L to R: Bill Yeudall and his daughter Candice meet with Brittinee Long and her mother Deborah. Their dog Koda was one of the Yeudall's foster pets.

When Pat Yeudall showed her husband Bill an article about the Radiation Oncology Service's foster program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), they immediately agreed that it would be a good fit. Now, just two years later, the Saskatoon couple and their daughter Candice were honoured this fall for their outstanding dedication to the 17 pets for whom they have provided a temporary home.

While their foster pets undergo radiation therapy, the Yeudalls provide more than just a place to stay: their home is a spa-like haven where the pets receive lots of loving care and attention. For these extraordinary efforts, the College nominated the Yeudall family to receive special recognition on National Philanthropy Day. This annual event, which is celebrated every November 15 pays tribute to people who provide financial and volunteer support for charitable organizations across North America.

Bill, Pat and Candice remember every pet they've fostered. Some stand out more than others — the Great Dane that would romp and shake the house and the tiny puppy that was just like a baby. Some were more challenging than others, but they were all given lots of love. "For us, we do it because we get so much out of it," explains Pat. "It's something we need to do for ourselves."
Pat Yeudall gives one of the feline patients, Lee Lee, a warm
reassuring hug after treatment.

Every time the Yeudalls agreed to foster a pet, they receive plenty of background information. Guardians complete a questionnaire describing the pet's life — training, reactions to people and to other animals — basically a day in the life of the animal. The Yeudalls use this information to help them keep the pet's routine reasonably close to what happens at home.

Each weekday morning, Bill drives them to and from their treatments at WCVM's pet radiation therapy centre. Once home again, he feeds them, takes them for walks and plays with them in the back yard. During evenings, weekends and on their days off, Candice and Pat do all they can to provide special treatment for the pets. The family's goal is to give them all the love and care they would give their own animals. There's always someone around to touch or cuddle the pets and provide for their needs.

Mats placed throughout the house let the pets lie close to Bill, Pat or Candice at all times. Pat says the pets may also sit on the sofa or other furniture if they've been trained to do so. “Basically they have free run and they tell us what they want." The family has also stocked up on squeaky toys, bouncing balls, tug toys — whatever the pets like to play with. The family even arranges play dates for those pets used to being around other dogs.

The Yeudalls agree that they're well rewarded for their efforts. Pat says that the pets teach them a lot. "For me, it's having the unconditional love that the companions will give no matter how sick they are. They still try to please; they don't give up; they are always there. They show such courage and forgiveness."

For Bill, watching the reunion of the pet and its guardian is gratifying. "Seeing one, the reaction of the person and two, the reaction of the animal, it's just . . . the reward is right there."

Candice says the pets make her realize how much we can endure in life, and watching how happy they are to see her even though they're in a situation that they don't understand. "It makes you look at your own life and think that if they can do it, then surely you can."

The family also considers the needs of the pet guardians. At the reunion — the first time they meet — the Yeudalls present a booklet containing a daily diary entry and a thumbnail index of about 300 pictures documenting the pet's stay with them. Candice also prepares a DVD of pictures set to music and accompanied by comments. "We give back, we hope, the month of the life that they didn't see," says Pat.

The Yeudalls agree that once the house has been empty of pets for a week or two they start wondering when they're going to get their next pet. "Don't wish us luck," says Pat as she says goodbye. "Wish us lots of puppies. We want lots of puppies."

— Read more about the Yeudalls at www.cahf.usask.ca . To learn about the WCVM Radiation Oncology Services' foster program, call 306-966-1894 or 306-966-1257, or send an email to erica.collen@usask.ca .

Lynne Gunville is a freelance writer and editor whose career includes 25 years of teaching English and communications to adults. She and her husband live at Candle Lake, SK, with their two cats, Maggie and Holly. 

Reprinted with permission of Vet Topics, publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Companion Animal Health Fund. Visit cahf.usask.ca for more information.