Permission to reprint: You
may reprint from these newsletters. But please include the following
paragraph: "Reprinted from “Feeding Pets of the Homeless Newsletter” news
and other information for those who love pets. Subscribe at
http://www.petsofhomeless.org and receive by email future newsletters."
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
A public charity
Issue # 5
Please
forward this newsletter to anyone you know who loves pets or has an interest
in the plight of the homeless.
-
Intro
-
Homeless Report
-
Latest In the “News”
-
Newest Members
-
Quote
===================================================================
1.
Intro –
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
installed its officers and directors last week. Genevieve Frederick is the
Executive Director and the founder of the organization which evolved from a
program she authored and published for veterinarians.
Frederick said “The progression from a publicity program for
vets to a nonprofit organization became apparent with the interest and
support that was generated from the public. The public’s response was
immediate and has been remarkable. Donations of pet food and cash have been
amazing.” She went on to say “I am committed to building a membership
across the country that will collect pet food and partner with a food bank
in their community that will distribute the pet food to the less fortunate.
And I look forward to working with our members to increase their
effectiveness to collect pet food and to working with grant recipients to
provide pet medical care to pets of the homeless.”
Other officers and members are: Secretary, Renee Lowry an animal
advocate; Treasurer, Pamela McCluskey a CPA; with Dr. Gary L. Ailes of
Sierra Veterinary
Hospital and Kathi Giurlani, a retired nurse serving on the board.
The organization presently has 50 members in 22 states.
Frederick
explained, “Through memberships, grants and donations we can assist pets of
the homeless. The organization promotes to veterinarians and pet related
businesses the importance of joining and receiving step-by-step instructions
to become a collection site for pet food in their community. And we
campaign to food banks and other food distributing organizations the
importance of distributing pet food to the less fortunate. The organization
has implemented a grant program for licensed veterinarians to administer
medical care to pets of the homeless in their communities. The guidelines
are available by emailing
info@petsofhomeless.org
Pets of the homeless are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and
provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they provide the
homeless protection and keep them warm. The tragic part is . . . the pets
of the homeless do not choose their owners.
===================================================================
2.
Homeless Report:
More people are requesting emergency food aid was the conclusion
of a 23-city survey released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. In some
cities food aid rose an average of 12 percent from the previous year. And
that their overall homeless problem has increased. Collectively, the
23-cities reports they are giving shelter to 193,183 people. The USDA’s
most recent report said 4 percent of households lacked adequate access to
food in 2006. And they found that the number of households obtaining food
from community providers rose 26 percent from 2001 to 2006 and the number of
households having the least access to food rose 32 percent, or 1.3 million,
during that time. USDA data does not include the homeless.
We have all seen and read about the foreclosures, raising rents
and utility bills plus raising gas prices that are forcing many families to
leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere, sometimes in their car or on
the streets. Those with pets are finding it increasingly harder to find
apartments or homes to rent because pets are not allowed or the extra
deposit required by most landlords makes it financially impossible. It is
an increasing problem and has caused a number of pets to be abandoned or
turned over to shelters across the country. The trauma of losing your home
and having to give up a beloved pet is taking its toll. For those who do
find housing with their pets, they are the lucky ones. For those who can
not, we as a society must show compassion and understanding. Many animal
shelters are now giving pet owners a place to kennel their pet until they
can get back on their feet and allowing them to visit whenever they can.
Weekly, we receive emails from the less fortunate with hardship
tales, asking for help with their pets. The best we can do is offer
guidance. We ask what city they are located, then we Google these
organizations: Salvation Army in (city); Catholic Charities in (city); Food
bank in (city); Social Services in (city); animal shelter in (city). We
then forward the name, address, and phone number of these resources to the
person in need.
Sometimes when faced with these types of challenges people do
not know how nor can not get help. If you know someone who is facing these
problems you can help by providing resources found on the internet.
