Rescue Group Seeks Funds for Pet's Surgery

News Report

A rescued greyhound with the improbable rockstar name of Iggy Pop is home and resting comfortably following surgery to amputate his tail due to a cancerous tumor.

The pup's rescue group, Dogma Pet Rescue of Riverview, is now accepting donations to offset the $1,500 the rescue group paid for surgery.

Veterinarian Dr. John Ligori of Bell Shoals Animal Hospital, 1401 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon, discovered the dime-size lump at the base of Iggy Pop's tail during an office visit a few months ago.

The lump was cancerous and would mean his tail would have to be amputated.

Iggy Pop's foster mom, Amy Howland, co-director and co-founder of Dogma Pet Rescue was referred to Dr. Matt Oakes in Largo, who performed the amputation in November.

"We are happy to report that Iggy came through his surgery with flying colors," announced Howland on the rescue group's website, www.DogmaRescue.com. "Dr. Matt Oakes of Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists in Largo took excellent care of Iggy."

Howland said Dogma Pet Rescue is still in need of donations for Iggy and other rescues.

One way residents can help is by ordering a Dogma Pet Rescue 2012 calendar.

The calendar features adopted Dogma dogs of all shapes and sizes and their amazing stories. Calendars are $16 each and all proceeds go to Dogma Pet Rescue for the care of adoptable animals. Dogma Pet Rescue depends solely on community donations to feed and care for its dogs and each calendar sold helps to save a life.

Residents can purchase calendars on the Dogma website via PayPal, by sending a check including shipping to 10312 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 108 PMB #114, Riverview, 33578 or at Bell Shoals Animal Hospital.

Dogma Pet Rescue Inc. was founded in January 2010 by Howland, Ann-Marie Pearson and Melissa Gloger Weitzenfeld.

It is an all-breed, all-shape, all-size dog rescue. Dogma is a no-kill organization, meaning that once a dog comes into its care, it will not euthanize it or turn it over to another shelter which may euthanize it. 

Dogma is dedicated to rehabilitating, caring for and finding permanent placements for homeless dogs. All dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Any other vet care needed while in the care of Dogma is also taken care of until the dog is in its forever home.

Dogma also actively works with other rescues and shelters to effectively network to save as many dogs as it can and educates the public on the importance of spaying/neutering and rescuing as opposed to purchasing a dog. 

Dogma is comprised of all volunteers with no paid staff and all donations go directly to the care of their dogs.  Any amount donated to Dogma Pet Rescue is welcome and all donations made to Dogma directly benefit the dogs in its care.