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“When I believe in something, I’m like a dog with a bone” -Melissa McCarthy
This quote by one of my favorite actresses could have come from me. For those of you who do not know how or why I started Feeding Pets of the Homeless, here is a glimpse …
My husband and I were in New York City. I saw a homeless man and his dog on the street, he wasn’t panhandling like so many others. Like my contemporaries people experiencing homelessness were invisible, but it was the dog. I kept thinking…. how was the man taking care of that dog? I have dogs and know pet food and veterinary care can be expensive, especially if they get ill or injured.
Once we returned home the thought of that dog pushed me to research homeless and pets. How many are there living on the streets of America? I started calling homeless agencies and nonprofits seeking an answer. No one knew for sure, but I was told probably 5-10% have a pet. Researching I found that 3.5 million people are experiencing homelessness. With 5% having a pet that number was shocking. Over 175,000 pets.
I had to do something, I had to find a way to at least help feed these pets. I had an aha moment…. if I could ask pet businesses, like veterinary hospitals, pet food stores, and groomers if they would take donations of pet food and supplies and deliver the donations to places where the homeless go, it could work.
First, I contacted my own veterinarians and asked if they would put a receptacle of some kind in their reception area with a sign that asked for pet food donations. I explained that the donations would go to the local food bank where I knew the homeless were receiving a hot meal and human food. Then I went to that food bank and asked if they got the donations would they distribute the pet food. Everyone I contacted thought it was a great idea. But would it work?
I wrote to the local press and told them about the veterinary hospital that was collecting pet food and where it was going. Amazingly, they sent a reporter out to the river where the unhoused were camped. She interviewed a couple with dogs. The article hit the morning paper on the front page. That afternoon the receptacle was overflowing. And that is when I knew I would be able to find others across the country to become donation sites and would team up with food banks in their communities.
The nonprofit has evolved over the last 15 years with five unique programs to help pets of people experiencing homelessness. I believed, and like Melissa, I am like a dog with a bone. I am glad you are here on this journey with me. Together we are making a difference.
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