I recently became a volunteer for Pets of the Homeless and yesterday was my first volunteer session at the O'Neil Center on 17th Street here in San Diego. There were so many people lined up with their "furry kids" waiting for vaccinations, rabies shots, food, beds, etc. It broke my heart to see the incredible need these folks had and yet they were all so appreciative and obviously concerned for the well-being of their companion animals.

Homelessness is a huge problem in this country and especially in San Diego and so many of these people have pets. Abandoned or without human family and friends, their furry kids are often the only loved ones in their lives. Their pets offer them not only companionship but unconditional love. They don't judge them and don't make demands on them. All they ask for is food, water, and a loving heart.

At the O'Neil Center, once a month, they have a wonderful veterinarian and a couple of vet technicians available to do brief exams and to administer vaccines, rabies shots, and some medications if necessary. They discuss the importance of spay/neutering and try to assist them in getting their animals altered.

I am in the process of trying to establish some collection sites here in San Diego where people can donate cat and kitten food wet and dry, dog and puppy food, wet and dry, collars, leashes, dog beds, blankets, and toys. These items will then be delivered to distribution sites, like the O.Neil Center, where the homeless can pick them up. If you are interested in making a donation of this kind or are willing to become a collection site, please contact me through the contact form on my website and I will get in touch with you to set something up.

We also need monetary donations to pay for vaccinations, rabies shots, veterinary care, medications etc. Please go the the website : www.petsofthehomeless.org and make a contribution. You will feel so good about it and will be making a huge difference.

Thanks