We Were Running Out of Options… Until ARC Stepped In: An Update from Kelli

Adam, Dr McLeod and KaNeesha with happy-go-lucky boy, Copper John.

Cooper John isn’t just our dog—he’s truly part of our family. He greets us at the door, snuggles with the girls, and somehow always knows when we need a little extra comfort.

So when he started struggling with chronic ear infections, it was heartbreaking. At first, it seemed manageable with over-the-counter treatments. But over time, it became clear this wasn’t something simple. His ears were constantly inflamed, he was uncomfortable, and the infections didn’t clear.

We knew he needed more advanced care—an exam, diagnostics, and a real plan to get to the root of the problem. But the reality was, we were trying to make ends meet, and the cost of veterinary care felt overwhelming. Even having worked at a local clinic and understanding those costs, it didn’t make the situation any easier.

That’s the part no one really prepares you for—loving your pet deeply, but not knowing how you’re going to afford the care they need. That’s when we learned about the ARC Pay-It-Forward Fund.

I remember feeling both hopeful and hesitant. It’s not easy to ask for help. But from the very first interaction, we were met with compassion—not judgment. The team took the time to understand, and most importantly, to help.

Because of ARC, Cooper John received a full exam, diagnostic testing to identify the underlying cause of his ear infections, and the medication he needed to finally begin healing.

Programs like ARC exist because veterinary care doesn’t always happen at predictable times—or come with predictable costs—leaving families unsure of what to do next. But because of ARC, we didn’t have to face that moment alone. What ARC gave us was more than financial assistance. They gave Cooper John comfort. They gave our family peace of mind. They gave us hope.

We’ve seen how one act of kindness can ripple far beyond a single moment. We are incredibly grateful for what ARC did for our family, and we’ve made a promise to pay it forward. When we’re able, we will give back—so another family can find the same help and hope we did.

To everyone who has supported ARC, thank you. Your generosity makes stories like ours possible.

-Adam, Kelli, the girls & Cooper John 🐾