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Providing Pet Food and Veterinary Care |
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Dear ,
Pets of the Homeless is honored to have an article written by the photographer of the lead-in photograph for this newsletter and Pets of the Homeless webpage.
In her own words, Kirsten Starcher, explains how this poignant photograph came to be.
 I play bass in a Vancouver-based rock band called ARCTIC. In 2006, we were performing in Toronto, and my bandmate, Marcus Martin and I had some time to wander the city. As we walked down Queen Street near Spadina, we noticed a homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk, cross-legged and leaning against a building, a German Shepherd nestled into his arms as exactly as a puzzle piece.
We paused and looked, and Marcus said quietly, "I wish I had a camera." I had mine along, but I've always been uncomfortable taking photos of strangers - most of my photos are landscapes, close-ups, interesting shapes - and this man with his dog seemed so vulnerable.
Marcus urged me to take a shot, but, shy about it, I shook my head and we started walking again. Still, the scene tugged at me, and after a moment won me over; I turned back and crouched quickly to take their picture. I still felt strange about it - I wanted to give him change, but they seemed so perfectly balanced and he looked so exhausted, I couldn't bring myself to disturb them. The day continued, I posted the photo on Flickr along with my other pictures from the tour, and filed it all away in the back of my mind as another interesting passing moment in life.
Years later, it still amazes me how this one tiny action, which almost didn't happen, has had a ripple effect I never would have predicted. Pets of the Homeless found the photo and asked to use it in a newsletter in 2007, and that set a wave in motion.
People started writing to tell me how much the photo affected them. More charities have asked to use it in their writings; artists have asked to paint their own versions of it; a musician wrote a song about it. I received email from a woman in South Africa who found it on a flyer on the beach and was deeply moved. One of the artists planned to give a percentage of his gallery's earnings - for a month! - to a local homelessness charity, by way of appreciation.
I am in awe of you all. Reluctantly clicking that shutter, I never expected to make these kinds of connections with people all over the world.
I don't know the rest of the story. I don't know what happened to the man or to his dog. I've seen people arguing online about whether I should have taken the picture, whether maybe he didn't want to be found, whether I've been profiting from it (only once did I receive a small honorarium, and gave half to a Vancouver charity). I don't know the answers, I don't think there's an absolute right or wrong, and I have no desire to debate it.
The overwhelming response from people has been gratitude for giving them a moment to think, to appreciate what they have, and to love the people and the pets they have in their lives. I was fortunate enough to make a fleeting observation that happens to have resonated deeply with others, and it's given me a different perspective on how minor things we do in our lives can have a wide impact. Thanks to all of you for your own warmth and appreciation; thanks to Pets of the Homeless for making all this possible.
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Homeless in San Jose, CA
Cortney Troy from San Jose, CA is concerned about the major problem with homeless people who have pets. She tries to help but feels a growing sense of helplessness. Nothing can express Cortney's experience better than her own words:
"A few days ago, I saw the saddest thing. It made me want to reach out and ask for help. I saw a homeless man with a dog, but this was not like other homeless people I see. This man was on the verge of dying. His dog looked well fed but the man is skin and bones. He was not able to move, let alone speak."
Cortney went on, "I ran over to him and told him not to move, I would be back. I went for food, drinks and blankets. I helped him eat and drink and kept him warm as he looked at me with eyes that expressed his gratitude."
"I asked if he wanted me to take him to a shelter. He moved his head as much as he could back and forth as he whispered, "No."
"When I asked why not, he slowly lifted his arm up and pointed to his dog."
"Right then I knew I needed to find help so I can open a shelter for homeless people with pets."
So far, he has been doing better. I have seen him every day since. I help each day, but he is only one person I have helped. I have to open a shelter for the homeless with pets. I need to know they have a place to go with some kind of security where they know they can trust others . . . some place where they can learn social skills and maybe get some kind of education and eventual housing."
Genevieve Frederick, Founder/Executive Director of Pets of the Homeless, wrote back, "I think we can help."
Pets of the Homeless is beginning a new grant program. We recognize the need for homeless services to fill a gap left by not allowing pets into shelters. Our goal is to spread awareness of the lack of accommodation for homeless with pets and to help shelters.
Pets of the Homeless is prepared to offer nonprofit shelters collapsible sleeping compartments or kennels as well as feeding bowls and cleaning supplies for pets of the homeless. Such an arrangement would allow pets to comfortably sleep in a confined space next to their owner.
Many homeless may be too paranoid to go to a shelter. They may have been previously asked to leave a shelter. Often the homeless do not like shelter rules that prohibit alcohol and do not allow couples to bunk together. Not to mention pets. Or they may have gone to a shelter once but found the shelter full and never returned. Some shelters will not allow anything more than a backpack so those with all their belongings in a cart chose to stay on the streets. Many people fear sickness in confined areas. There have been assaults and theft in shelters. The streets aren't much safer with hate crimes against the homeless. It is a sad situation. But pets give companionship, warmth and sometimes provide protection.
