Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

My name is Uncle Ben. I am a fixed 10-year-old English Bull dog. I have always had eye issues. Jane is my Mom and is disabled. We have been living in her car for about two years in the Northern Nevada area. She is on an SSI stipend because of her disability, but it is not enough to maintain permanent housing or financial stability. She receives some social services like food stamps. The stamps do not allow her to purchase dog food, so I eat what she does.

A concerned citizen called animal control when they saw me and my Mom in the parking lot of a local grocery store, and the animal control officer went to do a welfare check. At that time, according to the animal control officer, I seemed to be loved and taken care of by my Mom despite being unhoused, so the animal control officer decided to let us stay together. A couple of days later the sheriff’s office called the animal control officer because my Mom had to be transported to the hospital. I was so scared. The animal control officer realized that she knew me and my Mom and it helped my anxiety.

The officer with a big heart took me to the animal shelter and decided to call Feeding Pets of the Homeless when she realized I may have an eye infection. The officers let Feeding Pets of the Homeless know she was willing to help transport me to and from the vet and would keep me in the animal shelter until I could be reunited with my Mom. If wasn’t sure what would happen to me, but the officer became my friend.

Once Feeding Pets of the Homeless interviewed my Mom while she was in the hospital, they were able to approve $210 in services to help me get better. I had an ear infection and dry eye. The vet prescribed some medication, and I am feeling much better.

My Mom agreed to let the officer transport me to and from the vet even though my Mom had had some trouble with other animal control officers trying to take me from her. They do not understand that my Mom and I have a bond that would devastate us both if we were separated. The officer assured my Mom that she was not going to take me from her and that she would keep me safe until they could be reunited. What amazing work she is doing with her generous and kind heart. This is a perfect example of empathy and kindness within a community.

The officer wrote us a wonderful thank you note and an update on Uncle Ben. She wrote:

“I wanted to thank you again for all your help with Ben and his family. I am proud to report that I have just reunited the family back together and they could not be happier. Ben also now has a bed to call his own as well as a big bag of dog food to get him going for a while.”

A happy ending because the community cared enough to take care of both the owner and the animal.

Be a hero to Uncle Ben and Jane by donating today. 

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless

This month I want to report about two women experiencing homelessness and their dogs. We record all cases, and it surprises many supporters that 61% of our emergency cases are pets that are owned by women. Women stay hidden, their dogs provide them protection, companionship, and unconditional love.

Jozi is lucky her owner escaped domestic violence and found a shelter that allowed dogs. Many times women calling have nowhere to go and will stay in a violent environment because they will not leave their pet behind

The client has been living in a domestic violence shelter in Longwood, FL. for the past 2 months. Currently, she is unemployed and does not receive any public assistance.

She reached out to Feeding Pets of the Homeless about her twelve-year-old female Shih Tzu named Jozi.

The owner said that Jozi had a severe cough and was told by a previous veterinarian that she may have a collapsed trachea.

After our intake interview was completed, and homeless verification was provided an appointment for an exam and x-rays were approved at one our network hospitals. It was determined that Jozi had a severe case of bronchitis. Medication was provided. Feeding pets of the Homeless contributed $398 towards Jozi' care.

We received this email: Thank you so much for taking care of Jozi!!! Grateful just doesn't cover it!! Blessings ~
The meds are working, and she seems a little better each day I can't thank you enough!!

This case is about a woman living on the streets of Clovis, CA for the past 16 months. She is disabled and receiving disability benefits along with SNAP Benefits (food stamps). It is not widely known that pet food is not allowed when using SNAP cards.

Client reached out to Feeding Pets of the Homeless about her four-year-old female Pitbull Marley. Marley had been hit by a car and had a severely broken leg. Without funds and a dog in terrible pain she found Feeding Pets of the Homeless. An intake interview was completed, and homeless verification was completed.

Following Marley’s exam, x rays, sedation, bloodwork, splint, and meds it was clear that she needed an amputation of the leg due to the damage.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless approved the diagnostics for $855 and $1,145 for the amputation.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless would like to wish Marley a speedy recovery.

We have many cases of dogs being hit by cars. Streets are dangerous for dogs living on the streets and the expense is out of reach for people experiencing homelessness when their pets get hit. We are honored to be able to help and we could not without your help.

Thank you for your compassion and support.

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless