Broken Arrow Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization created to help provide financial assistance to residents of Whidbey Island, Washington for veterinary care of their companion animals.

Broken Arrow is especially interested in providing financial assistance for the chronic needs of animals. Often, people on a limited income may not be able to afford extended periods of medicating/treatments and might feel their only option is to have their animal friend euthanized.

FIRST LIGHT: Animal Voices in Concert is a collection of stories about what animals teach people. This new book by Broken Arrow President, Ardeth De Vries, is a perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life. All proceeds from book sales will be donated by the author to animal welfare organizations, including Broken Arrow Memorial Fund. You may purchase it HERE. It is also available through major online book sellers and many book stores on Whidbey Island.

It is our belief that a loving relationship between people and their animals is of major importance in maintaining the health and well being of both animals and humans.

We know that many people on a limited income, particularly senior citizens, may not have the financial resources to help their animal companions in time of need. Funds from Broken Arrow can be drawn upon if special medication, diet or veterinary care is required to improve the quality of life for companion animals in distress.

We trust that our veterinarians here on Whidbey Island have a close relationship with their clients. If a veterinarian feels that financial need is a problem for a client, the veterinarian contacts Broken Arrow and negotiates payment by us for services or medications.

The only information the client is given is that an anonymous funding source is available. Broken Arrow deals directly with the veterinarian, and not with the client.

Broken Arrow was created through a bequest by the late Oleta Griffin of Coupeville, Washington. She and her daughter Diana welcomed many special needs dogs into their home and hearts. Broken Arrow is able to continue through private and public donations, as well as fund raisers. If you are able to contribute, the animals of Whidbey Island who benefit will thank you.

You may send your tax-deductible donation to us at:

Broken Arrow

P.O.Box 1678

Coupeville, Washington 98239

Ardeth De Vries- President

Marcy Bahr- Vice-President

Penny Holland- Secretary

Peggy Claire- Treasurer

For more information, you can email us here.

Ghost is an Alaskan malamute. He was surrendered to a shelter with a playmate in 1995. Adopted a month later (not to the same family as his friend), he was soon returned when his size proved too much for his new home. The shelter volunteer who had adopted Ghost's friend decided to reunite them, and adopted Ghost too.

Ghost has lived a happy life since then. In 1998 his health began to deteriorate. He developed a form of Cushing's Disease, and has become incontinent. His adopters are self-employed in a seasonal business, and all his medications are more than they can manage during the off-peak times. But Broken Arrow has stepped in to help provide this wonderful dog with the drugs that make his happy life possible.

You can help animals like Ghost live out their lives in a loving home by donating to Broken Arrow. You may not know all the animals you help this way, but you can be sure they will be out there romping around or sleeping in a sunny window with your assistance.

Update on Ghost: In the spring of 2002, Ghost finally succumbed to all his medical problems. He enjoyed his last 4 years due the generosity of people who support Broken Arrow.

8-year old Beau was surrendered to a shelter in 2004 when his family couldn't care for him any longer. This sweet boy was adopted a month later by another family, but one with limited funds. When it became necessary for Beau to receive expensive medication to treat a skin ailment, Broken Arrow stepped in and helped make it possible for Beau to stay in his new home.