(NewsUSA)
- People can become homeless at any time and for any reason, including people with pets. These individuals often face additional challenges of food and health care for their pets, and some are turned away from possible shelters or rent situations because pets are not allowed.
“The animal-human bond is especially strong for people experiencing homelessness because those animals are with their people 24/7,” explains Genevieve Frederick, who founded the nonprofit organization Feeding Pets of the Homeless after observing the love between a homeless man and his dog on a street in New York City.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless believes in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond, which is especially important in the lives of many of the homeless. Homeless people find solace, protection and companionship through their pets, but they care for these animals on limited resources, often at the expense of their own needs. The mission of Feeding Pets of the Homeless is to provide food and basic emergency veterinary services for these animals, to help relieve some of the anxiety and anguish of their homeless companions.
One of the organization’s success stories is Lucy, a Belgian Malinois living with a homeless armed services veteran in California. Lucy fell into a gopher hole while running through a park, and fractured several small bones in her leg. Her veteran companion learned about Feeding Pets of the Homeless, and Lucy was able to receive care through a partnership with a local animal hospital. Feeding Pets of the Homeless was able to provide financial assistance in the amount of $817 for the initial visit and diagnostics, and to pay for bandage changes once a week for seven weeks at $159 each.
In 2021, Feeding Pets of the Homeless provided assistance to 1,263 homeless individuals and 1,379 pets, an increase of more than 50% since 2020.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless also provides pet food and basic supplies to the homeless through donation sites that work with homeless shelters.
The bond between pets and people doesn’t depend on a roof and a yard. Feeding Pets of the Homeless helps keep people experiencing homelessness and the pets they love together and cared for.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless does not received government subsidies and relies on donations to further their mission. Visit www.petsofthehomeless.org to learn more.
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