Greetings!
While working with veterinarian/authors, Gary Ailes and Woody Allen doing public relations for the book, they asked for additional projects to promote their Sierra Veterinary Hospital.
I soon realized veterinarians are not taught in medical school to promote and market their businesses. Most put an ad in the yellow pages and with the hope word-of- mouth would bring in clients.
It seemed, if I could come up with a program involving veterinary hospitals around the country, I could help publicize their businesses while at the same time helping pets.
In the course of this activity a plan formulated to publish and then sell a program to that target market and other pet related businesses.
In 2006, while visiting New York City, I saw a homeless man begging while his pathetic dog lay beside him. Unable to get this vision from my head, I began researching the homeless with pets.
A persistent thought whirled around in my head, "Why would these people, who can barely feed themselves, have a pet?"
The answer became apparent with the realization of how nonjudgmental pets are, they provide comfort, give love and an emotional bond of loyalty without complaint. It was also clear, in some cases, how pets provide protection and warmth.
The tragic realization, pets of the homeless have no voice or choice of owners, quickly found its way into my heart. The staggering, countless number of pets of the homeless touched me to the extent I felt compelled to do something. Unable to stifle the pictures in my mind, I began talking with people about the idea of Feeding Pets of the Homeless. Everyone seemed supportive. What began as a simple idea became a plan. After a year of research, I began editing and printing the program which was launched at the end of 2007. Doctors Gary Ailes and Woody Allen became the first practice to begin collecting pet food for the homeless and disadvantaged in my city. I used program press release samples with the local press and soon a local TV station became involved.
Doctors Ailes and Allen were both excited and pleased. The first day, a 55 gallon trash can was filled with food for pets of the homeless. Hundreds of pounds of pet food has been donated since.
A pre-publication press release was sent out to veterinary trade magazines.
An editor from "Veterinary Practice News" read the release and wrote a wonderful article with photos from the website. Dr. Ailes and Monte Fast, from the local food bank, were quoted in that publication. Pets of the Homeless has quickly evolved into the nonprofit it is today.
Magazines, newspapers, bloggers, radio and television have helped spread the word, without benefit of funds for advertising. This speaks to the heart of animal lovers everywhere.
The organization does much more than feed pets of the homeless.
We answer hundreds of requests for information on:
How to:
Where to:
AND
- We work with school children, Scouts, churches and companies who want to help
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Pets of the Homeless
In Unrelenting Summer Heat
Summertime heat is often unrelenting, exhausting and downright uncomfortable for many of us. So, we go inside where it's cooler, head north with the RV, go swimming, turn on the air conditioner, swamp cooler or circulating fan to cool down.
There are places, which offer relief to the homeless, but the homeless with pets cannot go into the shelters with their pets. Pets of the Homeless has a grant program available to homeless shelters looking for ways that allow pets sanctuary with their owners. I was wondering today what's happening in America to help the homeless through the scorching days of summer. The information I found indicates there are many groups seeking to help the homeless but few, if any, shelters accept pets. Too many homeless with pets stay on the streets rather than abandon them. A few efforts on behalf of the homeless are listed below. These shelters offer help to the homeless but their pets cannot stay inside with them.
Shelters that would like more information on Pets of the Homeless Crate Project can download the guidelines and procedures at Pets of the Homeless. Please help spread the word and donate to help make crates available to willing shelters.
Garden City Rescue Mission in Augusta, GA* usually makes the homeless leave in the morning before coming back at night. With temperatures in the triple digits, they have had to change their ways to help the homeless stay safe. While the shelter may not seem very cool, when you've been outside, it's a relief to be able to sit inside and out of the heat.
Abilene, TX* can become stifling hot in the summer. During the winter the Salvation Army opens the shelter if it gets below a certain temperature, but in the summer it doesn't matter how hot it gets, you only get three nights a month for free and if you can't pay, you don't stay," said John Shannon, one of the homeless men who seeks shelter under a bridge. There are a few places in town where people can get relief from the heat for brief periods of time: to shower, have a meal, get water or use the restroom. " Arizona's* hot summer can be devastating to people living on the streets. Older people, children and those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures," said Councilman Michael Johnson, a member of the Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness. "We're asking the community to assist by donating items that will keep those most vulnerable to the heat, protected and cool during the long hot summer." The heat wave forces the homeless to seek shelter in Knoxville, TN.* Shelters have seen an influx of people seeking refuge from the heat. Burt Rosen of Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, said, "Due to soaring temperatures, we are keeping doors open all day, every day. Donations of bottled water are sought from the community to help serve the 400 plus people who depend on the organization." The Tennessee Department of Human Services provides multiple services during summer months to ensure homeless in the District stay cool and hydrated during instances of extreme heat. Pets of the Homeless seeks donations to keep the crate project alive and pets of the homeless, too. Please help shelters willing to open their doors to the homeless with pets.
