UPDATE ON DOUG GEARY AND HIS DOGS. FEBRUARY 10, 2010
A MAN AND HIS DOGS
Last year, Doug Geary, 76, lived in a Ford Bronco on the streets of Burlington County with his three dogs. This Thanksgiving, the University of Pennsylvania alum and onetime suburban success story woke up in a warm Medford apartment, then shared a feast with 51 members of his extended adoptive family.
Geary, an Air Force veteran and paramedic who lost his home to foreclosure but refused to go into a shelter because he would have to abandon his dogs, moved animal lovers to tears. Readers – including Gov. Rendell – lined up to help a man so committed to his pets.
As promised, Geary allowed the Medford couple who rescued him from his front seat to organize his finances. After finding him an apartment, they set up rent payment from his Social Security check so he can’t mismanage his money and wind up in the cold again.
Money remains tight and a bankruptcy filing looms on the horizon, but Geary doesn’t complain.
“He’s doing well, considering,” says Kelley Meyer of Medford. “He knows what’s expected of him. If he’s strapped one month, he’ll go to the Goodwill pantry for food.”
Sadly, Geary recently said goodbye to his beloved Frisky Buster, an 18-year-old bichon. He tapped a “dog use only” fund for cremation.
“Right now, I’m relaxing and sitting at my desk looking at [his remains] in a little box,” Geary relays. “Please tell everyone that everything’s just fine.”
UPDATE: February 1, 2010 – Doug Geary has passed away. NJ Aid for Animals is helping his loving companions left behind.
HELP FOR LITTLE DOGS WHOSE OWNER WOULD NEVER LEAVE THEM
Dover and Kinsey miss their owner Doug terribly. They were never apart but now they will have to move forward without Doug.
Both require major medical expenses.
Dover, the little Lhasa, is about l5 years old and needs a dental terribly. He is also suffering from severe arthritis and will need pain meds for life. A tumor under his tail is also going to require a biopsy
Kinsey, tested positive for Erlichia and Lyme. She also had the worst gum disease and mouth infection the vet had ever seen. Once this happy friendly little old lady (l2 years old) gets her dental and her Lyme cleared up,she will be good to go to her forever home again.
Two medical exams, 2 dentals, 2 blood workups, pain meds, antibiotics, and a biopsy for these dogs has cost us a fortune.
Any money collected once the vet bill is paid off will go to senior citizen taking the dogs for their care!!!!!
UPDATE: February 10, 2010
Doug Geary was laid to rest yesterday with the ashes of his little dog in his casket. Our military took care of all the expenses. If you would like to add a comment to his memorial, please see attached link.
His beloved companions, Dover and Kinsey have both had their teeth cleaned, complete blood work ups and are on medications for arthritis and infection. Dover is also having a tumor removed today. Paws crossed for a good report on biopsy.
The best news is that both babies will be going to a wonderful senior citizen who has agreed to take the babies into her home for the rest of their lives.
NJAFA volunteer and “go to” expert for rescue help, Sherry Heiser, found this wonderful woman to take the babies and Sherry went a step further and arranged transport to Maryland.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they will be transported to their forever home on Friday. Kelly, Doug’s angel who helped him from the start is fostering the pups and reports they are playing in the snow!!!
Unfortunately our bill at Evesham Vet Clinic in Voorhees is topping $l,000 but we are hoping with generous contributions we will be able to pay this off right away.
We have some great people working behind the scenes to try to get the last large donation to Doug of $2,000 that was restricted to the dogs to be taken out of the estate but will be difficult to do.
Thanks to all….Kelly, Brian, Sherry, Dr. Mic, US Military and the wonderful people who called and emailed us about the dogs.
Doug can finally rest in peace