Creve Coeur magician raises money to save animals from euthanasia

“Magic Amanda,” a local magician, is on a mission. She wants to help pet owners medically treat their beloved animals instead of euthanizing them because of the cost of care.

Her real name is Amanda Lindsey, and she has pledged to donate all proceeds from her bonus reward program to the Imperial Animal Hospital’s IAH Care Fund, a partner of the Veterinary Care Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in memory of a dear friend, Maisey, a neighborhood dog who touched the heart of everyone who knew and loved her.

Lindsey had the chance to forge a bond with Maisey, a smart and intuitive Chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund mix), who was a bright spot of joy in the community.

Maisey, however, was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease last year, which proved challenging to regulate. Despite efforts to manage her condition, her health deteriorated and additional complications arose, including diabetes, a heart murmur and the need for gallbladder surgery. Ultimately, her condition became too complex and expensive, and her owner had to euthanize Maisey and let her go peacefully.

“Maisey was my beloved best friend,” Lindsey said. “Our bond was special as I was not allergic to her despite my allergies to other dogs. Maisey had a remarkable ability to communicate with me, often summoning me to spend time with her in creative ways. She would bark at a specific spot on the fence, guiding me out of my house to where I could pet her because I was too short to reach her in other areas.”

Imperial Animal Hospital, in collaboration with the Veterinary Care Foundation, has established the IAH Care Fund, a resource dedicated to assisting pet owners facing various challenges related to their pets’ health and well-being. The IAH Care Fund aims to provide crucial assistance to pet owners facing financial crisis by offering emergency and medical care for lost or injured pets, financial aid for special needs pets and owners and funding for good Samaritan cases. Recipients of the fund must demonstrate that all other payment options have been exhausted.

The goal of Lindsey’s initiative is to honor Maisey’s memory by helping other pets in need, just like her. By contributing to the IAH Care Fund, a meaningful difference can be made in the lives of pets and their owners, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent them from receiving essential veterinary care.

“Maisey’s ‘mom’ did a great job giving Maisey a happy and fulfilled life,” Lindsey said. ”She provided unconditional love and support. Losing a beloved pet is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences one can endure. Maisey’s passing has left an immeasurable void and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this. Together, we can eliminate euthanasia due to financial restrictions and create a community where every pet receives the care and compassion they deserve.”

Unfortunately, Maisey’s story is not unique. Many animals are euthanized due to a lack of funds for medical care or overcrowding at animal shelters.

“These ‘Maiseys’ of the world deserve the chance to live happy, healthy lives alongside their human companions,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey invites the community to donate without spending any money. Every click, share, or react button on her social media posts will directly support the care of pets and help prevent euthanasia due to financial constraints.

“Through my Facebook page (facebook.com/MagicAmanda87) I am encouraging engagement with my posts, as every like and reaction button clicked generates income in Maisey’s memory,” Lindsey said.

As a magician, Amanda Lindsey says she has had the privilege of performing around the country, as well as within her local community, “bringing the wonder of magic to audiences far and wide and lifting and empowering others” through her craft.

“I believe that by coming together as a community, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners,” Lindsey said.

Magic Amanda performs on the first Friday of the month at Luvwoo Bar, 12965 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur, and proceeds from the performances will also be donated to the Imperial Animal Hospital’s IAH Care Fund. The bonus program lasts through April 19. For more details, visit magicamanda.com.