Photo Credit: Ian Somerhalder Foundation
A truly heartwarming initiative was started by the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) to aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that have heartbreaking stories of being abused, neglected or suffered a traumatic injury. These animals are deserving and in need of a second chance. ISF created their Medical Emergency Program to extend compassion to these animals and assist in aiding to their recovery and wellbeing. ISF launched their Medical Emergency Grant Program on Valentine’s Day, 2014. A day symbolizing a commitment of love and compassion towards animals— inspiring others to do the same. Since the inception of this program, they have helped over 1,000 animals including: cats, dogs, turtles, birds, bats, horses, sheep, cows, sea lions, goats, rabbits, and more. All have benefited from an ISF Medical Emergency Grant— giving them an improved quality of life, resulting in a touching success stories. These animal rescues are now living happier lives with their new families in their forever homes. The testimony of these animals show, that animals have an incredible resilience no matter how difficult the hardship they faced. They also remind of us of the incredible bond animals establish with humans, despite the suffering they endured, once they found a new and loving family in a safe environment they continue to express love unconditionally.
Animals have an exquisitely poignant way of teaching us, through demonstration, how to love and be loved. We learn compassion, as well as expand our perception of the infinite connection to the environment around us, from our creature friends–whether they are furry and lick us, or slither and swim. We owe it to these creatures to provide protection, healing and love. That is exactly why I am so proud that the IS Foundation has launched our first grant program — the Emergency Medical Grant for Animals – Ian Somerhalder
ISF provides grants to both the US and Canada and works closely with dedicated teams of amazing rescuers in various parts of the US and Canada who are on the front line every day finding animals in need of a better life and urgent care. These admirable individuals advocate on the behalf of these animals. Animals that receive an Emergency Medical Grant have been found either, abused, neglected or have suffered a traumatic injury. ISF reviews applications and typically makes a decision within a week. They then have the money sent out the following week to the treating veterinarians and rescuers. The ISF Medical Emergency Grant criteria and eligibility can be found on the ISF website, Grant Information Page. “The purpose of this grant is to provide animal victims a second chance by alleviating their rescuers of the financial stress of treatment so they can focus on facilitating the animal’s adoption into a permanent, loving home” ISF works with individuals, animal rescuers, veterinarians and non-profit organizations seeking to rescue and rehabilitate animal victims. (ISF)
The ISF Medical Emergency Grants Program has done an incredible job of bettering the lives of so many animals. Animals that have had the opportunity to recover and rehabilitate now have wonderful success stories inspiring us all to help protect and care for animals in need. ISF has established a network of dedicated animal rescuers (grantees) and built amazing relationships with them over the past 2 years. Their collaboration and teamwork has created a positive impact. An added bonus, the ISF have met so many loving animals that have greatly benefited from their program. In instances when the animal in need and the rescuer are near by, the ISF take the opportunity to meet with the animal and rescuer(s). The ISF have shared a plethora of wonderful heartwarming success stories of the animals they have help give a second chance to. To read their success stories visit their grant success page. Their dedication to provide resources to assist in bringing a life changing positive impact on the lives of animals that have deeply suffered, inspires us all to work together to be a voice for animal victims that have endured a painful hardship.
Must Love Animals
Below are a few success stories of the ISF Medical Emergency Grant
Photo Credit: Ian Somerhalder Foundation
Photo Credit: Ian Somerhalder Foundation
Photo Credit: Ian Somerhalder Foundation
To support the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and stay up-to-date with their projects follow them on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website
Pingback: Best Blog Posts of 2016 | Eco Chic Cayman
He was already on the radar because he is quite handsome but now he is just even more good looking because of that heart of his! That is so great his foundation is doing that. Aw precious little ones.