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US Economy Hard on Pets

CARSON CITY, NV – June 26, 2008 - Everyday we read headlines about the poor US economy, high unemployment and home foreclosures.  Homeowners as well as investors are losing their houses.  Families who owned or rent are being forced to move because of the foreclosures.  Some must move due to lost jobs.  Many returning war veterans are ending up homeless.  There are many reasons for the increase of homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests there are about 750,000 homeless people in the nation on any given night, and over forty four percent were unsheltered.  Most people who do experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy.  Some find housing right away or move in with friends or family.    Statistics show that over 60% of households have at least one pet.  Unfortunately for those who have to move with pets, it becomes more difficult to find housing or shelter.  These people are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.  Some pets are taken to shelters or given away.  Surprisingly, many choose to stay on the streets with their pets.  Between 10-25% of homeless have a pet.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is, the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners.    

Feeding Pets of the Homeless is asking veterinary clinics/hospitals as well as pet businesses to join the organization.  Founder and Executive Director, Genevieve Frederick, explained “We are calling on veterinarians and business owners in areas with high homelessness, to join us in helping displaced families and the homeless who have pets by collecting pet food.  Our members take the collected pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the pet food to the homeless and impoverished they serve.”

Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, Feeding Pets of the Homeless ( www.petsofhomeless.org ) coordinates and supports members in 23 states and a member in Canada.  While the members have pet food collection receptacles at their businesses for locals to donate food; cash donations that the organization receives go towards grants for licensed veterinarians that will supply medical treatment and preventative care for those pets in need.   

More information about memberships, sponsorships and locations of collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.  Grant application and guidelines are available by emailing info@petsofhomeless.org with a request.  Please include the veterinarian’s name, hospital/clinic, address and phone. 

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THOUSANDS OF PET OWNERS IN FLOOD AREAS NEED HELP

CARSON CITY, NV – June 20, 2008, Forced to leave their homes, families with pets need food, clothing and pet food.   Feeding Pets of the Homeless is campaigning veterinary clinics and hospitals as well as pet businesses in flooded areas to join the organization.  Founder and Executive Director, Genevieve Frederick, explained “We are calling on as many veterinarians in the flooding areas, as we can, to join us in helping the displaced families who have pets by collecting and providing pet food.  Our members take the collected pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the pet food to the flood victims as well as the homeless and impoverished their serve.”

Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, Feeding Pets of the Homeless ( www.petsofhomeless.org ) coordinates and supports the members.  While the members have pet food collection sites at their businesses for the local communities.  Cash donations that the organization receives go to providing grants to licensed veterinarians that will supply medical treatment and preventative care for those in need.   

More information and locations of collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.  Grant application and guidelines are available by emailing info@petsofhomeless.org with a request.  Please include the veterinarian’s name, hospital/clinic, address and phone. 

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About:  Feeding Pets of the Homeless - a nonprofit member organization. Our members collect pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the food to the homeless and impoverished.  Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, we coordinate and support our members.  We collect cash donations, distribute grant applications to veterinarians, review and award grants, and we provide marketing materials and promote the organization for our members to the national media.  More information and locations of collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.

Grants Available to Veterinarians from Feeding Pets of the Homeless

CARSON CITY, NV – June 4, 2008, Feeding Pets of the Homeless ( www.petsofhomeless.org )Founder and Executive Director, Genevieve Frederick announced grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to veterinarians to create a plan to deliver medical care and vaccinations to pets of the homeless in their community. 

Frederick said “The Feeding Pets of the Homeless organization has been providing pet food through its members who collect pet food and deliver it to food banks and soup kitchens that have agreed to distribute the pet food to their clients.  With cash donations, that the organization receives, we are now able to provide grants that will guarantee that a small population of pets will get the medical treatment and preventative care they need and deserve.  Pets of the homeless provide unconditional love,  loyalty, warmth and sometimes security.  We are asking pet lovers to let their veterinarians know about this opportunity to help pets of the homeless.  Veterinarians are not required to be members.”