We encouraged Cortney to contact local chruches to offer the homeless with pets in San Jose a place to slee.p and when she finds one or more we will help with providing sleeping compartments for the pets. |
Your Donations at Work 
By Kathi Giurlani
Last summer, Heidi Smith and Wally, her boyfriend, enjoyed taking Rocky, their 8-month-old black German Shepherd, to Minneapolis dog parks to swim and play. Being "new parents" to Rocky made them more keenly aware of pets of the homeless.
Wally works as a security guard and has frequent encounters with homeless citizens. One homeless man had previously told him, "There are no places (shelters) to go that will accept me and my dog." Because of the harsh winters in Minneapolis, Wally, wanting to help, has been looking for this particular homeless man and his dog.
On January 24, 2010, Heidi said, "We got our very first homeless foster dog, CeeCee. She belongs to Alicia, a homeless girl. Alicia told us she would take the puppy back in a month."
Heidi wrote, "Alicia loves this puppy and hugged my boyfriend and cried and cried knowing her little, puppy would not go to the Humane Society. She was touched by our kindness. Since we've had her, CeeCee has had a bath, her nails trimmed and tons of puppy food. She has a little anxiety when not with people but likes the attention of our dog, Rocky."
Genevieve Frederick, Founder/Executive Director of Pets of the Homeless, advised Heidi her veterinarian could apply for a grant naming the dog and homeless girl. Her vet would have to be willing to donate the time to care for the puppy, then Pets of the Homeless could pay for any medications and supplies required.
Genevieve Frederick advised Heidi, "Have your veterinarian FAX or mail the grant application with a copy of the veterinary license and Pets of the Homeless will help with veterinary costs."
Pets of the Homeless was delighted to send a check for $500 to Rebecca L. Josephs, DVM, an associate at VCA Animal Care Hospital since January 2001. Dr. Josephs said Alicia's puppy is about 4 months old and a lab/collie mix. As expressed on their website, it is obvious VCA and Dr. Joseph "Care for pets...and their people, too."
"CeeCee will be on her way to the vet next week. She loves the dog park and beating up on our 95 lb German Shepherd. Almost everyone loves her. We plan to teke her for a visit with Alicia who calls almost daily to see how she is doing. Pets of the Homeless has provided an enormous amount of help to this girl and her pup. I am sure she will be forever thankful! I I am impressed by your gratitude!"
A special thanks to Heidi and Wally for their kindness and compassion for pets of the homeless and to VCA Animal Care Hospital.
VCA Animal Care Hospitals
Email that came in after the article was written.
Thank you Pets of the Homeless for all you do to help less fortunate individuals and pets. You inspire me to act, follow my gut to do what is right and mostly to always follow the golden rule. I am passionate about helping the homeless and have been since doing a debate project in high school on the homeless population and AIDS. You made this possible! Without your organization who knows where CC would be. I do know Alicia wouldn't feel blessed and positive that there are people out there that do care about her feelings. You care about not only the animals welfare but the individuals themselves. It is sad that society does not give the homeless the same level of respect as others.
Alicia's Cee Cee just had her first Vaccinations. I am pretty sure she got THE WORKS package at the VCA Clinic & Hospital here in Richfield, MN. Becky Josephs DVM donated her time and Julie Bolin coordinated payment, everything down to her spaying will fit into the grant subsidy. They are all very sweet people to donate their time. Signed Heidi
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Kathi Giurlani is a Board Member of Pets of the Homeless. She is a registered nurse and pet advocate.
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Feeding Pets of the Homeless is doing business as Pets of the Homeles. The new name better captures the essence and spirit of the nonprofit. |
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March Calendar
National Animal Poison Prevention Week
April Calendar
April 3 - Saturday
Free Shot Clinic in Camden City, NJ at 3rd & Federal Fire Station from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m.
April 17- Saturday
Pets of the Homeless will be in Reno, NV at the Super Pet Adoption, Walmart parking lot, 4855 S. Kietzke Lane from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 1 - Saturday
Free Shot Clinic in Camden City, NJ at 3rd & Federal Fire Station from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m.
June Calendar
June 12 - Saturday Pets of the Homeless will be at the Phoenix Pet Expo at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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We have something new and exciting to share!
It's the new Feeding Pets of the Homeless toolbar. Once added to IE or Firefox, each time you shop at more than 1,300 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to Feeding Pets of the Homeless - at no cost to you.
You may even save money as the toolbar provides coupons and deals as well. The toolbar also has a search box, each time you search the Internet, approximately a penny is donated to Feeding Pets of the Homeless.
http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/feeding-pets-of-the-homeless
Please pass this along to all your friends.
The two minutes it takes to add this toolbar
can make a difference in the life
of a pet of the homeless!
Get the toolbar NOW!
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| Pets of the Homeless
2255 Waterford Place - Carson City, NV 89703
(775) 841-7463
a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit 
Genevieve Frederick, Exec. Director/Founder | |
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