Harry Hill

About him

13-year-old Harry Hill of Weston had little trouble determining what good and generous deed he would perform in conjunction with his Bar Mitzvah.

After his golden retriever, Hunter, was stricken with cancer, Harry realized the value of time spent with a beloved pet. Through effective, but expensive, veterinary care Hunter was able to live an extra six months. Harry, the son of Peter and Nancy Hill, said he hoped to help other people afford the quality care for their pets that Hunter received.

His motivation

Harry set out with a goal of raising $10,000 to help the owners of pets undergoing serious medical treatment meet the costs of necessary veterinary care.

"After amazing veterinary care, Hunter survived six months longer than the doctors expected," Harry wrote in an appeal letter to family and friends. "During his treatment, Hunter enjoyed a great quality of life with his family that included swimming, walking and running down the beach in Martha's Vineyard."

The extra time with Hunter meant a great deal, said Harry, but it came at a cost in medical bills that many pet owners would find daunting. "I wanted to find a way to raise money to help people and to give their pets a chance to live," he wrote.

His gift

Ultimately, Harry raised $7,000 for the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

"It means a lot to people to keep their pets around, even for a short time," Harry said. "It really makes a difference to be able to say goodbye."