Helping Pet Parents Who Face Financial Challenges

Of the many moving animal stories we hear these days, tales of people being forced to give up their pets due to these tough economic times are among the saddest. Like you, few of these loving pet parents ever imagined having to give up their pets. But for these victims of the economy who have unexpectedly found themselves unemployed or making far less income than that needed to survive, coming up with extra money to care for a pet can be next to impossible.  This is where Sophie's Pet Pantry in South Daytona Beach, Florida comes into play.  

Offering no-cost dog and cat food to residents with money problems is one of the ways that Founder Kathy Blackman is giving back to her community.  The Animal Advocacy Group Leader started the non-profit pantry with the help of the Winston James Development Group, who donated the space in Beville Business Park.  The official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 9:00 AM.

Individuals around the world are working hard to do their part in helping needy families and animals.  According to Designer Ashley Paige's webpage, Ashley uses spotlight press to promote animal rescue. She brings homeless dogs down the runway, wears t-shirts reading "Save a stray", and hosts weekly pet adoptions at her boutique-studio in Hollywood.

The ASPCA's Mobile Spay and Neutering Clinics offers free and low-cost services to individuals receiving government assistance in the form of Welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, Disability, Food Stamps, or Public Housing.  In addition to spaying and neutering pets, the organization also offers complimentary rabies and distemper vaccinations and a free nail trim.  For locations near you, visit the ASPCA's website.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco plays a major role in assisting needy animals.  Thanks to individual donations, senior pets are groomed, spayed and neutered, examined, operated on, and cared for daily until they are adopted out. Opie & Dixie is a big supporter of Muttville's mission.

Despite difficulties, good-hearted men and women make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate by offering their services for free or at reduced prices.  A simple web search can put a person into contact with hundreds of individuals and groups looking to assist animals in need.  Type in "animal welfare," "Humane Society," "pet adoption," and "spay and neuter" to learn more about low-cost and free services available to financially challenged Americans.  In addition to saving money and time, pet pantries and mobile spay and neuter clinics give your pets the food and medical attention necessary to live long, happy lives.