“The homeless are skeptical of going into a situation where their pet might be taken from them.  The grants are intended to give licensed veterinarians the flexibility to administer medical care where the homeless live; whether in a homeless encampment or at a shelter.  By reaching out, veterinarians will be helping those who can not or choose not to give vaccinations and medical care to their pets due to the costs and/or the lack of knowledge of the importance.”  

Grant application and guidelines are available by emailing info@petsofhomeless.org with a request.  Please include the veterinarian’s name, hospital/clinic, address and phone. 

About Feeding Pets of the Homeless - a nonprofit member organization. Our members collect pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the food to the homeless and impoverished.  Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, we coordinate and support our members.  We collect donations, distribute grant applications to veterinarians, review and award grants, and we provide marketing materials and promote the organization for our members to the national media.  More information and locations of collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.

February 10, 2008

 Pets of homeless, a forgotten part of the growing problem of homelessness

          The winter weather of 2008 is causing havoc across the country.  For advocates of the homeless they are very concerned as the homeless try to find shelter from the weather conditions.  Advocates of pets of the homeless are also troubled because those shelters will not allow pets to stay inside.

          Most people who experience homelessness (eighty percent) are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy.   But unfortunately, for those with pets it becomes more difficult.  Many are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.  Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is, the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

          The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests there are about 750,000 homeless people in the nation on any given night, and over forty four percent were unsheltered.  Many homeless people have pets.   It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless, Michael Stoops, Executive Director that between five and ten percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats.  In some areas of the country that number is greater.  Monte Fast, Executive Director of FISH (Friends in Service Helping) in Carson City, Nevada says the figure is more like twenty five percent in his mission area that includes Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Story Counties. 

          Finding any kind of shelter for those with pets is impossible but finding food may have just gotten easier in a few communities.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless is an organization of 50 members in 22 states that helps feed the pets of the homeless and disadvantaged. The non profit organization enrolls veterinarian hospitals, clinics and pet related businesses around the country to collect pet food from their clientele and the public in their local communities.  The members partner with local food banks, shelters or soup kitchens.  The food banks then distribute the pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged.  

          For more information and to view the Feeding Pets of the Homeless’s members go to www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.

February 8, 2008

 Feeding Pets of the Homeless installs officers, directors

CARSON CITY, NV- Feeding Pets of the Homeless installed its officers and directors this week.  Genevieve Frederick is the Executive Director and the founder of the organization which evolved from a program she authored and published for veterinarians. 

          Frederick said “The progression from a publicity program for vets to a nonprofit organization became apparent with the interest and support that was generated from the public. The public’s response was immediate and has been remarkable.  Donations of pet food and cash have been amazing.”  She went on to say “I am committed to building a membership across the country that will collect pet food and partner with a food bank in their community that will distribute the pet food to the less fortunate.  And I look forward to working with our members to increase their effectiveness to collect pet food and to working with grant recipients to provide pet medical care to pets of the homeless.”   

          Other officers and members are: Secretary, Renee Lowry an animal advocate; Treasurer, Pamela McCluskey a CPA; with Dr. Gary L. Ailes of Sierra Veterinary Hospital and Kathi Giurlani, a retired nurse serving on the board.

          The organization presently has 50 members in 22 states.  Frederick explained, “Through memberships, grants and donations we can assist pets of the homeless. The organization promotes to veterinarians and pet related businesses the importance of joining and receiving step-by-step instructions to become a collection site for pet food in their community.  And we campaign to food banks and other food distributing organizations the importance of distributing pet food to the less fortunate.  The organization has implemented a grant program for licensed veterinarians to administer medical care to pets of the homeless in their communities.  The guidelines are available by emailing info@petsofhomeless.org 

          Pets of the homeless are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part . . .  pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

          Participating socially responsible veterinarian clinics/hospitals and businesses are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© website at www.PetsofHomeless.org

December 19, 2007

Publishing firm changing name effective Jan. 1

CARSON CITY, NV- Paw Publishing changed the name of its company to Feeding Pets of the Homeless, LLC. The name change is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, the same day the organization goes non-profit.

          The company was founded in 2006 and will continue to be managed by Genevieve Frederick, author of “Feeding Pets of the Homeless©”.  The non-profit’s mission will be to help to reduce hunger in pets that belong to the homeless and the less fortunate and to provide veterinary medical care for those pets in communities across the country. 

