The Tigger Fund

Tigger was a four-year-old Golden Retriever who lost her life to cancer. She touched the lives of all who knew her due to her exuberant personality and to the loving care she received from her owners, Patsy and Charlie Valier. To honor Tigger’s life, Diane and Dick Engelsmann established a lasting tribute to Tigger through the Tigger Fund in December 2021.

The Tigger Fund operates under the umbrella of CHAMP Assistance Dogs and may provide veterinary care for CHAMP therapy, education and assistance dogs when the dog’s owner or partner needs assistance in covering the dog’s medical expenses.

CHAMP dogs give new meaning to the lives of veterans, children and adults with special needs, victims of crime and abuse, and to individuals who face physical or emotional challenges from injuries, disease or loss. It is inevitable that some CHAMP dogs will face illnesses and/or injuries that require expensive medical care. The Tigger Fund may help provide veterinary care for CHAMP dogs, through medications, hospital stays, surgery and other care. Thus, the endearing spirit that Tigger gave to those she touched will continue — as her life gives NEW life to numerous other dogs who find themselves in need of veterinary care.

If your dog is a CHAMP Therapy Dog, CHAMP Education Dog or an Assistance Dog for CHAMP, you can apply for financial help for veterinary care through the Tigger Fund. Contact pam.budke@champdogs.org or robin.wood@champdogs.org for an application.