SEBASTIAN — In a matter of two weeks since a cry for help went out, the Sebastian community has raised nearly half of what HALO Rescue needs to pay off $14,000 in veterinary bills.
“It’s like a whirlwind,” HALO founder Jacque Petrone said of the calls her group has been receiving from restaurants and businesses alike pledging support.
Events and benefits are planned at Captain Hiram’s, J.J. Manning’s Irish Pub, Patti’s Bistro, and Ruby Tuesday. A fashion show at the Polish American Club, too, is in the works, and other businesses, including Crab-E Bill’s Indian River Seafood, are taking up collections.
But for as much help as the community is providing, HALO now has to face another hurdle – begin paying $4,000 each week starting May 6 until the $14,000 bill at Florida Veterinary League is paid up.
That means instead of having until June 1 to come up with the full $14,000, the animal clinic has essentially shortened the deadline to May 27. Failure to pay the $4,000 each week will net HALO a $50 fine.
The Florida Veterinary League sent a letter to HALO and other animal rescues in April, which stated in part that their own rising costs of doing business led them to increase the shelters’ rate for services. Also, the shelters would have to get their accounts current and keep them current – no longer would they be allowed to let their bills accrue over the course of the year.
It’s a move Petrone understands.
“They have their own business to run,” she told Sebastian River News last month. She added, at the time, that she was thankful the clinic had been willing to help HALO.
And while the clinic has its own business to run, so too does HALO Rescue, which is on track to take in 1,500 animals this year that would otherwise go to the local animal shelter or be abandoned.
“It’s definitely time for change,” Petrone said, explaining that she is exploring the shelter’s options for other veterinary care.
Petrone said this situation has served to push her to reexamine how she does business. Having multiple veterinary clinics on which to call – perhaps one in Brevard County, where several animal adopters come from, and another in Indian River County – could be beneficial.
Also, HALO Rescue has the trained staff in place to do some basic lab work in-house, without having to send the animals to a clinic.
“I don’t want to have to be here again,” Petrone said of essentially having all the vet care under one clinic.
J.J. Manning’s Irish Pub is holding a “give back” on Monday, May 13, during which 15 percent of the day’s proceeds will be donated to HALO.
Ruby Tuesday, too, will be having a “give back” night on May 21. Diners who present an event flier will have 20 percent of their meals’ proceeds donated to HALO.
Patti’s Bistro is planning a similar event but those details have yet to be determined.
On May 29, Capt. Hiram’s will be hosting a concert, during which a portion of proceeds will be donated to the animal rescue. There will be T-shirts and special drinks for sale as well as a raffle.
Anyone interested in making a donation to HALO to help cover the $14,000 medical bill at Florida Veterinary League can do so online atwww.HALORescueFL.org/donations or send checks to HALO Rescue, 710 Jackson St., Sebastian FL32958.
Donations made directly to HALO are tax deductible.
This article was updated to correct the date of the Capt. Hiram’s event – which will be held May 29.