MISSISSIPPI STATE – Charitable gifts to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine offer comfort and hope to those who cherish all kinds of animals.

Susan Kuykendall, an administrative assistant in the CVM’s clinical sciences department, oversees the Fund for CARE, which stands for Companion Animals Require Excellence. The fund was created several years ago to help fill in the gaps between state appropriations and needs at the veterinary college.

“Many people use the CARE fund to memorialize pets or friends who loved animals. It is also common for people to make donations in honor of a veterinarian who is special to them,” Kuykendall said. “Donations come in all sizes, from very small to large, and are used to buy equipment that will help with animal care and educational needs of future veterinarians.

“Large and small animals benefit from the donations, which help purchase equipment, fund travel and seminars for students and veterinarians, and support continuing education clinics held throughout the year,” Kuykendall said. “Fund for CARE recently purchased blood pump monitors, infusion pumps, machines for endoscopic procedures and other diagnostic machines.”

Dr. James Perkins of the Iuka Animal Clinic is a regular contributor to the fund. He donates in honor of his clients, both human and animal.

“People are flattered when their veterinarians remember lost pets with memorial contributions. Even my Ole Miss clients have appreciated gifts to MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine,” he said.

The Corinth native, who received his veterinary degree from Auburn in 1971, said some clients have returned the favor by making donations to MSU in his honor.

“I’ve heard about an undergraduate, pre-vet scholarship being established in my name,” Perkins said. “It feels good to be remembered with a contribution that will help educate future veterinarians.”

Memphis veterinarians Jeff and Sue Pearce of the Cloverleaf Animal Clinic are regular contributors to the CARE fund.

“We get very positive feedback about the donations,” he said. “Sue and I are 1987 graduates of MSU-CVM, and so it is also a way to help our alma mater in a small way.”

To make a tax-deductable contribution to the CARE fund, send checks payable to the MSU Foundation to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Center, P.O. Box 6100, Mississippi State, MS  39762-6100.

Contact: Susan Kuykendall, (662) 325-1337