Diesel’s FootPrint was created in memoriam but the organization has been the lifeblood of the dogs who followed. photo: AdobeStock
When a beloved dog or cat is diagnosed with a chronic illness, most of us want to know two things. Can they still have a good life? And what do we need to do to help them?
Giving medication, keeping veterinary appointments, and watching for changes soon become part of our daily routine. There is reassurance in seeing our pet enjoy a favorite walk or curl up beside us, even as we manage the cost of treatment and worry about how they are doing.
Conditions such as diabetes, Addison’s disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and chronic hepatitis may require years of care. Yet many pets can continue to enjoy a good quality of life with appropriate treatment. For families experiencing financial hardship, however, recurring expenses can make recommended care difficult to maintain.
That need extends across the country. The 2025 PetSmart Charities–Gallup study found that 52% of U.S. pet owners had skipped or declined needed veterinary care. Among those who went without care, 71% cited cost as a key reason. These findings underscore the importance of helping families maintain access to treatment over time.
I founded the San Jose-based nonprofit Diesel’s FootPrint in memory of my own dog, Diesel, who lived with multiple chronic illnesses - including Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, autoimmune neutropenia, immune-mediated polyarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease - for nearly 10 years. My experience caring for him shaped an organization that recognizes how closely a pet’s care is connected to the resources and well-being of their caregiver.
Three Ways Diesel’s FootPrint Can Help
Diesel’s FootPrint addresses the financial, practical, and emotional demands of chronic care through three connected programs.
Financial assistance helps eligible families experiencing financial hardship cover ongoing veterinary treatment and medication for supported chronic conditions.
Cooperative care training helps pets become more comfortable with necessary handling and medical routines, such as regular injections or examinations. The goal is to reduce fear and stress during veterinary visits and care at home.
Therapist-led virtual caregiver support groups offer a place for people to share concerns, feel heard, and connect with others who understand. The focus is on the caregiver’s well-being, rather than medical advice for the pet.
For a family managing a pet’s chronic illness, these needs often overlap. Being able to purchase medication is essential, but administering it may be difficult if a pet becomes frightened or resists handling. Training can help make that routine more manageable, while emotional support gives caregivers somewhere to turn when the responsibility feels overwhelming.
The emotional demands of caregiving can be difficult to discuss. Someone may feel grateful that treatment is helping and still feel exhausted, worry about leaving their pet with another person, or struggle to make time for themselves. Friends and family may care deeply without fully understanding those daily responsibilities.
By making caregiver support part of its work, Diesel’s FootPrint acknowledges that caring for a beloved pet should also include care for the person beside them.
An Evening to Make Chronic Care Possible
On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Diesel’s FootPrint will host its inaugural Wags & Wishes benefit at The Woman’s Club of Palo Alto. The evening will bring together pet lovers and members of the veterinary, business, philanthropic, and animal welfare communities to help make chronic care possible for more pets and their families.
Guests will enjoy a seated dinner paired with local wines, a thoughtfully curated silent auction, and conversations with veterinary and animal behavior professionals. Featured speakers include Dr. David Bruyette, Dr. Sherman Canapp, Dr. Sophie Liu, and dog trainer and behavior consultant Denise Fenzi. Award-winning mentalists Heather Rogers and Velia Amarasingham will serve as emcees.
Diesel’s FootPrint is asking for your help to build this community of support. Through ticket purchases, sponsorships, and donations, you can help more families access the care and support they need. Every ticket and sponsorship for the event will help provide access to:
Financial assistance for ongoing veterinary treatment and medication.
Cooperative care training to help pets experience necessary care with less fear and stress.
Therapist-led caregiver support groups to support the people caring for chronically ill pets.
Purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities here. Hope to see you on the 14th!