With your help we can make a difference. Donate pet food to one
of the members listed at
www.petsofhomeless.org, make a cash donation to the organization or buy
a membership to donate to a vet hospital/clinic.
===================================================================
3.
Latest In the ”News” – These news outlets have been supportive of the
program and have contributed to the ongoing success since the last issue of
this newsletter.
January 2008 -
Animal Fair Winter Issue, A Lifestyle Magazine for Animal Lovers
"Homeless Pets - taking action for pets who need more help than their owner
can offer" by David Alex Andrejko
January
11, 2008 -
Oakland Tribune "Area group helps feed pets of homeless"
There have been numerous
blogs about the program and I encourage you to participate and help spread
the word about the program on blogs that you are a member.
===================================================================
4.
Newest Members –
If you
live in these areas, drop off pet food to these new members and show your
support. For complete information go to
www.petsofhomeless.org The members are located in 22 states and
increasing.
San
Roque Pet Hospital & Pet Hotel
Dr. David Dawson
3034 State Street
Santa Barbara,
CA
93105
805-682-2647
www.sanroquepethospital.com
Dr. Leonardo Cannone
2185 E. 14 Street
San Leandro,
CA
94577
510-352-6033
The Pet Chauffeur
Julie D. Grant
2026 Durham St.
Irving,
TX
75062
972-258-9999
www.thepetchauffeur.com
===================================================================
5.
Quote:
There is no psychiatrist
in the world like a puppy licking your face.
-Ben Williams
===================================================================
If you
liked the information contained in this newsletter, please pass this on to
your family, friends, clients and colleagues.
Feeding Pets of the
Homeless
News December 2007
Issue # 4
-
Intro
-
Homeless Report
-
Latest In the “News”
-
Newest Members
-
Quote
1.
Intro –
Happy Holidays to our Subscribers and Members.
We
are happy to report that after careful consideration we will be applying for
non-profit status with the IRS at the first of the year. Many supporters
and members of the program have spoken to us regarding the importance of
going non-profit. We were reluctant due to cost and time involved. But we
see this as an opportunity to expand. It will be our goal to continue to
advocate for pets of the homeless and provide much needed pet food and also
include medical care for pets of the less fortunate through grants to
veterinarians who have a specific need in their community. Details are in
the planning stages and we will keep you posted.
This
is an example of emails that we receive weekly, if not more often.
November 12, 2007 - Carol
Just a note to say thank
you for feeding the pets of the homeless. I am a Katrina survivor – lost in
Arkansas, no job, no phone and on the brink of disaster… with 2 dogs, one of
whom is in the hospital and needs to go to the hospital at LSU Vet School, 8
hours away… and someone decided to run a stop sign and totaled my car. You
have no idea what it would mean to me to know that my dogs could eat, no
matter what happens to me… or even if I could find someone to take me to see
the one who is in the hospital. All of this, not just because of Katrina –
she just finished me off… it began over 10 years ago when I was very ill and
needed surgery during a time when I was not covered by insurance.
We gave Carol many
resources in her area and wish her well. We have not heard back.
We
live in an increasingly difficult time for the less fortunate. Their
misfortunate may be due to either medical, mental, addictions, and
economical difficulties or a lack of education. A majority of the
population prejudge the less fortunate for their appearance, their accents
and actions. To do so is not only a mistake; it is also a sign of
ignorance. Through this newsletter we hope to educate.
Genevieve
Frederick – Founder and Publisher
===========================================================
2.
Homeless Report:
How
many have pets? And what can you do to help?
On
November 8, the Alliance released Vital Mission: Ending Homelessness
Among Veterans, a report analyzing the number of veterans in the United
States. The study used data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the
Census Bureau to examine homelessness and severe housing cost burden among
veterans. The report includes the following findings:
·
In 2006,
approximately 195,827 veterans were homeless on a given night. More veterans
experience homeless over the course of the year. It is estimated that
336,627 were homeless in 2006. Veterans make up approximately 26 percent of
the homeless population.
