Pet's Don't Need to be Orphans to be Homeless

Del Mar Fairgrounds -- People and animals in-need will find a helping paw at "Project Homeless Connect" on Wednesday, November 14 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. In addition to haircuts, health testing, legal services, shelter options, and dental and mental health screenings for people courtesy of the Alliance for Regional Solutions, Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) will distribute food and supplies for their pets and the Drake Center for Veterinary Care will provide medical exams and vaccinations.

"People get a mental image of a homeless man, sitting alone, on the sidewalk," says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. "But San Diego's homeless include women, children, and pets. At least 10% of them have pets. And no matter how hard these people struggle to survive, they seem to put their pets ahead of themselves." 
RCHS Community Liaison Nick Winfrey notes, " The goal of Project Homeless Connect is to link displaced individuals and families with onsite services, information, referrals, and food. Our RCHS volunteers will care for their pets while the owners get the help they need. As an extension of our Community Pet Food Bank, RCHS we'll distribute food and other supplies. The Drake Center for Veterinary Care will provide exams and vaccinations as part of our effort to keep people and their pets together."
Van Zante adds, "Their pets may be their only family for displaced and homeless people. Project Homeless Connect will not only tend to their immediate needs, but also provide resources for the future care of these people and their pets."

Project Homeless Connect will take place from 9 AM to 4 PM on Wednesday, November 14 in the lower grandstand at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.sdpets.org. 

For more about the Drake Center for Veterinary Care visit www.thedrakecenter.com. For information about the Alliance for Regions Solutions visit www.regionalsolutions.net.

NO PET NEEDS TO MISS THANKSGIVING DINNER THIS YEAR

With Thanksgiving just one week away, Rancho Coastal Humane Society in is reminding seniors living on fixed incomes, the working poor, people with disabilities or terminal illnesses, and the homeless that their pets DO NOT have to miss Thanksgiving dinner. The RCHS Community Pet Food Bank will be open this Saturday, November 17. Homeless and financially disadvantaged pet owners are invited to pick up free pet food and other supplies from 9:00 to 11:00 at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas.

"These people share everything with their pets," says RCHS Community Liaison, Nick Winfrey. "In the past, if they got one Thanksgiving meal, you can bet their dog or cat got part of it. Maybe even the first bite. Not this year. The Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS is here to help."

RCHS spokesman John Van Zante says that sharing Thanksgiving meals with pets is not a good idea. "First, the owners deprive themselves. And second, the turkey, mashed potatoes, and other foods are too rich for a dog or cat. We know they share everything, but in this case, let the RCHS Community Pet Food Bank help to keep you and your pet healthy."

Winfrey adds, "New clients can come to the Pet Food Bank this Saturday morning, fill out an application and tell us what they need, then we'll provide them with two weeks of food for their pet. Existing clients just need to check in and give us any updates about their pets. We're not here to judge. We're here to help people and their pets to stay together."

In addition to dog and cat food, the RCHS Community Pet Food Bank also has leashes and collars, blankets, flea treatment, pet toys and other supplies.

The Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS is open the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas. Donations to the Community Pet Food Bank can be made any time. For more information visit RCHS, log on to www.sdpets.org, or call Nick Winfrey at 760-753-6413 x 104.