Greetings!
Pennies From Heaven
The Penny Harvest is a program of Common Cents' which blossomed from one child's desire to feed the homeless. Students from 4-14 years old "change the world, one penny at a time."
The Patrick F. Daly School (PS15) in Brooklyn, NY, started the school year gathering pennies. Under Penny Harvest guidelines, student leaders form a philanthropic roundtable to determine how to best distribute to their community the funds they raise.
Ms Julie Cavanagh, Coach and 5th grade teacher, said, "Our students chose Pets of the Homeless for a service donation. They wanted to help homeless people and animals!" Their donation amounted to $103.75.
The Penny Harvest program empowers students and shows them they have the ability to make the world a better place as they organize and participate in neighborhood projects.
Genevieve Frederick, Founder/Director of Pets of the Homeless commented: "What a wonderful program to promote unselfish concern, goodwill and kindly feelings for others. Pets of the Homeless is grateful to each student who brought in pennies and for choosing us as their recipient."
Another fundraising opportunity for Pets of the Homeless is to purchase a book or gift at Borders on Oct 15-16 use the code to the right and we will receive apercentage of the purchase. |
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Study Planned to Identify Barriers to
Homeless Youth with Pets
Results of a 3-year study of 5,741 people at the Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia, show pet owners had lower blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels than did non-owners. There were no other factors, other than pet ownership which influenced this outcome. Pet owners also reported they were more physically active.
The study, according to Roger Lavelle, Vet. MV, "If this were a drug, it would be marketed tomorrow." The results are the strongest evidence yet of a connection between animals and human health. Pet owners have significantly reduced levels of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and pet ownership helped not only the lonely or socially isolated, but everyone."
Photos by Frano |
That being said, do you remember being young? What if you were not only young, but homeless? How important would your relationship be to your pet?
You don't know where or what your next meal will be or where you will find shelter or who to trust ~ but your pet gives you a sense of belonging, loyalty and safety. With little stability, owning a pet and being homeless takes on new challenges and gives a different perspective of life.
The Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare in Ontario, Canada is internationally recognized for its excellence in the study of animal welfare and was established in 1995 to strengthen such activities.
Who do you trust? |
Jason Coe, Assistant Professor, of Ontario Veterinary College and Michelle Lem, Master's student, have recently begun a study. They plan to look into the relationship between homeless youth and their pets and barriers they face
Most of us realize the joy and comfort pets bring into our lives and the unconditional loyalty they give. Dr. Coe said, ". . . the goal is to improve the welfare of the people and pets in these complex, homeless relationships."
Identifying the barriers to homeless youth with pets such as accessing shelters, health care and social services, will also give a peek into the health and welfare of the animals living under these circumstances. There is limited research specific to pet ownership among homeless individuals. What is known, points strongly to the relationship bonds which contribute to the sense of happiness and protection. Many homeless pet owners have gone without food in order for their pet(s) to eat. Since few shelters allow pets, homeless youth go without shelter because they are unwilling to abandon their pets.
* Click highlighted names for more information |
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Grant For the Love of Pets
Gene & Ginger at a
For the Love of Pets Clinic  |
Rob Avery, DVM, and staff are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and pet health-related educational opportunities. Their commitment goes a step further as they reach out to help the pets of the homeless.
Grant funds and local resources helped, as Dr. Avery coordinates efforts with the local homeless shelter to offer limited free services to homeless folks' pets.
"So far, we have held 5 clinics, one each month. We have helped around 20 dogs with vaccines, heart worm prevention, flea and tick control, removal of 2 foxtails, 1 large stick under the skin of the abdomen removed, 1 neuter and 1 spay. We will continue this outreach and hopefully more homeless people will bring in their pets."
Interestingly, Dr. Avery reported, "The clients are very reluctant to neuter their animals in spite of no charge and refusal of future service without."
We ask for reader suggestions. How can we reach those who hesitate to spay or neuter their pets? This is a hot topic world wide. If you have answers, we want to hear from you.
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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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Genevieve Frederick
Founder/Executive Director
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DO YOU WANT TO HELP? | |
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OCTOBER
Use Promo Code: PTSH10156F
Shop Borders at:
911 Topsy Ln, Carson City, NV
4995 S. Virginia, Reno, NV
Meadowood Mall, Reno, NV
October 23, 2010
1827 Pontius Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(877) 910-4682
Lending a Healing Hand
to Pets Affected by
Poverty & Homelessness.
No charge for services
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