Stanley, Kan. — It’s a special Valentine’s Day gift for Jake the dog. His family gave him a stem cell treatment that they hope will extend his life.

Jake is an 11-year-old yellow lab.  He’s been part of the LeBlanc family since he was a puppy.  Jake’s owner, Elizabeth LeBlanc, calls him her “first baby.”  But then Mia and Aidan were born and at ages eight and five years old, they love to play with Jake.

When the LeBlanc’s noticed Jake was having trouble getting around they wanted to help.  They tried medication, but say it didn’t work for very long.  Then Mia saw a segment about a stem cell treatment for dogs on t.v. and asked if they could get it for Jake.  The LeBlanc’s called their veterinarian and found out the Stanley Veterinary Clinic in Stanley, Kansas is the only place in the metro where they can do the entire procedure in house.

Dr. Les Pelfrey, D.V.M. explained the procedure.

We didn’t believe it either. A man singing puppies to sleep? Yeah right. But he did. And he sounded pretty good.

Animal Haven is teaming up with Whole Foods to raise money for homeless pets. This Wednesday, September 22nd, the Whole Foods Market located at 91st and Metcalf in Overland Park will donate 5 percent of their total sales to Animal Haven.  Animal Haven volunteers and employees will even be on hand all day to sack your groceries!

Shoppers can help raise funds for Animal Haven on Wednesday, September 22 from 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. For more information go to animalhavenkc.org.