          Frederick explained, “Through memberships, grants and donations we can assist pets of the homeless. The organization will continue to promote to veterinarians and pet related businesses the importance of joining and receiving step-by-step instructions to become a collection site for pet food in their community.  And we will continue to campaign to food banks and other food distributing organizations the importance of distributing pet food to the less fortunate.  The organization has implemented a grant program for licensed veterinarians to administer medical care to pets of the homeless.  The guidelines will be available at www.PetsofHomeless.com”

          Pets of the homeless are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part . . .  pets of the homeless do not choose their keeper. 

Participating socially responsible veterinarian clinics/hospitals and businesses are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© website at www.PetsofHomeless.com

November 26, 2007

 It’s no holiday for pets of the homeless

Headlines in every news media talk about home foreclosures and the economy.  Homeowners as well as investors are losing their houses.  Renters are being forced to move.  Most people who do experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy.  Some find housing right away or move in with friends or family.    Statistics show that over 60% of households have at least one pet.  Unfortunately for those with pets, it becomes more difficult to find housing.  These people are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.  Some pets are taken to shelters or given away.  Surprisingly, many choose to stay on the streets with their pets.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

The program Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© was started to aid and support this enormous forgotten part of our society - pets of the homeless.  Socially responsible veterinarians and other pet related businesses around the country are collecting pet food from their clients.  The program instructs them on how to partner with a local food bank, church soup kitchen and other organization that then distributes the pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged in local communities.

Participating veterinarian clinics/hospitals and businesses are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© website at www.PetsofHomeless.com .  Taking some extra pet food to the members of Feeding Pets of the Homeless in your town could mean a nutritional meal for a pet during the holidays.

MEALS ON WHEELS RECEIVES HELP FOR CLIENTS WITH PETS

November 5, 2007

CARSON CITY, NV - Since 1954, The Meals on Wheels program has provided many communities with a way to help their elderly and disabled.  There are more than 4,000 Meals on Wheels programs across the USA.  Charlie Daniels of the Carson City, NV program says they provide 130-150 meals a day.  Carson City has a population of over 55,000.  Programs around the country are experiencing shortages of volunteer drivers and many have waiting lists of needy clients.  As Baby Boomers turn 65 the need for more Meals on Wheels programs will only increase.  Another problem is looming, 63% of American households have at least one pet.  Meals on Wheels volunteers are seeing more and more people giving a portion of their meal to their pets.  A new organization, Feeding Pets of the Homeless^©, founded by Genevieve Frederick may be an answer to assist Meals on Wheels clients to provide proper pet nutrition.  Local veterinary clinics/hospitals and pet related businesses are collecting pet food and partnering with Meals on Wheels and other food bank organizations.  When volunteers evaluate a client they can ask if they need pet food also.  Daniels reported that his volunteers can provide pet food to his clients because the Sierra Veterinary Hospital provides him pet food through the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© program.

      Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© was started less than a year ago.  Frederick, publisher, founder and author explains “The program’s name may be misleading because the pet food collected by the members is being distributed to, not only the homeless but to families at poverty level, the disabled and elderly across the nation through a variety of local organizations. 

      All Meals on Wheels programs would like to provide the best services they possibly can to their clients and they can by providing pet food to those who need it.  The Meals on Wheels in Dayton, a neighboring community to Carson City, has indicated that they would like to partner with a local vet or pet related business that is part of the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© program, because pets provide such comfort and love to their clients.  Frederick said, “I know there are more Meals on Wheels programs that would like to offer pet food to their clients in other communities.”  Frederick went on to say “If you are a client of the Wheels on Meals program and have a pet, ask your volunteer if they can provide pet food along with your meal.  If you want to help the pets of the homeless, the elderly and the disadvantaged in your community, talk with your veterinarian, groomer, trainer, or pet supply store owner about the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^©.   They will thank you and you will be giving back to your community in a way that will enhance the life of a pet and their owner.”

 Sources:

Meals on Wheels Association of America

2007-2008 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey

Feeding Pets of the Homeless© Program Expands

Pet related businesses are helping those in need.

