Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

The human animal bond has been receiving more press lately because of the pandemic.  People staying home with their dogs and cats have bonded more than ever before. What science has discovered is that having a pet decreased stress, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, increased physical activity, improved recovery and increased longevity.  The companionship of my dog brightens my day and reduces my stress while I work from home.  For the homeless the bond with their pet is as strong as ever because they have always been together 24/7. 

This case was taken a few months ago. At the time Austin was living in a motel through a program at Homeward Bound for Homeless Veterans in Marin.  

Austin had been homeless for one year.  Austin suffers from PTSD from his Military Service in Afghanistan.  He is unable to get employment due to the lockdown in CA due to COVID-19.  He receives a small amount of food stamps.  Austin was referred to Feeding Pets of the Homeless from the San Francisco SPCA.

Kita is Austin’s 5-month old Husky who was donated to him after his other dog was hit by a car and died.  Kita was diagnosed with a severe dental malocclusion and needed surgery.    Feeding Pets of the Homeless, Aggie Dental Center along with Humane Society were able to work together to provide the treatment that was needed.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless pledged $1,200 dollars towards the $3,500 surgery.   The dental extraction was completed and Kita completely recovered.  Kita is a happy pup again.  We wish them both well and thank Austin for his service.

 I am grateful that you were able to contribute to help dogs like Kita. 

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless