Local WHC Foundation Issues Matching Grant Challenge to Pets of the Homeless
The WHC Foundation of Reno has pledged $10,000 to the nonprofit Feeding Pets of the Homeless if they can raise an additional $10,000 from donors in northern Nevada by the end of September.
Funding from the Foundation will be used to purchase pet food and provide emergency veterinary care for pets of the homeless in northern Nevada.
Jasmine, a one and half year old Labrador was limping. She and her owner live in a car in Reno. She is a therapy dog. The pet owner called Pets of the Homeless for help. The case manager coordinated an appointment for Jasmine at Fairgrounds Animal Hospital. The dog had a laceration. It was infected. It required surgical closure. Jasmine left the hospital with an antibiotic, pain and anti-inflammatory medications and an e-collar to prevent her from chewing the injury. Even with a discount, the bill was over $300. In another case, Natty, a German Shepherd living in a car with her homeless owner was in pain. The dog was treated at Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital in Carson City for an ear infection. With the discount the invoice was over $120.
These cases illustrate the need and costs for veterinary care for pets that are owned by the homeless. Without the help of Pets of the Homeless, Jasmine‘s pain would have increased, the infection would have spread and she would have eventually died from the lack of treatment. Natty unless treated would have lost her hearing or worse.
In 2014, the agency served 1,510 pets through its emergency care and wellness clinics programs in 84 cities across 18 states. Pets of the Homeless partnered with 92 veterinary hospitals to provide quality veterinary treatment to pets who would otherwise go untreated.
Matching funds and the pledge from WHC Foundation will go a long way to help those pets who cannot get the help they need. Reduce the needless suffering of pets owned by the homeless by donating now. For information visit petsofthehomeless.org or call our national headquarters at 775-841-7463.
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The Pets of the Homeless organization is attending Art Paws, Sunday, July 12. Meet them, learn more about their community assistance, and make a donation of pet food, bedding, or pet toys at Art Paws 2015.
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Mission Statement: Feeding Pets of the Homeless believes in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond which is very important in the lives of many homeless. They find solace, protection and companionship through their pets. They care for their pets on limited resources so they themselves have less. Our task, nationwide, is to feed and provide basic emergency veterinary care to their pets and thus relieve the anguish and anxiety of the homeless who cannot provide for their pets. Pets of the Homeless, 116 East 7th St. Suite 204, Carson City, NV 89701, 775-841-7463 Fax 775-841-7466
