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Home is Where the Heart Isbarkley house will offer a haven to sick pets and their owners Barkley was in pain
from a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. It was a stressful time for Barkley and his family, says his former veterinarian Carolyn Henry, an associate professor of veterinary oncology. But they were not alone in their struggles. Countless animals from Missouri and surrounding states are treated at MU, with a large percentage of them either requiring long hospital stays or numerous visits. Staying in local hotels can be impossible, epically when sporting events or conventions fill the rooms. Henry has come up with a solution that would lessen anxiety and may even help pets recover quicker: temporary lodging where pets and their owners can stay in a homey environment while the animals undergo treatment. “There are Ronald McDonald Houses around the country that allow parents of sick children to stay together in a home-like setting during treatment,” Henry says, “but nothing of this kind is available anywhere in the nation for pets receiving veterinary care.” She wants to change this by raising $2 million in private funds to build and staff the Barkley House across from the veterinary clinic and teaching hospital. The guesthouse will bring much-needed relief to many families struggling with providing care for their pets with cancer, says Jeffrey Bryan, a resident in veterinary medicine and surgery and one of the project’s donors. Bryan says that while the oncology program at MU is increasing in scope and prestige, Barkley House “will position us as leaders in providing human-animal bind support as well.” Henry envisions the building
to be a three-story Victorian-style house with six suites- five for dogs
and their families, and one for a cat and its family. Each suite in the
ADA-compliant structure will include a small kitchenette and sleeping
quarters. Guests will have access to a central family room where they
can relax and meet others in similar situations; a library area that will
include animal care books, informational videos and counseling resources;
laundry facilities; an exercise area for pets; and a secluded garden.
To start construction, the college needs almost twice that much. One large leadership gift would do the trick, Henry says; however, she doesn’t undermine the importance of smaller donations. “We get a lot of gifts under $100, and these will be vital to keeping the house running once we get it built.” Once the guesthouse is up and running, it could become a national model, Henry says. “It is important that we do it well.” Anyone wanting to help Henry’s vision become a reality can donate to the project through the University’s comprehensive campaign, For All We Call Mizzou. “No matter the size, every gift counts,” she says. For information on available options for pledging and making gifts to the Barkley House, including payroll deduction, call the college’s development office at 884-2896. On April 16, the college will hold its annual open house. “We invite people to stop by our Barkley House booth to get more information, make a donation or purchase a Barkley House bracelet, shirt or dog leash,” Henry says. To learn more about the house call Carolyn Henry at 882-7821.
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