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Project Homeless Connect Tacoma working with the homeless in Tacoma and Pierce County,homeless tacoma, homeless pierce county, tacoma homeless project, project homeless.

Pets of the Homeless
By Genevieve Frederick

A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work. The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.” The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog. This scene is played out everyday.

It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless, Michael Stoops, Acting Executive Director, that between 5% - 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In 2004, 12.7% of the United States population, or 37 million people, lived in poverty, and the numbers are increasing each year. Most people who experience homelessness (80%) are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy. But unfortunately, for those with pets it becomes more difficult. Many are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head. Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time. Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm. The tragic part is the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners.

A program called Feeding Pets of the Homeless was started to aid and support this enormous forgotten part of our society - pets of the homeless. Socially responsible veterinarian hospitals and clinics around the country are collecting pet food from their clients. They have partnered with a local food bank who then distributes the pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged. The national program gives the veterinarian’s clients and staffs a feeling that they are doing something worthwhile. Participating clinics/hospitals are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless website at http://www.PetsofHomeless.com along with the partnering food bank. Paw Publishing is marketing the program nationwide while the individual veterinarian clinics/hospitals publicize it in their local communities.

Genevieve Frederick, founder of Paw Publishing. publisher@pawpublishing.com

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