 June, 2007

Carson City, NV -  Paw Publishing has expanded the Feeding Pets of the Homeless© program.  The program started in December 2006 by enrolling veterinarian hospitals and clinics around the country to collect pet food from their clientele using a local publicity campaign.  The members of the program collaborate with a local food bank, shelter or soup kitchen that distributes the pet food to those in need.

          Founder, Genevieve Frederick said, “The response from the general public has been overwhelming.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless© has changed the way many people view the homeless.  Compassionate people around the country want to contribute pet food for those less fortunate; they contact me daily to ask where they can go or why there isn’t a location in their town.  I realized that the program needs more collection sites and partnering food banks, that is why we have decided to promote to all pet related businesses to participate.  There are two programs; one for the veterinarian hospitals/clinics and one for other pet related businesses.”

          “People have come to realized that the homeless who have pets are in need of pet food.”  Frederick went on to say “Reasons for homelessness are across the broad as to why there are so many people living on the streets of America; from the economy, shortages of shelters and money to run them, low income housing shortages, the disabled, drug and alcohol addictions, spousal abuse and more.  Many of those people choose to live on the street because they have a pet and can not find a shelter that will allow their pets to join them in the shelters or low cost motels or apartments.  To them giving up their beloved pet is not an option.”

          “The National Alliance to End Homelessness report of January 2007 stated that between 804,212 - 744,313 people in the United States experienced homelessness in January 2005 on a given night.  But more disturbing were the figures for the unshielded during that time, a record: 322,050.  It has been estimated that 10 – 25% of those unshielded have at least one dog or cat.  These pets provide the homeless with a strong emotional bond of loyalty and comfort while being nonjudgmental.  For some, provide the homeless with protection and warmth.  And in extreme cases they provide a contact with reality.  The hospitals/clinics and other pet related businesses that have enrolled are taking a big step to help those less fortunate who have pets, while showing their communities that they are socially responsible and care.” 

          Frederick is the founder, author and publisher of the Feeding Pets of the Homeless©

          More information on the program can be found at www.petsofhomeless.com

Pets and the Homeless

          April 27, 2007 - The National Alliance to End Homelessness report of January 2007 stated that between 804,212 - 744,313 people in the United States experienced homelessness in January 2005 on any given night.  But more disturbing were the figures for the unshielded during that time, a record: 322,050.  Reasons are across the broad as to why; from the economy, shortages of shelters and money to run them, low income housing shortages, the disabled, drug and alcohol addictions, spousal abuse and more.  Or perhaps, people choose to life on the street because they have a pet and can not find a shelter that will allow their pets.  There are no surveys for this information but it has been estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless, Michael Stoops, Acting Executive Director that between five and ten percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats.  In some areas of the country that number is greater.  Monte Fast, Executive Director of FISH (Friends in Service Helping) says the figure is more like twenty-five percent.  Many rural homeless people live in places we do not see; they often are sleeping in the woods, campgrounds, cars, abandoned farm buildings, or other places not intended for habitation.  Many more individuals and families in rural areas live in substandard housing or are doubled up.  The January 2007 national count of homeless people found that nine percent live in rural areas. 

    There is mounting evidence that all people need pets.  A leading proponent of this theory, Dr. Boris Levinson, Professor of Psychology at Yeshiva University and a clinical psychotherapist, stated in his 1997 book Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy:  "In this very busy twentieth century, man is a lonely creature.  There are too many alienated individuals who lack human companionship.  They lack purpose and productivity.  A simple addition to these lonely lives can sometimes accomplish major changes.  The possession of a pet, who eagerly awaits one and responds to one's care and attention, may mean the difference between maintaining contact with reality or almost total withdrawal into fantasy.  Literally, a pet can occasionally represent the difference between life and death.

    Other apparent reasons why people need pets are the increasingly urban nature of our society, the separation of children and adults from farm animals and from nature, the separation of families, where older persons and unmarried adults often live alone, and the desire for personal protection."

     Levenson’s theory is correct as to why people have pets and it rings especially true for the animal lovers of America where over half of the households have at least one cat or dog sharing the home and the nationwide annual expenditures on pet products and services are over 40 billion dollars a year.  But for the disadvantaged; shelters, low cost apartments, and motel rooms do not normally allow pets.  So the disadvantaged must choose between their pet and a roof over their head.  Finding any kind of shelter for the homeless with pets is near impossible but finding food may have just gotten easier. A new program to help feed the pets of the homeless and disadvantaged was launched in December, Feeding Pets of the Homeless.  The program enrolls veterinarian hospitals and clinics around the country to collect pet food from their clientele in their communities through a publicity campaign.  Then the hospital/clinic partners with a local food bank, shelter or soup kitchen.  The food bank then distributes the pet food to those in need. 

    The hospitals/clinics that have enrolled are taking a big step to help those less fortunate and the pets that provide the homeless with an emotional bond of loyalty and comfort while being nonjudgmental and for some provide the homeless with protection and warmth. 

          More information on the program can be found at www.petsofhomeless.com

10 Worst States and Cities with Unsheltered Homeless*

            California: 118,275

                Los Angeles City & County: 50,414

            Florida: 35,340

                Punta Gorda/Charlotte County: 4,634

            Texas: 20,213

                Houston/Harris County: 6,583

            Michigan: 15,146

                Detroit: 10,516

            Colorado: 14,294

                Denver: 5,089

            Nevada: 9,702

                Las Vegas/Clark County: 9,424

            Washington: 9,520

                Seattle/King County: 2,216

            Oregon: 8,446

                Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County: 2,355

            Georgia: 8,428

                Augusta: 732

            New York: 6,111

                New York City: 4,395

Sources:

Research Reports on Homelessness – January 2007, National Alliance to End Homelessness

Rural Homelessness – March 2007, National Alliance to End Homelessness

March 20, 2007

How to Make Your Business Prosper

  - A fresh idea with an unusual way to attract more business to your practice.

No, it is not a canned newsletter nor another yellow page ad, nor a brochure that add monthly costs to your practice.  It is a program called Feeding Pets of the Homeless.  The program is a kit with step-by-step instructions to get your practice free publicity.  And the bonus is, it provides pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged.  You achieve a growing and loyal practice with the goodwill that is created. 

•  A one time enrollment fee gives your practice years of ideas for free publicity to increase and keep your clientele.  

•  Feeding Pets of the Homeless puts your name in the forefront of your competition in local newspapers and local radio and television.

•  You can play a much-needed role in the efforts to help homeless feed their beloved pets. 

•  Many clinics and hospitals do not have successful programs in place to bring in new patients. 

•  Your practice can achieve a growing and loyal practice with this easy to use program. 

•  Helps to generate extra income with the sale of additional pet food that your clients will purchase for the less fortunate.

 We understand how busy it is to run a veterinarian practice.  That’s why we made the program simple.  Using the step-by-step instructions will have your practice in the news immediately.

 Did you know that over the course of a year, as many as 3.5 million people become homeless?  Many American families are just a pay check from becoming homeless.  Most people who experience homelessness (80%) are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy.   But unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult.  It is estimated that one in four homeless and disadvantaged people have a pet.  Many are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head.  Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, providing comfort, an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases they provide the homeless with protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is that the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

Now you can make a difference and come to the aid of these defenseless pets by taking a can or bag of extra pet food to your veterinarian and ask if he/she has heard of the program “Feeding Pets of the Homeless”.  Refer them to the Website at www.petsofhomeless.com and ask them to enroll.  

February 20, 2007

Pets of the Homeless

Up to twenty-five percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats

CARSON CITY, Nev. – A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work.  The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.”  The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog.   This scene is played out everyday.  

