Organization Helps Sick People Preserve the Human/Animal Bond

By Michael James Independent Managing Editor

The Pet Project is a local a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to "enhancing the lives of people with HIV/ AIDS, lesbians with breast cancer and gynecological cancer and senior gays and lesbians and their companion animals by providing food assistance, veterinary care, and grooming." On Sunday, February 15, several hundred community leaders turned out to the home of Dennis Bellehumeur and Gary Schultz and raised more than $11,000 for the organization. Founded in 2002 with seed money from the Robert N. DeBenedictis Foundation, the 501(c)3 organization exists "to promote and preserve the human/ animal bond." The fundraiser, hosted by DeBenedictis, was also an opportunity to share with the guests the mission and purpose of the organization.

"When people get sick, sometimes the only one they have left is their pets," DeBenedictis told the large crowd. "If they can no longer take care of their animal companions they run the risk of losing them, and we know that sick people with pets have a better chance than those who are completely alone." The Pet Project accomplishes its mission by helping people with AIDS enjoy their companion animals, provid ing pet food and supplies on a monthly basis, regular home deliveries, annual vaccinations for the companion animals, provide educational outreach to the community and other services, said Arianna Testamarck, executive director of the Pet Project. Delivery services are also available to those with limited mobility. To obtain help from the pet project, individuals must become registered clients by visiting the office at 1164 Oak land Park Blvd or calling them at 954.568.5678. Officially opened February 2002,the organization has served hundreds of clients through their pet food bank. They have since added vaccination services, so that animals can remain protected from rabies and heartworm. They point out that Florida ranks number two in the country for heartworms in pets, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. For those who become too incapacitated to care for their pets, the Pet Project will also assist in the adoption process, assuring that the animal will be adopted by other sick individuals who can benefit by their companionship. "That is a real concern for a lot of pet owners," Debenedictis said. "You have pets for years and they become a member of the family. For some they are the last member of the family. They want to make sure that their friend isn't put down, but given the chance to help lift the spirits of other people." They will also be offering temporary pet foster care for clients in the hospital as well as provide volunteers that can exercise pets for clients whose health prevents them doing so. Testamarck stated that the Pet Project exists to promote and preserve the human/animal bond. "We assist with pet care and maintenance, empowering people living with severe terminal illnesses to care for and keep their companion animals."