·
A number of
states, including Louisiana, California, and Missouri, had high rates of
homeless veterans. In addition, the
District of Columbia
had a high rate of homelessness among veterans with approximately 7.5
percent of veterans experiencing homelessness.
The Vital Mission
also reported that a Gallup poll released by Fannie Mae on November 8,
nearly a quarter (24%) of veterans indicate they have been concerned that
they may not have a place to live, and 86 percent of veterans think that
homelessness among veterans is increasing or staying the same. With the
ongoing conflicts on the minds of most veterans, 61 percent think veterans
of Iraq and Afghanistan are at least as likely to become homeless as
veterans of previous wars. When asked about the primary causes of
homelessness among veterans, 41 percent of veterans say mental illnesses,
such as post-traumatic stress disorder, is the primary cause.
Again,
I ask how many of the homeless vets and those living in poverty have pets?
Did you know that 63% of US households have at least one pet?
================================
3.
Latest In the ”News” – These news outlets have been supportive of the
program and have contributed to the ongoing success since the last issue of
the newsletter.
November 29, 2007 -
Suburban Home & Garden
a South Jersey publication- "Holidays Rough for Homeless, Pets"
November
17, 2007 -
West Shore Sun
a Cleveland
publication of Sun News - "Donations feed pets of homeless" and highlights
one of "Feeding Pets of the Homeless” member Style Mutt.
November 16, 2007 -
Reno Gazette Journal
-
"Carson-based group works with Meals on Wheels to feed pets"
November 16, 2007 -
Carson Times - "Meals on Wheels program helps feed
hungry animals"
There
have been numerous blogs about the program and I encourage you to
participate and help spread the word about the program on blogs that you are
a member.
========================================
4.
Newest Members –
If you
live in these areas, drop off pet food to these new members and show your
support.
For
complete information go to
www.petsofhomeless.com The members are located in 22 states and
increasing.
Academy
of Dog Grooming Arts
Sharron Panther
1742
W. Algonquin Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL
06005
(847) 454-7300
Bloomin Tails
Denise Arnold
3300 Hamilton Mill Rd.
Buford,
GA
30519
(770) 831-5530
Brooklyn Veterinary Group
Dr. Salvatore Pernice
7624 New Utrecht Ave
Brooklyn,
NY
11214
www.brooklynvetgroup.com
(718) 331-7775
The
Diamond Collar
James & Madelena
7523 13th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
11228
(718) 232-7387
www.thediamondcollar.com
Earth Pets Natural Pet Market
Guy Webster & Joy Drawdy
500 NW 60th Street, Suite F
Gainesville, FL
32607
(352) 331-5123
www.earthpetsmarket.com
Healthy Pet
Debra Schuster
6205 N. Summit St.
Toledo, OH
43611
(419) 726-4440
Hill's Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Robert A. Hill
22163 Redwood Rd.
Castro Valley, CA
94546
(510) 881-5811
www.hillsvethospital.com
Kleinbrook Animal Hospital
Dr. Jacquelyn Marshall
12202 Bammel N Houston Rd.
Houston, TX
77066
(281) 444-8387
www.kleinbrookanimalhospital.com
PetStyles
100 Buchanan Street
Tazewell, VA
24651
(276) 988-8014
www.petstylesonline.com
Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets
Nancy Piper
12200 N. Crooked Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64152
(816) 891-8888
www.visitrollingacres.com
RYMAC Services Inc Pet Products Division
Ginger MacCutcheon
5540 Brecksville Road
Sweet Greens Building
Independence OH
44131
1-866-668-PAWS
http://www.rymacstores.com
and
http://www.rymacservicesinc.com
==========================================
5.
Quote:
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our
lives whole.
--Roger Caras
=======================================
If you
liked the information contained in this newsletter, please pass this on to
your family, friends, clients and colleagues.
We
would love to hear from you! Please email your suggestions and/or questions:
publisher@pawpublishing.com
Legal
Stuff:
Permission to reprint: You may reprint from this newsletter. But please
include the following paragraph: Reprinted from “Feeding Pets of the
Homeless Newsletter” news and other information for those who love pets.
Subscribe at
http://www.petsofhomeless.com and receive by email the newsletter.
You are receiving this because you signed up for it at the Feeding Pets of
the Homeless© website at
http://www.petsofhomeless.com / or you told me that you want to
subscribe. If you didn’t subscribe, you can unsubscribe by replying to this
email and in the Subject Line type “unsubscribe.”
Privacy Statement: Feeding Pets of the Homeless© respects your privacy and
has a strict anti-spam policy. Read my privacy policy at
http://www.petsofhomeless.com/legal_notices.htm
Feeding Pets of the
Homeless
News
Issue # 3 – October, 2007
-
Intro
-
Homeless Report
-
Latest In the “News”
-
Newest Members
-
Most Recent Supporters and Sponsors
-
Quote
 1. Intro
This
photo by Kirsten Bole was seen in Pet Product News (Sept. issue) by
his mother, who had not heard from him in two years and believed he was
dead. The editor of Pet Product News called me after she received a
very emotional call from the distraught mother. The mother and I have been
in communication since. I am happy to report that he has been located and
called his mother. His story is personal. But every homeless person on our
streets has a distressing explanation as to how they spiraled into
homelessness.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 12-16, 2007. Do what
you can to educate your family, friends and co-workers on this issue. To
get more involved go to
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/awareness/index.html
I had
the opportunity to speak with over 200 veterinarians and other veterinary
staff during a veterinary conference about the program last weekend. I am
glad to report that 12 enrolled in the program during the conference and I
except more will follow.
The
program is now functioning in 18 states with 36 members collecting pet food
for the less fortunate in their communities.
I
sincerely appreciate your support and I will keep you updated on the
program. And I thank you on behalf of the pets of the homeless and less
fortunate.
Genevieve
Frederick – Founder and Publisher
===========================================================
2.
Homeless Report: How many have pets? And what can you do to help?
·
More than 25
million Americans—including nearly 9 million children and 3 million
seniors—receive emergency food assistance each year from America's Second
Harvest. This represents an 8 percent increase since 2001. Hunger in
America 2006, based on 52,000 face-to-face interviews with people
seeking emergency food assistance and more than 30,000 agency surveys, is
the largest, most-comprehensive study ever conducted on domestic hunger.
·
From
Foodlinks America – Food prices increases averaging 36% over the past seven
years have significantly diminished the amount of food being provided to
food banks and food pantries nationwide under The Emergency Food Assistance
Program. Combined with a nearly 80% reduction in federal bonus commodities
during the same period, emergency food providers across the U.S. are
struggling to meet local hunger needs.
·
According to
the Catholic Charities USA 2006 Policy Paper - There is a growing gap
between the haves and have-nots in our nation. Every day the Catholic
Charities organization sees the suffering and pain that poverty imprints on
the faces of those that they serve. From the suffering in the faces of
infants and children without adequate health care and nutrition, to the
faces of people who live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty and
limited educational opportunities, to the faces of the working poor who
struggle to hold down two and three jobs, to the vacant eyes of homeless
people who may suffer from mental illness or veterans who have served our
country, to the faces of immigrants and refugees who struggle to make a new
life in the U.S., and in the faces of the elderly and disabled. 25 million
people in our nation sought help from food banks in 2005.
·
The House
recently passed the
National Housing Trust
Fund Act - a real victory for Americans living at or below
the poverty line. With almost half of the lowest income families in America
at risk of homelessness, this bill couldn't have come at a better time.
This landmark legislation would create a trust fund to construct and
rehabilitate 1.5 million units of housing, with much of it set aside for
low-income families. The bill still needs to be passed by the Senate.
Again, I ask how many of the homeless and those living in poverty have
pets? Did you know that 63% of US households have at least one pet?
================================
3.
Latest In the ”News” – These news outlets have been supportive of the
program and have contributed to the ongoing success since the last issue.
October-November 2007 -
PetFolio - Helping to Feed Pets of the Homeless
September 30, 2007 -
El Paso Times - "Program reaches out to help homeless pets" by Diana
Washington Valdez
September 15, 2007 -
The Daily Journal - "Momence woman still looking for lost son" by Janet
Cremer
September 2007
-
Pet Product News International - "Pet Stores Host Pet Food Drives for
Homeless"
August
30, 2007 - Contact Talk Radio - "Nature's Translator" with Tracy Ann
http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/archives/tracy.htm
July 2007 - "Pets of the Homeless"
Fido Friendly
There
have been numerous blogs about the program and I encourage you to
participate and help spread the word about the program on blogs that you are
a member.
========================================
4.
Newest Members By State- For complete information go to
www.petsofhomeless.com
The
Dog House of Green Valley
Deborah Porterfield
620 W. Ward
Lane #160
Green Valley,
AZ 85614
(520) 685-0480
Chino
Valley Animal Hospital
Dr. Miles Killian
3601 N. Highway 89
Chino
Valley, AZ
86232
(928) 636-4382
Kodiak
Veterinary Clinic
1914 Mill Bay
Rd.
Kodiak, AK
99615
(907) 486-5418
Central
Animal Hospital
203 D Street
Petaluma, CA
94952
(707) 762-2693
www.centralanimalhosp.com
Solano
County Animal Services
2510 Claybank
Rd.
Fairfield,
CA
94533
(707) 784-1356
Standiford
Veterinary Center
1409 Standiford
Ave.
Suite 4
Modesto,
CA
95350
(209) 577-3481
Rocklin
Park Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Bikramjit Basra
3221 Standford
Ranch Rd.
Rocklin,
CA
95765
(916) 435-9777
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital
2211 Morell
Ave.
Pleasant
Hill, CA
94523
(925) 676-1909
Doggie
Dos'
Donna Bannecke, Owner
2901-G Palm Bay
Road NE
Palm Bay, FL
32905
(321) 733-6611
www.doggiedosgrooming.com
Petland
of Leesburg
David Chapman, Owner
10601 U.S.
Highway 441, E4
Leesburg, FL
34788
(352) 728-0738
The
Lovepaw Company
Olympia
Zacharakis
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 400-6656
www.lovepaw.com
Designer pet jewelry & accessories
Azzur's
Grooming & Services
Suellen Cowley
246 Willow St.
Momence, IL
60954-1444
815-472-6221
All
Creatures Animal Hospital
Dr. Suzanne Zervantian
1601 E. Basin
Ave, Suite 202
Pahrump,
NV
89060
(775) 727-7387
Animal Care Center
Dr. Laura Remsen
805 E. Main
St., Suite D
Fernley,
NV
89408
(775) 575-5851
Stacy's Pets
Stacy Borland
482-D River
Highway
Mooresville, NC
28117
(704) 662-9077
www.stacyspets.com
Murrayhill
Veterinary Hospital
14831 S.W. Teal
Blvd.
Beaverton,
OR
97007
(503) 579-3300
Pabby's
Pet Pantry
Susan Moser
Lynrose Plaza
319 West County
Line Road
Hatboro, PA
(215) 674-3917
www.pabbyspetpantry.com
Cloe's
Barkery
Marie Martinez
1815 Trawood, Suite D
El Paso, TX
79935
(915) 591-5545
Love
Pet Hospital
Dr. Carolyn Love
8106 Brodie
Lane, Suite 102
Austin, TX
78745
(512) 282-3095
www.lovepethospital.com
If
you live in these areas, drop off pet food to these new members and show
your support.
================================================
5.
New Supporters and Sponsors – (If you would like to be listed on the website
as a supporter, just drop me an email with “Supporter” in the subject line
along with your name, city and state.)
MuttCats.com
==========================================
6.
Quote:
A
dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied.
--Irish
Proverb
=======================================
If you
liked the information contained in this newsletter, please pass this on to
your family, friends, clients and colleagues.
We
would love to hear from you! Please email your suggestions and/or questions:
publisher@pawpublishing.com
Feeding Pets of the
Homeless
News
Issue # 2 – August 20, 2007
Please
forward this newsletter to anyone you know who loves pets or has an interest
in the plight of the homeless.
-
Intro
-
Homeless Report
- In
the “News”
- New
Members
- New
Supporters and Sponsors
-
Quote
1.
Intro
The
summer is rapidly coming to an end. School starting and with it the
opportunity for students to start a new year with optimism to learn new
skills and make new friends, but for some it will be an escape from the
boredom of a long summer with nothing to do or a reprieve from a
dysfunctional family environment. My “Homeless Report” this issue will
touch on the subject of youth homelessness.
I
read and confirmed that a homeless man died after a scuffle on a San Jose,
California busy street. The man was a well-known figure in downtown San
Jose because of his friendly nature and his constant dog companion, named
Boo Boo. It seems another homeless man began throwing things at the dog and
Boo Boo’s guardian jumped in to defend the animal. Witnesses said the man
then turned on the dog’s owner, kicking and hitting him until he collapsed,
probably due to a heart attack. The dog was taken to an animal shelter.
This news item was reported due to the death but just how many other violent
incidents against homeless and their pets are not reported because they do
not want the police involved?
Be
sure to listen to Contact Talk Radio - "Nature's Translator" with Tracy Ann
on August 30 between 6-7 p.m. PST to hear my interview.
www.contacttalkradio.com all interviews are archived so they can be
heard at a later time and date.
We
will be heading for
Reno,
Nevada
in October to exhibit at the “Wild West Veterinary Conference” so that we
can spread the word about the program.
We
are always on the lookout for relevant photos of homeless with pets and we
are looking for photos of “Feeding Pets of the Homeless” in action.
The
“Feeding Pets of the Homeless” program keeps expanding, since the last
issue, two more businesses have joined and a food pantry in Boise, Idaho is
looking for a pet related business to join and partner with them to help
stock pet food for the homeless and disadvantaged. We have added some new
supporters and sponsors and continue to receive donations to help keep the
organization up and running and evidentially to apply for non-profit status
so donations can be tax deductible. Thank you.
I
sincerely appreciate your support and I will keep you updated on the
program. I thank you on behalf of the pets of the homeless and less
fortunate.
Genevieve
Frederick – Founder and Publisher
===========================================================
2.
Homeless Report:
The
Homeless Services Planning and Coordinating Committee of Washington, DC
defines “homeless” as persons who reside in some form of emergency or
transitional shelters, domestic violence shelters, runaway youth shelters,
and places not meant for human habitation including streets, parks, alleys,
abandoned buildings, and stairways. The report doesn’t mention people who
live in campgrounds, on a friend’s couch, or in a motel or are in transition
nearly all of the time. This group of individuals is not counted in any
government reporting that I have found.
In
this issue I want to highlight some stats on the youth in the country that
wander the streets looking for food and shelter. According to the National
Alliance to End Homelessness, youth homelessness is disturbingly common.
Although the prevalence of youth homelessness is difficult to measure,
researchers estimate that about 5 to 7.7 percent of youth experience
homelessness each year. The same factors that contribute to adult
homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, low education
levels, unemployment, mental health, and substance abuse, can lead to
homelessness among youth. Beyond these facts, youth homelessness is largely
a reflection of family breakdowns. Youth become homeless for varying
reasons, including running away from home, being abandoned by their parents
or guardians, being emancipated, or discharged from some sort of state
care. Homeless youth often flee homes where they experience physical abuse
and between 17 to 35 percent experience sexual abuse. Youth transitioning
out of foster care and juvenile corrections facilities are at higher risk of
becoming homeless. Due to lack of education and maturity they are at a
higher risk for physical and sexual assault, illness, mental issues and
suicide.
