ERDF was started after the Executive Director (Juli) adoptive dog Ellie became sick and had to go to the veterinarian. Ellie kept getting sick and a veterinarian radiologist suggested Ellie might have a rare lung condition. It was true. To date, Ellie has been worked on by many doctors and healthcare professionals. Ellie is lucky her owner is able to afford her care. Juli saw the sadness in the eyes of other pet owners when the families could not afford the treatment needed to make their pet well. These families often had to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender or euthanize their beloved companion. It is because Juli has been so blessed that she started ERDF in the hope that they can help families with sick or injured pets get the medical treatment they need by funding essential veterinary services for financially challenged families.