The widow of fallen NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen is asking for donations to be made to
Healing Haven Animal Foundation as a tribute to her husband, who had a love of animals.
Maddie is a 4-year-old beagle who typically means business. But up until about six months ago, she was paralyzed because of debilitating back problems. She had surgery and spent five months recovering at the Shirley Veterinary Hospital. Her medical bills were about $15,000 -- paid for by the Healing Haven Animal Foundation, a not-for-profit funded through donations.
Emergency veterinarian Dr. Lynda Loudon started the foundation in 2012. She says she couldn't bear the thought of animals having to be euthanized because their owners couldn't afford to pay.
Simonsen, who was killed last week during a friendly fire incident in Queens, is described as a huge animal lover by friends and family. They're now asking that donations, instead of flowers, be given to Healing Haven in his memory.
The foundation says it's already received about $6,000 in less than a week in Simonsen's name. All of the money will go toward paying for medical treatment for other animals like Maddie.
An 8-month-old yorkipoo named Kasey will be undergoing a second surgery on his femur. Money donated in the detective's name will cover the cost.