Sheba wasn’t your typical dog. She served as Lauren Berglund’s guide dog but more importantly she was Lauren’s best friend, “Sheba means the absolute world to me.”
So when Sheba was admitted to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center for bleeding after a dental procedure, Lauren was very concerned, not only for Sheba’s wellbeing but how to pay her veterinary bills.
“I was extremely concerned about my ability to pay for Sheba’s care,” the Iowa State undergraduate said. “I was so worried about having to make decisions for her care based on my finances and not what was best for her.”
Thankfully, the ISU Iron Dog had previously been established in the College of Veterinary Medicine to help pet owners with their veterinary bills. Not all applicants for Iron Dog funding are approved, but an average of $20,000 a month is distributed with the funding averaging between $2,000 and $4,000 per case.
Cases like Sheba pull at the heartstrings but Sheba and Lauren are not only the cases that have benefitted in recent years from the ISU Iron Dog Fund.
There’s Crickett, an 11-year-old Papillion, who had hernia surgery. Crickett’s owners are retired and are trying to live within today’s rising costs.
And Daisy, a 14-year-old Australian Shepherd, who suffered a traumatic open rostral mandibular fracture while herding cattle. Daisy underwent several procedures and is back bringing the cows to the barn.
Or Darla, a six-year-old yellow Labrador who failed to place in the Retrieving Freedom program but joined a loving family and underwent foreign body surgery.
The Iron Dog Fund is not limited to just dogs. Cirice was an abandoned blind kitten who underwent a challenging procedure and other medical treatments. “Given all of these medical happenings, we are very, very grateful for the Iron Dog Fund,” Circie’s new owner said. “It would have definitely been quite challenging to cover the costs otherwise.”
Cows have even benefitted from the Iron Dog Fund. Snip had one bone growing faster than his other legs hindering his walk and gait, which isn’t a good look for a show steer. The Iron Dog Fund helped fund Snip’s surgery and now the steer is scheduled to be in the show ring next summer.
Iowa State clients have been utilizing the Iron Dog Fund to offset such cases over the past decade. Due to increased need, funds are running low. To allow the Iron Dog Fund to continue its outstanding and vital work, it takes generous individuals.
“In many cases, curative treatment options are available yet are not affordable to many clients who face tough and unexpected choices,” said Rachael Rail, director of development for the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Gifts to the Iron Dog Fund are vital to increasing access to top notch veterinary care for companion animals.”
Individuals can contribute directly to the Iron Dog Fund online.
Individuals may also contact the College of Veterinary Medicine Development team at vetmeddev@iastate.edu or 515.294.0867.
October 2025