Newspaper Article
Pet Project Food Bank Opens to Excellent Reviews
New
Organization Assists HIV/AIDS Patients in Feeding their
Pets
John Bryson – Express Gay News, December
16, 2002
On Nov. 16, the Pet Project’s first clients walked into
the pet food bank and were greeted by smiling staff and
volunteers.
In the weeks leading up to the opening, countless volunteers
had assisted in acquiring and cataloguing hundreds of
pounds of dog food, cat food, kitty litter and dog biscuits
among other items.
Food Bank directors insist that it is this steady supply
of basic pet supplies that will save many pet owners with
HIV/AIDS—who often struggle with high medical bills—from
losing their best friend and companion. By lending a hand
in the task of caring for and maintaining clients’ animal
companions, the Pet Project “promotes and preserves the
human/animal bond, empowering clients to keep and care
for their animal companions.”
As a result of this positive feedback, the Pet Project
will hold its first vaccination clinic in early 2003—as
they are able to acquire the necessary financial, human
and professional resources to provide such a wide array
of services. Slowly, but methodically, the project aims
to expand its services throughout Broward County.
Currently, they offer the no/low-cost pet food to clients,
and disabled pet owners are eligible for home delivery
of food. Also, discount and no-cost veterinary services
are being provided as well.
In the near future, the Pet Project plans to services
such as pet transportation for clients with limited mobility,
outreach designed to increase awareness of the program,
access to health education including information on diseases
transmitted from animals to humans, temporary foster care
for pets of hospitalized patients, assisting in the adoption
of animals whose owners become so sick they can no longer
care for them, as well as a host of other services.
Anyone who is HIV-positive is eligible for the Pet Project.
Typically, those who seek their assistance are those patients
who are struggling to pay their bills and need assistance
in paying for their pets’ care.