A #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Exclusive! The Wally Foundation: Helping Families of Epidogs

Do You Know About The Wally Foundation?

The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy (TWF) is a non-profit organization based in Delaware that commenced operations in 2013. TWF offers possible financial assistance to families and rescues caring for dogs diagnosed with idiopathic Canine Epilepsy so that a family with an Epidog (dog with Canine Epilepsy) did not have to choose between getting medication for their dog or euthanization. In order to bring you the most current information on what this wonderful organization is doing, I recently interviewed Rick Selwood, Founder and Executive Director of the organization named after his beloved Epidog, Wally.

To date, they have assisted 217 families with medications or cash assistance to care for their Epi-dogs! 

"FIVESIBESMOM" DOROTHY WILLS-RAFTERY (DWR): The Wally Foundation  is now a nonprofit charity organization. When did TWF get granted the status, and what does this mean for the work you do? 

RICK SELWOOD (RS): TWF was granted its tax-exempt status effective 09/15/2020. This means all donations are potentially tax exempt for our donors (but please seek professional accounting advise on this matter).

 

DWR: You have helped so many over the years, with funding for medications and testing…any idea of how much money has been awarded to date? 

RS: We have awarded over $97,000.00 to date between medications and cash assistance.

 

DWR: It used to be based on need and income, is that still true? 

RS: Yes, our assistance is based on financial need as determined by both income and resources. If you have income above the federal poverty level, you likely will not be approved for assistance. However, we do often offer other forms of assistance in emergent situations.

 

DWR: What is the criteria for accepting a request? Is there an application? What backup documentation is required?

RS: The first step is to submit an application, which is available on our Facebook page (The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy). All applicants are subjected to veterinarian verification of medications and up to date treatments. Applicants are also asked to provide proof of income and expenses including recent tax returns and bank statements for all household members.

 

According to Rick Selwood, Founder/Executive Director, The Wally Foundation (TWF) has assisted 217 families with medications or cash assistance to care for their Epi-dogs and has awarded over $97,000.00 to date for medications and cash assistance.

 

 

DWR: What is the application process?

RS: Facebook messenger is a great way to contact us for questions, but there are actual application forms that need to be submitted and all instructions are on our Facebook page.

 

DWR: Things do take time to approve, what is the typical time to approve an application?

RS: An application generally takes 20-60 days to approve or deny. This is based on the time it takes to receive an applicant’s application and income/resource verifications, as well as their veterinarians’ authorizations. We are an all-volunteer organization whose members work full-time jobs and have families. TWF does not have any paid staff.

 

DWR: What types of things can TWF possibly help with? Medications? Certain testing? Specific vet services pertaining to seizures/epilepsy?

RS: We consider these on a case-by-case basis. TWF does not cover holistic therapies or expenses prior to an applicant’s approval. TWF only covers idiopathic epilepsy, but our board members and supporters often personally step up to help outside of our Mission Statement.

 

DWR: How does TWF get its funding? How can folks help TWF to grow - donations? Fundraisers? Amazon? 

RS: All TWF expenses are paid by my family. All funding is received in the form of donations which goes 100% to our claimants. And now with tax exempt status, TWF will be able to secure other donation streams such as Amazon Smiles and grants.

 

DWR: Who is TWF? We know you are the Founder/Executive Director. Who are the other TWF volunteers? And is there any stand-out persons you would like to mention?

RS: TWF volunteers are Jeanaann Barnaby (Knotty Toys for Good Dogs) who oversees Media/Communications; Janet Archer and Team Nottweiller; Melanie Mamakos who is on our board; and Deanne Tanksley who is another board member, and of course (you) Dorothy and FiveSibes. But mostly all the people who have donated time, money, and medications during the past 9 years.

DWR: The TWF accepts leftover meds from people whose dogs have passed or no longer need them. What is the best way to convey that you accept them?

RS: We periodically post on our Facebook page and hopefully will get a website to increase our internet presence so people will know what we do and how we do it. Primarily, it is just a matter of packing and shipping all unused medications to us. The medications must remain in the bottles, and the name of the medication, the doctors name, and the dosage needs to remain intact.

 

DWR: One health human-canine perspective is a pretty important topic these days. Both Paws to People: Bridges to Cures and the North Carolina State Universe Collegeof Veterinary Medicine Companion Animal Epilepsy/Neurology Department are behind studies that look into the connections between human and canine illnesses, such as epilepsy. Where does TWF stand on this and hope to see one day?

RS: I personally donate to several human programs as well as programs studying the link between the human and canine epilepsy. I hope that one day a cure, or at least better management, will be had. I also believe breakthroughs will be seen within 10 years. TWF has also participated in several studies over the year. We donate yearly to support these studies or a shelter that provides housing for an epileptic dog.

 

In looking back over the operations of TWF, Rick adds, "I could not have done any of this without my dear friend Jeanaann and Olivia, which is why she is also now a board member. J is a rockstar and Olivia a warrior. I have a framed picture of Olivia above my desk. TWF is an all-volunteer organization and a labor of love for all of us. When I started TWF I thought I would operate it for two to three years and we would reach a few dozen people. That is not the case, and I am hopeful that there will be people who will operate TWF after my time is done. I also want to thank the good folks at the Canine Epilepsy Resources Epil-K9 List."

 

DWR: Where do you see TWF as we head toward the future?

RS: TWF is currently re-branding itself in an effort to attract corporate donations. But our mission will remain the same as it has for the past 9 years.

 

DWR: As Founder and Executive Director, how can people help get the word out about TWF? There a main presence on Facebook, what about Twitter? Instagram? Other social media sites?

RS: We are currently working on establishing some new social media platforms.

 

DWR: What is the best contact info for the TWF? 

Rick: TWF, 19 East Rivers End Drive, Claymont, DE 19703 and text TWF at 302-345-3731.

 

 

 Follow The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/thewallyfoundation

 

 

 

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