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 the aquiring
and cataloguing
hundreds of
pounds dog
food, cat
food 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 disabling
illness, (many
whom often
struggle with
high medical
bills) from
losing their
best friends
and companions,
The Pet Project
“promotes
and preserves
the human
/ animal bond”,
empowing 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
throughtout
Broward County.
Currently they offer low or no
cost pet food
to clients.
Disabled pet
owners are
eligible for
home deliverly
of food. The Pet Project can also arrange
discounted
or no cost
veterinary
services.
In the near future, The Pet Project
plans such
services as
pet transportation
for clients
with limited
mobility,
an outreach
program designed
to increase
awareness
of The Pet
Project, access
to health
education
including
information
on diseases
transmitted
from animal
to humans,
temporary
foster care
for the pets
of hospitalized
patients,
assisting
in the adoption
of animals
whose owners
have become
so sick they
can no longer
care for them,
These are
just some
of the services
planned for
the future
of The Pets
Project.
Anyone who has a disabling illnessis
is eligible
to receive
services from
The Pet Project.
Typically,
those who
seek assistance
are those
patients who
are struggling
to pay their
bills and
need assistance
with the care
and feeding
of their conpanion
animals.
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