Philanthropy

One Foundation’s Mission Translates to Impact

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, also known as FIP, is one of the deadliest diseases in cats. Tragically, it affects kittens the most, and is often fatal if untreated. Cats may carry the feline coronavirus without issue, but in some, a mutation causes it to develop into FIP, which can turn fatal.

Lola: A Story of Recovery

Lola and Oscar are Boxers – at ten years old, they have been together for their entire lives, even as littermates. They are so bonded, full of love for each other and for my husband Jeff and me. I wanted to share this story as one of gratitude for the UC Davis veterinary team – and to share a little more about our beloved Boxers.

Four years ago, Jeff and I set out for a big international vacation, flying to Europe and leaving our beloved Boxers in the care of a wonderful dog-sitter at our home.

Thanks to Donors, a New Fundraising Record

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine announced that it had raised $118 million in the fiscal year 2024-25, a new record for the school. A total of 5,380 individuals, corporations, and foundations made 8,632 philanthropic contributions.

Community Comes Together to Help Dog in Need

“Case of the Month” – June 2025

 

Woodie, a 1-year-old pit bull mix, is now pain free and seeing better thanks to community-based veterinary programs that came together to care for him. Born with a dermoid mass in the corner of his left eye, Woodie recently underwent surgery at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) to have the benign growth removed.

Legacy: A Beloved Dog’s Gift to Compassionate Care

“Grammar was a very special being. She was independent, yet loving. She was cool and tough, but still let me put pink collars on her,” Grammar’s owner recalls. “She did not suffer fools – but also had a great love for other dogs.”

Grammar, a white husky mix, was one of two puppies found in the woods in southern United States in 2010. She and her puppy mate were starving, weak, and desperately in need of care. Grammar’s owner adopted her without hesitation.

Contributing to the Future of Veterinary Medicine: A Legacy Gift

When Ron and Kathleen Spicer first crossed paths as rodeo competitors in the 1960s, they were drawn to each other by a shared passion for animals and an interest in their health and welfare. Their backgrounds—Ron hailed from a farm in Minnesota, where as a young man, he was a sought-after horse trainer, while Kathleen grew up on a cattle ranch in western North Dakota—fostered a love for animals that came to define their lives together. The self-described “cowboy and cowgirl from the Midwest” inspired many with their devotion to horses, dogs and other animals.

Abandoned Dog Hit by Car Recovers from Back Surgery

 

When Flynn, an approximately 1-year-old male neutered Great Pyrenees, arrived at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), he had visible tire tracks across his back leg and abdomen. The City of Stockton Animal Services Center reported he was run over by a car and thrown into a ditch. Knowing Flynn needed specialty care, the Yolo County Spay and Neuter Group agreed to take him and immediately brought him to UC Davis.