Homeless youth tend to gravitate to dogs that they find on the streets to
help alleviate some of the loneliness. And interestingly the dogs seem to
be drawn to them as well. As in the case with adult homeless, pets provide
comfort, loyalty, warmth and protection. Youth have the same problems of
finding food and shelter. Many local community programs, funded by the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, served over 500,000 homeless and runaway
youth in 2005. Still, HHS reported that over 2,500 homeless and runaway
youth were turned away from shelter and housing in 2005 due to lack of bed
spaces. Funding for shelter and housing for youth should be increased to
ensure no young people in the U.S.A. sleep on the streets or in an unsafe
environment.
================================
3. In
the “News” – these news outlets have been supportive of the program and have
contributed to the ongoing success.
The
CatChannel.com and the
DogChannel.com posted “Pet Stores to Host Homeless Dog/Cat Food Drive”
Fido
Friendly a wonderful travel magazine for pet owners printed a two page
spread entitled "Pets of the Homeless"
There
has been numerous blogg mentions about the program and I encourage you to
participate and help spread the word about the program on any that you are a
member.
========================================
4.
New Members - For complete information go to
www.petsofhomeless.com
If
you live in these areas, drop off pet food to these new members and show
your support.
A
Roaring Spirit
Carrie Singer
Scottsdale, AZ
(602) 568-5636
www.aroaringspirit.com
The animal lover's gallery and marketplace
Reichardt
Animal Hospital
125 Mayo Rd.
#410
Edgewater, MD
(410) 956-4500
Sacred
Heart-St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
is looking for a pet related business to partner
Director of Pantry - Caroline
811 Latah Dr.
Boise, ID 83706
208-344-8311
Hours:
9:30-11:30 MWF
================================================
5.
New Supporters and Sponsors - If you would like to be listed on the website
as a supporter, just drop me an email with your name, city and state.
Sponsors:
Kristina Russell, Prospect, KY
Terri Shockley,
Morristown, TN
Supporters:
Marilyn Koepenick,
Minden, NV
Kelly Williams
6.
Quote:
It's funny
how
dogs and cats know the inside of folks better
than other folks do, isn't it?
--Eleanor
H. Porter
=======================================
Feeding Pets of the
Homeless
News
Issue # 1 June 18, 2007
-
Intro
-
Homeless Report
- In
the “News”
- New
Members
- New
Supporters and Sponsors
-
Quote
1.
Intro
Welcome to the first issue of the Feeding Pets of the Homeless©
newsletter. The response from people around the world has been phenomenal.
The compassion in the messages that I receive from readers like you has made
this a rewarding and wonderful journey for me.
When
I created the program I never dreamed it would spark so much interest. The
plight of the homeless and their pets has been overlooked for so long. Most
people never consider the circumstances that bring these folks to the
streets. The unfortunate in our society are feared and ignored by the
majority. I think it is our own insecurities that it could or might happen
to any of us. A missed rent payment, a major illness (medical or mental),
loss of a job, loss of transportation, addictions, spousal abuse to name a
few, are reasons that many end up homeless. But add to any of those
setbacks, a child and/or a pet and the problem becomes huge, too huge for
some to handle.
More
and more reporters are picking up the issue of homelessness and looking at
it from another perspective. With the publicity that the program has
created, they and pet lovers have taken a look at another part of society
that has tugged at their heart strings and has opened the lines of
communication.
Compassionate people around the country want to contribute pet food for
those less fortunate; they contact me daily to ask where they can go or why
there isn’t a location in their town. I realized that the program needs
more collection sites and partnering food banks, that is why we have decided
to promote to all pet related businesses to participate. There are two
programs; one for the veterinarian hospitals/clinics and one for other pet
related businesses.
