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Issue 26 ~~ September 2010 |
Greetings!
We are Still the Same
By Anna Mackiewicz of the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Edited by Genevieve Frederick of Pets of the Homeless.
At the National Coalition for the Homeless, co-workers were discussing the laws against panhandling that have recently been passed in St. Petersburg, Florida and other cities across the country. These laws against panhandling impose criminal penalties upon anyone who asks a fellow citizen for money.
Panhandling laws are quite similar to the "no beggars allowed" notices that were posted around England in Oliver Twist's world. Charles Dickens, author of Oliver Twist, documented such a loathsome attitude towards the poor and homeless over 100 years ago.
There are claims that society's ethical standards have evolved since then. Have they?
An increase in homelessness has, now, in 21st century America, provoked the same response from government that poverty provoked in 18th century England. It's rather disappointing that cities throughout the nation are required to represent the interests of minority groups but still decide to treat those who want to escape poverty the same way.
Is this fair? People can't find a job after they look for one, and, now, they can't even ask for money if they need it to survive.
This is as cruel as English laws which were imposed upon citizens in previous centuries, condemning anyone who could not provide for themselves to life in poverty.
Genevieve Fredericks adds: We do make the world a better place as we open our hearts to those less fortunate. Join us as we concentrate our efforts to make a difference in todays society. |
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 Perfect World Pets Tammy Arnett, owner of
Pet Flys, offered a unique fundraising idea to help the pets of homeless. Tammy & Sailor
Tammy generously offered a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of her collection of "Perfect World Pets," to help Pets of the Homeless by donating a portion of each sale.
"I like the preventive approach to keep pets out of the shelters and with their owner(s)." Tammy explained, "The last thing anyone should have to lose or give up is their best friend. It is our hope dog lovers will purchase this toy with a conscience to help pets less fortunate than their own and increase awareness of Pets of the Homeless and the work they do."
Genevieve Frederick, Founder/Director of Pets of the Homeless, expressed gratitude for Tammy's generosity and acknowledged, "These toys struck a cord with the entire board of directors. We are honored to receive a percentage of the proceeds for our programs. It is especially touching that Tammy includes information how to become involved in helping pets of the homeless."
"We found the toys named HOPE, FAITH & PEACE to be of high-quality. The attached hang tag is especially meaningful as it includes an inspirational message and explanation of Pet Fly's commitment to pets of the homeless."
Pets of the Homeless and Pet Flys share belief in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond which is so important to life. |
Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service Program Received $1872 Grant from Pets of the Homeless  |
Veterinary Students
Provide Spay/Neuter Clinics
Ontario, CA pets of the homeless received health and medical care during four clinics provided at Mercy House. One DVM, two Registered Veterinary Technicians and fourteen students from Western University College of Veterinary Medicine gave of their time and services.
Students welcomed the opportunity to put their skills to work as they gave each pet a thorough and complete physical exam, bloodworm evaluation, IV catheter placement and fluid therapy during the spay/neuter surgical procedure. When appropriate, further diagnostics were administered, medication provided for deworming and antibiotic therapy as necessary.
All tolled, 32 dogs and cats were seen according to Frank Bossong, DVM, "Each was brought up to date on vaccinations, which is sound preventative medicine. Rabies vaccination was given which, not only protects the pets but also the health of the individual(s) who live with the animal, as well as protecting public health as a whole."
It was a win-win effort. "The homeless pet owners were exposed to a community that cares about them and the well-being of their animal companions. And the students received direct contact with pets of the homeless and an introduction to the importance of community service."
Frank Bossong, DVM, continued, "By providing the spay and neuter of these cats and dogs, we prevented numerous puppies and kittens from being born into an already over-populated community. This also protects the animals from additional related medical conditions, so the impact is great in terms of preventing additional pain and suffering of these pets."
Medication for treating intestinal parasites was sent home with the owners as well as treatment for fleas/ear mites as needed. The students gained the opportunity to share valuable information with the homeless regarding the health and care of their pets and the owners the satisfaction of knowing they had a part in making it happen.
Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service Program (VACS) hopes to continue to provide these services to the homeless clients served at Mercy House. They would have 3-4 rotations for students made available during the 2010-2011 school year.
The Student Chapter of VAC also collected for distribution:
28 cans dog food, 110 pounds dry, 37 pounds dog treats
459 cans cat food, 2178 pounds dry, 2.3 pounds cat treats
22 collars
9 leashes
17 toys
Advantix, Confortis & Frontline monthy treatment packets for flea/tick protection
"Pets of the Homeless appreciates the work of VAC. We were delighted to provide them with a grant to help make these clinics possible," said Genevieve Frederick, Founder/Director.
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Editor's Note: Gary Ailes, DVM, Pets of the Homeless Board Member, veterinarian in Carson City, NV, and co-author of "Happy Tails" has a passion for animals as do most veterinarians. He knows all too well, that many pet owners overlook a major responsibility to their pets for a variety of reasons.
Sadly, too many homeless pet owners breed their dogs with the hope of making money, but give little thought to their responsibility to the parent dogs and resulting puppies. Here Dr. Ailes explains the responsibility of breeding and the necessary care before, during and after the birth of puppies, whether the owner's are homeless or not.
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 Spay/Neuter
by Gary Ailes, DVM
So you're going to make money
selling puppies?
At the beginning this seems like a pretty good idea. After all, don't folks with puppy farms make a good living at it? I think the answer to that is . . . usually. There is a lot of work involved plus added expenses that everyone should know about.
I am addressing this from the female side only for right now. Before breeding, the bitch needs to have all her vaccinations. That helps to protect the puppies during the first few weeks of life.
Once the bitch is bred, there will be some increased nutritional needs to keep the mother and the puppies healthy. Poor nutrition can lead to underweight puppies and/or unhealthy puppies. It can also lead to a difficult birth process and the possible need for a caesarean section. A caesarean section puts the mother and the puppies at risk. Therefore, a high quality dog food is important to help the puppies develop well.
Once the puppies are born, the mother will usually be able to feed them for the first three to four weeks. A good quality puppy food will be needed by three weeks. Puppies will be ready to be weaned somewhere around four weeks. If you have a puppy that is not doing well, it may require bitches milk replacement and nursing every 2 hours around the clock to survive.
The puppies need to be kept in some sort of enclosure to keep them from wandering off or getting into trouble. Injured and or sick puppies can be quite expensive to treat.
When the puppies reach 6 weeks, they should have their first vaccinations before being adopted or sold. With the number of puppies available, there are many times buyers cannot be found. Puppies are often given away or taken to the pound if they cannot be supported.
By Dr. Gary Ailes, DVM
Carson City, NV
Board Member
Pets of the Homeless |
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Kathi Giurlani, a Board Member of Pets of the Homeless, is a registered nurse and pet advocate. She is the Editor of this newsletter. |
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Please Help . . . | |
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108,494 Pounds
Pet Food Collected
&
Distributed Since 2008
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September
Calendar
September 17, 2010
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 625-7922
Free Veterinary Wellness Clinic
1:00-5:00pm
September 25, 2010
1827 Pontius Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Lending a Healing Hand to Pets Affected by Poverty & Homelessness.
Services provided
at No Charge
Other Events
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