Stacy Nichols was involved in a car accident near Cheney, Washington, during which her 10-year-old pitbull mix, Penny, was ejected from the vehicle. Penny, a former service dog trained to alert Nichols to seizures, was left paralyzed and required advanced veterinary care. Nichols had already spent significant amounts on veterinary bills and was unable to afford further treatment.
Nichols was referred to Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. There, she learned about the Good Samaritan Fund, a donor-supported program established in 1996 to help pet owners with emergency or specialty veterinary costs. Since 2021, the fund has provided over $1 million to assist more than 2,100 animals, including various species.
Nichols applied for and received assistance from the fund. The support covered much of Penny’s CT scan, which showed a fractured vertebra and bruised spinal cord. Surgery was not required. Veterinarians adjusted Penny’s medications and recommended physical therapy. Penny was sent home with a harness to help her move…