The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Twice a year, Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic in Redmond actively looks to support local nonprofit organizations that value the animal/human bond. Just recently Furry Friends Foundation (FFF) in Sisters was chosen as the clinic’s charity of choice and was presented with a check for $4,928.

Chelsea Blackmore, lead receptionist at the veterinary clinic, told The Nugget, “The Furry Friends Foundation was chosen due to their mission of extending a helping hand to those in need!”

Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic has supported all the local Humane Societies, particularly Three Rivers Humane Society.

She added, “They needed help raising funds to expand their facility. We have also helped the local Pet Evacuation Team, Crook County K9 Search and Rescue, and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.”

Blackmore, an employee at the clinic for three years, has been lead receptionist for a year.

“Each employee has their own side jobs and the Charity Fund is my project,” she said. “However, the clinic is equally involved in choosing who to support. “

The Sonny’s Sunshine Charity Fund was inspired by their beloved clinic kitty named Sonny, who lived to be 19 years old.

“He was a super cute orange tabby, and the goal is to help support pet/animal related causes,” Blackmore said. “The very first recipient was a diabetic high school student who needed help raising money for her diabetic alert dog. It was wildly successful, so Cinder Rock decided to continue!”

Kiki Dolson, FFF founder, said, “When Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic chose Furry Friends Foundation as their fundraiser charity earlier this year, I was honored.”

Dolson had put up a FFF display in the clinic’s office in early March, right before COVID-19 struck.

She added, “By the end of March when businesses were closing, I didn’t think much would be raised. Much to my complete surprise, that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. The Cinder Rock donation turned out to be the largest single donation we had received since our inception. I was completely overwhelmed.”

Dolson said, “I could tell from the hour I spent in their lobby setting up the display that this was a special place for pets. The pets were each personally greeted in a genuine caring way before being escorted to an exam room. I was very impressed by their operation and feel extremely grateful for this donation.”

Furry Friends Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Sisters that provides pet food, supplies, and services to families in need. The nonprofit maintains two pet food banks, a pet supply bank, and provides free spay/neuter/vaccination sponsorships to families in financial hardship.

Their client base is primarily in Sisters and many clients are seniors on fixed incomes. However, no one is turned away, so aid is also provided to families throughout Central Oregon.

Furry Friends continues to operate like so many businesses, on a limited-contact pickup system.

“Because of COVID, our fundraising efforts have suffered this year, so this donation was a huge boost for us,” Dolson said. “I want to thank the doctors and entire staff at Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic who made this happen.”

Furry Friends Foundation has recently moved to 412 E. Main Ave, Ste. 4 (behind The Nugget office). Call 541-797-4023 for more information.

Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic is located at 2630 SW Canal Blvd., Redmond, their phone is 541-923-1638.