            It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless, Michael Stoops, Acting Executive Director, that between five and ten percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats.  In some areas of the country that number is greater.  Monte Fast, Executive Director of FISH (Friends in Service Helping) in Carson City, Nevada says the figure is more like twenty five percent.  But, unfortunately for those with pets, it becomes more difficult.  The disadvantaged are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.  Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

            The program Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© was started to aid and support this enormous forgotten part of our society - pets of the homeless.  Socially responsible veterinarian hospitals and clinics around the country are collecting pet food from their clients.  They have partnered with a local food bank who then distributes the pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged.  The national program gives veterinarian clients and their staff a feeling that they are doing something worthwhile.  Participating clinics/hospitals are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless^© website at www.PetsofHomeless.com along with the partnering food bank.  Paw Publishing is marketing the program nationwide while the individual veterinarian clinics/hospitals publicize it in their local communities.   

January 3, 2007

Public Relations Program Written for veterinary practices

 Carson City, NV –   The Sierra Veterinary Hospital in Carson City had the distinction of being the first in the United States to enroll in “Feeding Pets of the Homeless” a public relations program specifically written and published for veterinarians.  The program was designed to enhance community outreach with good public relations.

      Dr. Gary L. Ailes of SVH said, “The “Feeding Pets of the Homeless” program has produced an amazing increase in the visibility of our practice to the community.  Using the step-by-step easy kit and the press release samples, we were on the front page of the local daily news the next day.  The reporter called the office and spoke with me and then wrote an outstanding article using the information that we had provided.  A regional TV news station did a 30 second spot on the program along with our name and address.  We have had a large number of new potential clients coming in to drop off pet food and say they support us and the program.  The phone hasn’t stopped ringing for days.  This has been a great opportunity to involve the staff, increase foot traffic and show the community that we care.  I recommend this program to all practices.”   

      Ailes went on to say, "I've known that we had wonderful clients for a long time, and this project shows that with an exclamation point, the day after the announcement, the bin was filled and overflowing. Everything has been passed along to FISH (a local food bank for the needy) and the bin is already being refilled."

      For more information on the “Feeding Pets of the Homeless” visit www.petsofhomeless.com  or call (775) 841-7463.

December 1, 2006

Pets of the Homeless

Between 5% - 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats

October 20, 2006

Feeding Pets of the Homeless

A “How to” Program and Kit for Veterinarians to Publicize their Practice

CARSON CITY, Nev. –  Feeding Pets of the Homeless, available December 2006, provides an easy step-by-step program with worksheets for veterinary practices to publicize their business, while helping pets of the homeless and disadvantaged.

               “Most veterinary medical schools do not teach their students on how to promote their business and stay ahead of the competition, but with this low cost, easy to use national program, it provides the tools to do just that without the high costs of display advertising.” says the writer and publisher, Genevieve Frederick. 

               To quickly gain publicity for clinics/hospitals and to obtain new clients and retain existing clients, veterinarians are shown how to collect pet food from their clients, receive grants from pet vendors, partner with a local food bank (who distribute the pet food), and how to get free publicity year round that will endorse them as committed and concerned for the less fortunate and their pets. The national program makes clients and staffs feel proud to be associated with a practice that has a good reputation and displays social responsibility and compassion.  The program uses step-by-step instructions and worksheets for the veterinarian and/or staff.  Participating clinics/hospitals will be listed on the www.PetsofHomeless.com along with the partnering food bank.  Paw Publishing is marketing the program nationwide while the individual vet clinics/hospitals will promote it on the local community level. 

               Frederick’s research on the homeless revealed that in 2004, 12.7% of the United States population, or 37 million people, lived in poverty, up from 12.5% in 2003 and the numbers are increasing each year.  It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless that between 5% - 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats.  Most people who experience homelessness (80%) are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy.   But unfortunately, for those with pets it becomes more difficult.  Many are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.  Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is, the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

              Frederick has been active in public/press relations and the promotion of various companies and non-profit service organizations in California and Nevada for over two decades.  She is the founder of Paw Publishing and publisher of Happy Tails – Hilarious Helpful Hints for Dog Owners coauthored by Dr. Gary L. Ailes, DVM and Joy Underhill.   Ten percent of the purchase price for the Feeding Pets of the Homeless program and kit will be donated to The Humane Society of the United States by Paw Publishing.  To order send your business card and a check for $39 plus shipping of $7 ($46)  payable to Paw Publishing to 2255 Waterford, Carson City, NV 89703 or contact Frederick at publisher@pawpublishing.com or (775) 841-7463.