He was a six-month old Yorkie/Terrier mix – injured, abandoned and found wandering the streets of Lake County on November 4.


But a good samaritan was kind enough to bring this little guy, named Toby, to the Mentor Veterinary Clinic.

The owner, Dr. William Fraser – who also owns Brightwood Animal Hospital in Mentor – donated his services to perform surgery on Toby and implant a pin to repair his right femur, according to the Lake Humane Society.

Also, some stubborn puppy teeth were removed and he was neutered.

“Thanks to the loving care provided by a temporary foster home, Toby is recovering quickly and will soon be ready for placement in his new forever home,” the Humane Society said.

However, despite Toby’s happy ending, there are still so many sick and injured animals that have been cared for through the Lake Humane Society Foster Care Program.

With the holiday season in our midst, I think we tend to focus mainly on families and people in need. Of course, this is a beautiful concept as so many families are and should be helped every year by community efforts.

But when I read about Toby, it reminded me that there are other pockets of society in need of a helping hand as well. They just don’t necessarily have the voice to say so.

The Humane Society said foster families “provide a loving temporary home for animals that are in transition to a permanent home.” The length of stay varies with some foster pets needing a home for several days, while others may need several months of care.

“Our Foster Care Program is in desperate need of volunteers to provide temporary homes for sick and injured cats, dogs, puppies and kittens,” said Foster Care Coordinator Ulyssa Spring. “Foster families also help us prepare our animals for adoption into permanent homes as well as prevent overcrowding in our shelter.”

While Toby’s medical care was donated by Fraser, the care and treatment of many other animals has been made possible by the Lake Humane Society’s Angel Fund.

Hopefully more animals, like Toby, will get a second chance this holiday season.

If you are interested in providing foster care, donating to the Angel Fund or learning more about the Foster Program, please visit the Lake Humane Society Shelter at 7564 Tyler Boulevard, Bldg E in Mentor or call Ulyssa Spring, Foster Care Coordinator at 449-951-6122, ext.106.

For more information on the Lake Humane Society, visit www.lakehumane.org.

-- Cassandra Shofar
CShofar@News-Herald.com