* Click the links to see the complete articles |
Wolftever Pet Hospital
Receives Grant
Free Veterinary Care Provided
to Pets Belonging to the Homeless
Pets of the Homeless awarded a grant of $400 to veterinarian, Dr. Darlene White who works at Wolftever Pet Hospital in Harrison TN. She partnered with Metropolitan Ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, TN. They offered homeless pet owners free pet care services. Pets belonging to the homeless received free rabies vaccinations, flea pills, a collapsible water bowl and emergency water.
"It is important to care for both homeless people and their animals. It can be a big issue. Many shelters don't accept pets, which can keep pet owners from receiving services." said Rebecca Whelchel, Executive Director of Metropolitan Ministries.
Dr. White initially funded the free veterinary care herself. After receiving the grant from Pets of the Homeless, she was able to apply funds towards purchase of rabies vaccine and flea medicine. "I can reapply for a grant once a year. It won't go for a year, but it certainly helps," she said. She also received a donation of collapsible water bowls from Purina and is talking to veterinary pharmaceutical companies to consider donating pet medications.
"There is a big need with the economy the way it is," said Dr. White. "The economy has hurt pets in general, but homeless pets usually receive no veterinary care at all. They didn't ask to be put in that situation, but they are there and the people love them. I'm just trying to help the animals."
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Marie Shares Her "Aha" Moment
I bake for the dogs at Cloe's Bakery in El Paso, TX. I am also a U.S. and Mexican Customs Broker. There are two dogs that guard the two and a half acre business property. One of the dogs, Julio, is a Cane Corso Mastiff. About a month ago on a Tuesday, a homeless man and his pit bull named Rowdy were walking by the property. They came a little too close to the fence and Julio attacked Rowdy. It was horrible.
My friend, also my boss, agreed to pay all veterinary bills for injuries to Rowdy and give Jimmy compensation as well. I rushed Rowdy to the vet and was told he would need to stay a day or two.
Jimmy was given $200 and advised to pick Rowdy up on Wednesday. Jimmy never called or showed up. Thursday came and went with no sign of Jimmy. We imagined what he might have done with the money.
On Friday, I went looking for him. I was livid he had not even called. It seemed to me he had no concern or regard for his dog. When I found Jimmy, he told me
he had fallen off the wagon. He said he had done a lot of drinking and drugs, was a mess but loved his dog. We agreed to meet on Saturday when he would pick up Rowdy. Keep in mind, I was upset and considered finding Rowdy another home. I did not want him with Jimmy. I felt Jimmy had a few strikes against him and I wanted more for Rowdy. Saturday arrived, I took Rowdy to meet Jimmy, but he was no where to be seen. Rowdy, familiar with the area, was going crazy. He seemed to be looking for his master. As I was trying to decide what to do next, I learned Jimmy was at the yard. He had misunderstood where we were to meet. Rowdy, OMG, was so happy and Jimmy was so happy. My "aha" moment came as I realized I had no right to take Rowdy away from his homeless owner. They obviously wanted to be together and knew how to live on the streets. I take about a 5 pound bag of dog food to them but I want to help more. I will be pondering this week what else I might do to help them. Thank-you Pets of the Homeless for beginning this venture. Best regards, Marie |
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The amount of pet food that our members have reported as collected and distributed is now at 107,660 pounds.
August Calendar
August 5, 2010
"Barks n Beer" Annual Customer Appreciation
Charity event for Pets of the Homeless at Fisher's Friends Dog Daycare, 2171 Kensington Ave., Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 839-5703
August 8-14 has been declared the first National Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week.
Donations of pet food should be taken to one of the identified, local collection sites.
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Write a review about Pets of the Homeless at Great Nonprofits
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When you shop online from Pets of the Homeless, you are helping us fund veterinary costs for pets of the homeless. These merchants donate a percentage of your purchase directly to Pets of the Homeless.
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