|
WASHINGTON, D.C.
(USA) — Never in the history of U.S. disasters has the
kindness of strangers been so overwhelming. In addition to volunteer
services and the outpour of emotional support, an estimated $2 billion was
contributed to victims and survivors of the 9/11 attacks.1 In
addition, several million dollars were donated to many animal-related
disaster relief funds.
In a perfect world, all of that money would reach its intended
destination.
Legend #4
Capt. Scott Shields Needs $3,000 to Pay for His Dog Bear's WTC Injuries
Because Pet Insurance Won't Pay
Source: Newsday (AP), 19 Jul 2002:
"Shelter
To Pay Search Dog's Bills"
Source: NY Post, 19 Jul 2002:
"Hero
Dog Dissed" by Bill Hoffman;
Source: CNN, 20 Jul 2002:
"9/11
hero dog wins insurance reprieve"
The story as reported: In late July, newspapers reported that Capt.
Scott Shields, who searched at Ground Zero for about three months with his
dog "Bear", was denied insurance coverage for Bear's $3,000
veterinary expenses.
Newsday reported that Bear, a 12-year-old Golden Retriever,
"suffers from ailments his owner says were incurred during recovery
work at the World Trade Center site. ...Veterinary Pet Insurance, a Brea,
California-based insurance company, offered free insurance policies for
the more than 300 search and rescue dogs that helped at Ground Zero. ...Five,
including Bear, were rejected on the basis of pre-existing health
conditions." 2
"Bear worked tirelessly for months," Mr. Shields is quoted
saying in the NY Post. "And now his insurance claims
have been denied." 3
Newsday quoted Mr. Shields: "I’m sick and tired of these
companies that get banner headlines for offering free insurance and then
don’t pay off when the time comes." 2 The North Shore Animal League
answered Mr. Shields' pleas for assistance, collected donations, and on
Friday, July 19 they "had a $3,000 check waiting for Bear’s owner,
Scott Shields," Newsday reported.2 The truth about the
policy: Beginning in Mar. 2002, Veterinary Pet
Insurance's
non-profit "Skeeter Foundation" offered complimentary one-year
health policies to all dogs who worked at Ground Zero. "We made our
offer clear that the policies were on a 'going forward basis' and that
pre-existing conditions were ineligible," says VPI spokesperson
Michelle Desai. The free VPI policies specifically do not cover 9/11-based
illnesses. But even so, VPI generously offered to take care of
Bear's entire health bill. Ms. Desai confirms: "We sent Mr.
Shields $3,000 for all related medical bills he says he had for Bear from
November 2001 to April 2002." The NY Post reported that
Bear's veterinary expenses included treatment for skin cancer, prostatitis
and arthritis.
| "I
question using a 12-year-old dog for SAR work. In my opinion
it is abusive."
Marilyn Wilson
K-9Soldiers Search and Rescue |
|
|
On Sep. 27, 2001, the
U.S. Department of Justice issued the following alert:
"In
the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon, consumer groups and members of the public
have reported receiving unsolicited e-mail messages, which urge
people to donate money to the Red Cross or to funds for victims of
the attacks and their families. Some of these e-mails are being sent
by people with a sincere desire to help, and contain accurate
information. Others, however, have tried to persuade people to leave
valuable personal or financial data, such as credit-card numbers, at
Internet Websites that do not belong to legitimate charitable
organizations."
Special
Report: Possible Fraud Schemes
United States Department of Justice |
| There was
tremendous support for the 9/11 dogs, judging by the hundreds
of emails we received, asking where to send donations. We
suggested three prominent groups (click on any):
all of which have been given the thumbs up by the Better Business
Bureau (BBB).
Before donating to any 9/11 cause, it may be a
good idea to check the BBB's National 9/11 Charity Database (click
here). |
 "Whatever.
Just give me a tennis ball, and I'll be happy."
Loyal "Bear" the Golden Retriever search dog has been
in "the pile", but has he ever been in a media
circus? Now that's a tough assignment for a dog.
In this AP photo, celebrity Bernadette Peters poses with Bear on
Broadway, Jul 19. |
The truth about Bear's illnesses:
The final report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
states: "Despite the hazardous conditions at the WTC site, the
canines sustained relatively few injuries during their work ... minor
lacerations, abrasions, and stress-related afflictions such as diarrhea
and dehydration. All were treated at on-site or staging area
Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) facilities"
However, the VMAT facilities (all coordinated by the Suffolk
County SPCA) have no record of Mr. Shields or Bear receiving
veterinary care.
Says Herbert Kellner, Director of the Suffolk County SPCA, "Our
medical records do not reveal evidence that Bear was treated by the SCSPCA
at the MASH unit at ground zero."
The verdict: Bear was never denied the $3,000 as
you may have been led to believe. If you happen to hear about any
continuing "Bear collections", please report them to us and to
the proper
authorities.
While Bear was indeed among the brave dogs who searched for victims at
"the pile", he was not there for three months as many reports
stated. We have no doubt that Bear is a loyal hero worthy of the
highest praise. We'll just leave it at that.
§§§
Headlines
Prev  Next
|