I
sincerely appreciate your support and I will keep you updated on the
program. I thank you on behalf of the pets of the homeless.
Genevieve
Frederick – Founder and Publisher
===========================================================
2.
Homeless Report:
The
National Alliance to End Homelessness report of January 2007 stated
that between 804,212 - 744,313 people in the United States experienced
homelessness in January 2005 on any given night. But more disturbing were
the figures for the unshielded during that time, a record: 322,050. Reasons
are across the broad as to why; from the economy, shortages of shelters and
money to run them, low income housing shortages, the disabled, drug and
alcohol addictions, spousal abuse and more. Or perhaps, people choose to
life on the street because they have a pet and can not find a shelter that
will allow their pets.
Ten
Worst
States
and Cities with Unsheltered Homeless
California:
118,275 - Los Angeles City & County: 50,414
Florida: 35,340 - Punta Gorda/Charlotte County: 4,634
Texas:
20,213 - Houston/Harris County: 6,583
Michigan: 15,146 - Detroit: 10,516
Colorado: 14,294 - Denver: 5,089
Nevada: 9,702 - Las Vegas/Clark County: 9,424
Washington: 9,520 - Seattle/King County: 2,216
Oregon: 8,446 - Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County: 2,355
Georgia: 8,428 - Augusta: 732
New
York: 6,111 - New York City: 4,395
Sources: Research Reports on Homelessness – January 2007,
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Like most statistics and reports there are always errors and
omissions, the figures above only account for the homeless that could be
found on one night in January of 2005.
There is
mounting evidence that all people need pets. A leading proponent of this
theory, Dr. Boris Levinson, Professor of Psychology at Yeshiva University
and a clinical psychotherapist, stated in his 1997 book
Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy:
“In this very busy twentieth century, man is a lonely creature. There are
too many alienated individuals who lack human companionship. They lack
purpose and productivity. A simple addition to these lonely lives can
sometimes accomplish major changes. The possession of a pet, who eagerly
awaits one and responds to one's care and attention, may mean the difference
between maintaining contact with reality or almost total withdrawal into
fantasy. Literally, a pet can occasionally represent the difference between
life and death.
Other apparent reasons why people need pets are the increasingly urban
nature of our society, the separation of children and adults from farm
animals and from nature, the separation of families, where older persons and
unmarried adults often live alone, and the desire for personal protection.”
Levenson’s theory is correct as to why people have pets and it rings
especially true for the animal lovers of America where over half of the
households have at least one cat or dog sharing the home and the nationwide
annual expenditures on pet products and services are over 40 billion dollars
a year. But for the disadvantaged; shelters, low cost apartments, and motel
rooms do not normally allow pets. So the disadvantaged must choose between
their pet and a roof over their head.
================================
3. In
the “News” – these news outlets have been supportive of the program and have
contributed to the ongoing success of the program.
June, 2007 - Tails -
"Home is Where the Heart is" by Katie Marsico
April 2007 -
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association News - "Hunger Affects Pets of
the Homeless"
March/April 2007 -
The Vegas Dog - "Hunger Affects Pets of the Homeless"
March 2007 -
Forgotten Voice - "Pets of Homeless People"
February
18, 2007 -
[X] Press magazine - San Francisco State University Journalism
Department - "Homeless people find friendship and comfort with their pet
dogs." by Jessica Feller
February 2007 -
PetFolio Magazine - "Feeding Pets of the Homeless"
January
1, 2007 - Nevada Appeal -
"Feeding Pets of the Homeless"
December
28, 2006 - Veterinary Practice News - January Issue -
"Food Drive Program Give Homeless Pets a Paw-Up"
December
15, 2006 - Carson Times -
"Pets of the homeless often a "forgotten part of our society"
| 
