About Us and Our Mission

n July 1^st, 2013, Kings Canyon
Veterinary Hospital made a major
change: the oldest continuous
veterinary practice in the Fresno
area became the practice unit of Kings Canyon Veterinary Foundation, a newly established nonprofit public benefit-public membership corporation recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 having the mission of providing medical, surgical, and preventative care for the companion animals of needy persons in our community.

While in the past, veterinarians at KCVH were cognizant of the depressed economic status of the area and attempted to provide affordable veterinary service, there were limits on the ability to do so and in some cases, unlike human medicine, the only alternative was euthanasia when owners simply could not afford the cost of care. Now with support of the community, we will be able to provide appropriate care for all animals presented whether the case originates at our hospital, or is referred by other clinics or hospitals in the area, because of economic need.

It should be understood that we may not be able to always have a "gold plated" solution and may have to use lower-cost methods when appropriate. An example might be splinting a fracture rather than a surgical pinning or plate procedure. Candidates for financial assistance are required to provide evidence of need (such as public assistance).

To aid us in our mission we will need public support. The primary support will come from our clientele utilizing our hospital services, all income exceeding operating costs will help pay for the services to the needy, professional equipment and hospital maintenance, in that order.

-- Membership is not requred to receive regular veterinary services --

Other support is needed in the form of volunteer help for maintenance and nonprofessional assistance, such as helping people with registration and financial assistance forms. Assistance is needed in the clerical area of membership (membership card production and records) and also in fund raising. An example of help we are presently receiving is this website, produced and maintened by a client. Our grounds are being kept presentable by the hard work of another client couple, while another couple have kept the hospital running by repairs to equipment, the electrical circuitry, plumbing and numberous major and minor miscellaneous projects. Several experts in their field have been helping us with our computer systems. Dr. LeBeuf is presently our only full time volunteer veterinarian. A CPA specializing in veterinary practices has been providing accounting advice and services for the past several months, thanks to the influence of our CFO (another volunteer).

Membership is open to the public; we are requesting a tax decuctible donation of $50 or more per annum. See the sections entitled "Feed The Kitty" and "Membership" for more details on ways you can support our mission and receive membership perks..

The organization has a volunteer board of directors to establish policy and oversee the CEO. Four of the directors are local veterinarians, and three lay-persons with special areas of expertise. The officers of the corporation are all from the board (although that is not requred by the bylaws). The overall policies are subject to approval at a general meeting held annually in the Spring. All members in good standing and attending the meeting have one vote for each directorship and any item presented for approval. The bylaws are available upon request via email for any member.

L.L. LeBeuf, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

I spent my teenage years on a small dairy in Northern Virginia, where I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then in 1948 while working as a carpenter in Southern California, I joined the National Guard rather than sign up for a tour with the regular Army. Uncle Sam then gave me a free tour of Japan and Korea when the peace action broke out in 1950. Thus it happened that my first patients were human. As an Assistant Battalion Surgeon (Army classification), I was in charge of a platoon of medics. I came home with a Bronze Star (for meritus service); I could have had a Purple Heart, but my injury was minor, and I was too embarrassed about where I got hit to share it with my aid men.

As a result of this experience, I was able to attend University of California at Davis and able to be accepted on my first application to Veterinary School. Graduating in 1958, I started my own practice in Madera and for four years, just about starved. Taking advantage of an opportunity to work in the pharmaceutical industry, I became a technical expert in the nutritional area. I toured the midwest from Kansas in the West, Minnesota in the North and Pennsylvania in the East giving lectures to veterinary associations and assistance to individual practitioners. When my father-in-law died, we moved back to California and I began a mixed practice (large and small animals).

In 1973 the late Dr. Donald Barr cut his fingers with a power saw while working on a community service project (we have a long history of community service) I came to town to do his surgeries. I never got away.

In 1975 , the newly widowed Dr. Esme Wood joined my practice and in 1983 we married. We have shared many experiences, both good and bad, including both of us losing our spleens in motorcycle accidents. She was my chief advisor and critic. She died of pneumonia in November of 2013, but left me determinded to fulfill our mission.

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist

"Lots of people talk to animals...Not very many listen, though...that's the problem."

-Benjamin Hoff

Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist

We are happy to welcome Savannah back to our foundation!

Testimonials

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