posted April 01, 2013 07:25 PM            

Count on Monroe County's strong social conscience to rise to this challenge. Energetic and innovative people, including veterinarians, church officials and pet rescue volunteers, are cooperating to hold a pet health clinic on Saturday at the Salvation Army Citadel in East Stroudsburg.

Helping homeless people is a growing problem in the wake of the recession. Homeless people who have pets present a thornier issue. Most soup kitchens and homeless housing facilities don't admit pets.

Faith Kimes, who works directly with the homeless personally and through her minister husband's church, East Stroudsburg United Methodist, said homeless people are devoted pet owners. "These pets are so important to them that they'll stay on the street rather than give up the pet," she said.

Kimes helped organize Saturday's free pet care clinic for the homeless, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vets Pat McCabe of Canadensis Veterinary Clinic and Eric Wayne of Pocono Veterinary Services will donate their time to provide vaccinations, flea/tick treatments and other services. Grooming tools, pet food, collapsible bowls, collars, leashes and other items will be provided. Many of the pet owners are already aware of the event, Kimes said.

You can help by contributing funds to buy vaccinations and other supplies through AWSOM's Yelp For Help Fund, or by dropping off donations of pet supplies at the AWSOM shelter on Godfrey Ridge Road in Stroud Township.

Those involved in this worthy effort are doing more than providing much-needed care for specific pets like Lexie. They are helping to raise awareness of the strong relationship between people and pets, including homeless ones, and of the importance companion animals have in their owners' lives, regardless of where or how they live.

Everyone's efforts will help keep these interspecies "families" together

posted April 02, 2013 08:24 PM            

Poor girl. So sweet. She's 'houseless' with a dog too. Made me really teary-eyed at the end.