Alexis Fund legacy success: Supporting veterinary care

REDFORD | The Alexis Fund legacy at Saranac Veterinary Clinic pays special tribute to a young woman's spirit and her unconditional love of animals. In this unique way, Alexis Bouyea continues to care for pets despite losing her life in a tragic car accident on Jan. 3 two years ago. Veterinary staff offered a memorial tribute on Jan. 3 this year. "Today marks two years since the passing of our friend, Alexis Bouyea. Out of that tragedy, the Alexis Fund was established," staff said online. "Through this fund, we have helped dozens of pets and their owners who might not otherwise have been able to afford care. In many of these instances, we performed life-saving treatment. Through generous donations and events organized by her family, the fund continues to thrive." Alexis's mom and dad, Kim and Scott Bouyea, said the legacy tribute is more than they had hoped for. The memorial account was established shortly after the accident in 2023. "It turned out to be more than what we expected," Mrs. Bouyea told The Sun. "We first thought, why don't we set up donations to Dr. Amanda (Lutzy) at the vet's clinic. Then they established the fund for her and it's been a good thing. It helps cover costs of surgical and emergency situations when the parents of the animals are unable to pay at that time, so the Alexis Fund kicks in. They've saved quite a few pets." As a unique community resource, monetary resources offer hope and life-saving care, reflecting the same love and care for pets that Alexis held throughout her life. "She was well-liked," Mr. Bouyea said. "She just helped everybody. People would call and ask if Alexis would come over. I remember one older couple called and asked if she could help them with their dogs. She'd just drop everything and go." She loved animals more than humans, the Bouyeas said. And she expressed that unconditional love with a sense of humor. "Instead of 'walk the dog,' she had a sign that said Walk the Humans," Mr. Bouyea offered. "We have that sign. There's a leash attached to it," Mrs. Bouyea said, sharing a photo of the message of kindness that's in their home. "I'll give you an example of how she saw unconditional love," Mr. Bouyea said. "One time she said to me, if you lock mom in the truck with a dog and then let them out, only one is going to be happy to see you." Alexis was drawn to pet and animal care at a very early age. "When she was in grade school she actually volunteered at the Elmore SPCA, she was like 10 years old," Mrs. Bouyea said. "She worked for them for a little while and ended up working at the Humane Society. She was busy her whole life with animals. She attended BOCES for Animal Science and was going to attend Canton for Veterinary Tech. She had finished her college prerequisites at Clinton." Each year, the Bouyeas and Saranac Veterinary Clinic host events to raise money for the community funding resource. The second annual Alexis Fund Cornhole Tournament is coming up on Jan. 25 at the Peru Memorial VFW Post 309. "We did the first cornhole tournament last year, and it brought in a little under $7,000. We are holding the tournament again the 25th of this month. We're going to have it annually," Mrs. Bouyea said. Last year, the event drew 40 teams. The Alexis Fund continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of our wonderful community, Saranac Veterinary Clinic staff said. "Here's a short list of some of the pets we have been able to assist: A dog with a pyometra, requiring an emergency spay; a cat with severe allergic dermatitis; a dog with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis; a dog who was gravely ill after having puppies; a dog with pancreatitis; a cat with a life-threatening urinary obstruction; a dog with severe gastroenteritis," and most recently, two life-saving surgeries in the same day. "We know that we are not alone in thinking of and missing Alexis every day. We hope that through the fund her memory will live on and her dedication to animals will be her legacy." Funding has also been raised through annual Dachshund Day In the Park, held this past September with a Halloweenie Fest. But anyone can contribute anytime to the community's Alexis Fund to help support pet care at Saranac Veterinary Clinic. A Venmo account is set up: @Alexis-Fund Donations can also be sent by mail to: Saranac Veterinary Clinic, P.O. Box 7, Redford, N.Y. 12978 ALEXIS FUND TOURNAMENT JAN. 25 The Alexis Fund Cornhole Tournament will be held Jan. 25 at the Peru Memorial VFW Post 309, 710 Route 22B in Peru. Sign-ups begin at 12 noon with registration at $25. Competition starts at 1 p.m. Payouts are for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese Auction.

Signup for our newsletter

Alexis Fund legacy success: Supporting veterinary care

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS