Meet Lindy Barrow
Lindy Barrow knows how it feels to have a sick pet. Six years ago, she found herself at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) to receive the best possible care for her three-year-old West Highland Terrier named Party Boy.
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Party Boy was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening skin condition. After eight months of treatment and periods of excruciating uncertainty, he eventually healed and went on to win Best of Breed at Westminster in 2012, the most prestigious dog show in the world. Lindy emphasizes that without the intervention of veterinary specialists at the OVC, Party Boy may not have survived.
The veterinary care Party Boy received in 2010 is only one of the many reasons that have inspired Lindy to support OVC Pet Trust over the years, and give to the charitable fund in the first place. |
Lindy's West Highland Terrier Party Boy
For Lindy, her dogs and honouring her family’s legacy are her two biggest passions in life. From a young age, giving back was a big part of her life. “My late mother and stepfather were very philanthropic. My mother was a strong supporter of many organizations, both through donations and volunteering. I learned a lot from her,” Lindy says.
“Giving was something that was always instilled in me in my childhood and teenage years – it was something you just did – whether it was fundraising by selling daffodils or raising money for The War Amps. The first major philanthropic gift I made was in memory of my mother after her passing in 2008,” Lindy reflects. “I feel very fortunate I am able to give back at a more substantial level today to organizations that align with my values and personal mandate.”
Lindy’s day job involves her passion too. A retired accountant, Lindy breeds and shows her West Highland White Terriers in her home and kennel near Caledon, Ontario, a hobby that has been keeping her busy for almost 20 years. She regularly travels to dog shows around the world, and is truly an animal lover at heart.
It was this same passion that inspired Lindy to donate a major gift to the University of Guelph this past fall to support OVC Pet Trust’s newly-launched fundraising campaign to build new surgery and anesthesia facilities at the OVC. Lindy’s generous $1-million gift will support the creation of a state-of-the-art Minimally Invasive Procedures Suite, a significant component of the $9-million capital project.
“Using minimally invasive procedures instead of more traditional surgical options will mean faster recovery time for our pets,” says Kim Robinson, managing director of OVC Pet Trust. “Lindy’s very generous gift will enable OVC to create the only dedicated suite for minimally invasive procedures at a veterinary teaching hospital in Canada. We are so grateful for her kindness and personal contribution to this important project.”
Lindy believes the best facilities will allow OVC to continue to attract the best medical and veterinary professionals, who will in turn provide the best care for our pets. “To move forward in any area of medicine requires the best equipment, facilities and innovation. This all requires money. Pet Trust built the Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer in 2012 and now it is time to move on to the next area of need,” Lindy acknowledges.
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Lindy says she gives to OVC Pet Trust because of her love of animals. “Our pets give us so much and ask for so little in return. They are such a positive influence on our well-being – both mentally and physically – the least we can give them is the best life possible, including good health,” she says.
Lindy thinks we can learn a lot about acceptance from our pets, pointing out that they accept and love us unconditionally as we are. She thinks that humans could learn from this.
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Lindy and Pebbles
Lindy encourages others to find their passion, and give by whatever means they are able – whether financially or volunteering to donate your time or talent – these are all important and meaningful gifts to charitable organizations and the mission they support.
“Gifting is a wonderful feeling, whether it is something small or a major charitable donation. It should be done knowing you are helping to make something better. There is no better feeling than that.”
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Left: Lindy and OVC Dean Jeff Wichtel at A Walk in the Park Gala in support of OVC Pet Trust, October 2015; Right: Lindy and Party Boy on the set of CBC's Murdoch Mysteries, November 2015
To learn more about our $9-million fundraising campaign to remain at the forefront of veterinary medicine, read our blog post: Friends Together for Longer.
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