Family Room

New Family Room Coming to The AMC...With Your Help!

Dear Friends,

A quiet place to curl up and rest in the arms of a loved one. A cozy, warm and comforting place that feels like home.

This is something that is truly needed for those pets hospitalized at The Animal Medical Center. This is my story and how I became committed to the idea of making this dream a reality for other owners and their sick animals.

Last May, my 9-year-old pug Milo (a diabetic) developed acute pancreatitis, following what was supposed to be a routine tooth cleaning under anesthesia at his vet's office. He was rushed to The AMC and admitted into the intensive care unit for what ended up being three weeks. During that time, he was cared for 24/7 by the outstanding doctors and staff. Also during that time, I visited him for many hours each day. I believe the daily visits were an important part of Milo's recovery and both of our emotional health.

When I went to see Milo, I brought with me wee-wee pads to place on the cold, hard, examining-room floors. Most rooms had a fold-down metal chair attached to the wall and a stool to sit on during the examination by the vet. But what Milo needed was a comfortable place to curl up in my lap and close his eyes. He needed to relax and escape from the sights and sounds of the hospital. I would sit on the exam room floor and lean against the wall and he would lie down on my lap. Sometimes I would lie down and Milo would snuggle up against me. Despite the smells, the discomfort and the noise, Milo and I felt enormous relief just being together for a few hours each of those 21 days.

It was during those long hours together on the floor that I began envisioning a special Family Room for visits, where an owner could relax in a home-like setting with his or her ill pet.

This became my goal after Milo was discharged. And the great news is, it is possible with your help!

The AMC has a space that can be converted into a Family Room for those whose pets are admitted for any length of stay. It's a concept that many newer veterinary hospitals have already embraced, recognizing the important emotional need such a room addresses. Together, we can now make this crucial amenity a reality at The AMC.

The estimated cost of reconstructing this space is approximately $35,000. The room was formerly used to bathe and prepare animals for treatment. The funds will cover the cost of demolishing the present infrastructure (removing wall and floor tiles, pipes and plumbing fixtures), and replacing it with appropriate wall covering, flooring, lighting, plumbing, and doors, as well as pet friendly furniture. As a nonprofit veterinary hospital, The AMC relies on support from people like us. I hope you will join me in this important effort.

Contributions may be sent to the Development Office at The AMC, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065. Simply write on your check that your gift is for the Family Room, or mention it in a cover note. Credit card gifts can be made over the phone, by calling 212-329-8660, or on The AMC website at www.amcny.org/donate-amc -- just select Family Room from the drop-down wish list menu. Gifts of any amount will be greatly appreciated. All gifts are tax deductible.

If you have any questions, please contact The AMC's Associate Director of Development, Courtney Rabb, at 212.329.8666 or courtney.rabb@amcny.org.

Thank you for reading our story, and for considering a gift to support the Family Room.

Sincerely,

Amanda Grove Holmén and Milo