The Ozzy Foundation

The Ozzy Foundation

"We can judge the heart of a man
by his treatment of animals."
~ Immanual Kant

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Welcome, and thank you for visiting The Ozzy Foundation. The Ozzy Foundation is a veteran owned nonprofit 501(c) 3 (application pending with the IRS) organization based in Washington, DC which was founded by John R. Lytle after the passing of his beloved pet "Ozzy" to Canine Lymphoma on October 20, 2011. The Ozzy Foundation was established to keep his memory alive and is dedicated to bringing awareness to and educating others on Canine Cancers. In addition, we are committed to raising funds for cancer research as well as providing food and financial assistance to care for dogs battling this disease.

"Ozzy's" Story: On December 10, 2010, Ozzy was diagnosed with Stage 4a Lymphosarcoma (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) and was given a maximum of 30-45 days to live. We immediately took action by changing his food to "Blue Buffalo" and began chemotherapy treatments at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center, and on December 22, 2010 he went into full remission, only 9 days after receiving his initial treatment. Continuing on a 20 week path of chemotherapy under the skillful hands of Dr. Nancy Gusafson and her amazing team, he celebrated his 7th birthday in February 2011. He graduated from the program as of April 2011 and was cancer free for almost 8 months. Unfortunately, it came back July 7, 2011, beginning another set of treatments. For the next couple months he battled the disease going in and out of remission but after 314 days of cancer, chemo treatment, full blown remission and back, Ozzy's heart came to rest as he passed away on October 20, 2011 in the front yard of his home, in John's arms. Ozzy was a true LOVER of life, a "dogs dog." He greeted everyone he met (both two and four legged) with a big happy smile and a contagious personality. Ozzy lived every moment to the absolute fullest and gave John, his friends and family a full 7 years and 251 days of the most cherished moments, that are now forever memories. This Foundation is now Ozzy's Legacy and John's passion.

It is our hope that by providing healthy food and financial support, families will have more options in sustaining the healthy lives of their own beloved pets. You are not alone in this fight ... We are with you!

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Because You'll Always be MORE, than "Just a Dog..."

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, its just a dog," or "that's a lot of money for just a dog." See, They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the cost involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company, was "just a dog," but I did not feel once slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog" and in those days of darkness, the sweet gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me COMFORT and reason to overcome the day.

If you too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or " just a promise." "Just a Dog" brings to my life the very essessence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future. So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's GOOD in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. Ozzy made my good life, GREAT.

I hope that someday they can understand, that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So next time you hear a phrase "just a dog" ... just smile, because they "just don't understand." I Love You Ozzy ... and I MISS YOU So