon scheduled for a surgical procedure that could repair his cleft palate. Dr. Ira Luskin and Dr. Tiffany Brown, both Diplomates of the American Veterinary Dental College, were able to devise a surgical plan to get Yukon healthy again. According to Dr. Luskin, the owner of the Animal Dental Center, “We love being able to help our patients and serve our community by working with organizations such as yours, to make those small differences in the lives of these animals, and hopefully offer them a better quality of life as a result.” Yukon has already had one extensive oral surgery, performed by Dr. Brown, to repair his cleft palate and he will likely require an additional surgery before he is fully recovered. Thanks to these wonderful veterinary specialists, Yukon has a chance for a normal life. Yukon is now recuperating in the loving care of a very special adoptive family that made a place in their home and their hearts for him.

What the Yukon Fund Does...

When a pet is surrendered to the Baltimore Humane Society, they are examined by a staff veterinarian, vaccinated for the most common infectious diseases, tested for heartworm (if a dog) or feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (if a cat), wormed for intestinal parasites, treated with flea prevention, and finally they are spayed or neutered before being placed up for adoption. This generally costs the shelter a significant amount of money but it’s a worthwhile investment for a chance for a pet to get a forever home.  Unfortunately, not all animals come to the shelter in a healthy condition. Some, like Yukon, are found to have medical conditions that require further diagnostics, advanced medical treatment, and sometimes advanced surgical procedures before they can be adopted out to the community. Even with the generous discounts that these wonderful specialists are able to offer the shelter, advanced medical care of the type that Yukon required can get expensive for a non-profit shelter organization. At the Baltimore Humane Society, if an animal arrives with a medical condition that is treatable, they will receive the medical care necessary to get them healthy again and adopted out into the community. The cost of these medical procedures can add up quickly and place a huge financial burden on our already strained budget, and that’s why we developed The Yukon Fund.  The Fund was established in Yukon’s name to be a pool of monetary donations set aside specifically for the advanced medical needs of shelter residents. Now, shelter animals that require further medical attention can receive the same quality of veterinary care that owned animals receive. Now every animal surrendered to Baltimore Humane Society will have a chance to have a healthy life in a forever home!

To Donate to the Yukon Fund...

Please click below to support this very special fund.  Just select "Yukon Fund" from the "I Wish to Support" menu.  Thank you for your most generous gift!