In a speedy display of compassion, donors rallied together to support George, a two-year-old standard poodle, in his journey to regain his eyesight and find a loving forever home.
Angela Noon, a Juneau local who recently underwent cataract surgery herself, spearheaded a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of George on Tuesday. The collective efforts resulted in the fundraising goal of $6,500 being met in less than 24 hours.
George’s story began in April when his previous family brought him to the Juneau Animal Rescue (JAR) due to his reactivity towards young children and his deteriorating vision caused by cataracts. Recognizing the urgency and significance of his situation, Noon, inspired by her own personal experience, took the initiative to create a platform for George’s recovery.
The funds raised through the campaign will now enable George to undergo the specialized surgery required to restore his vision. The monetary support will cover the costs of the procedure, including travel expenses to Palmer, where a veterinarian with the required expertise will perform the surgery.
This GoFundMe is set up for funds to directly go to JAR to support George’s surgery, with any additional funds raised going into JAR’s Second Chances Fund, which provides surgeries and medical care to animals in the shelter who need more involved medical care, according to Noon.
While the financial hurdle has been successfully overcome, JAR is now seeking the assistance of the community in finding a foster family in the Anchorage/Palmer area who can provide George with a temporary home during his surgery and recovery period.
“I would adopt George myself if I could!” Noon wrote. “My goal with this GoFundMe is to get George the medical care he needs and to get him out of the shelter and into his forever family.”
In nearly 48 hours, the fundraising goal was not only achieved, but exceeded. Through 87 donations, $7,275 has been raised.
“A huge thank you to all of the folks who donated and/or shared this fundraiser,” Noon wrote. “Your generosity is so much appreciated.”
• Contact at therese.pokorney@juneauempire.com.
