PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support)

There was a time, before viable drugs and hope, when my AIDS diagnosis left me alone--because my friends were dead, dying or long abandoned. So, I learned to share my space with a pet, for companionship and love. It was healing for me, and I survived the sickness. But, I was dirt poor, and remember not having proper medical care for my closest family member--my pet. We didn't have PAWS "Pets Are Wonderful Support", but we can have it now. I want to work with Albany, to see if it is possible to open a Buffalo contingent of their awesome organization. Having been there, I have empathy to help others in similar situations with medical needs for their fluffy friends. Feel free to use this space to publicly endorse the idea, and or me. I will post it to my blog and for references. Thanks.

 Picture courtesy of PAWS Albany

http://www.albanydamiencenter.org/paws.html  

From their website:   "PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) provides task, financial, and informational assistance to pet owners living with HIV/AIDS to ensure that they are not separated from their animal companions when they need each other the most.

In 2014, 112 clients and 149 pets received PAWS services, 11,588 lbs of pet food, litter, and treats were distributed, 57 pets received veterinarian assistance and 13 pets received in-home and foster care assistance."

Note:  As of 10/16/2015, there are already 19 "Likes" on Facebook, and these responses:

Sue Fleming wonderful idea. pets are such a blessing. If you want some help please ask I will be happy to help u anyway I can
Tara Bukowski I love this idea. Let me know if I can help.
Kathryn Travalee Great idea might be able to help
Gene Ver Great idea! Keep me in the loop, Jim.
Gary Nason Who should I write (email) to?
          Jim Petretta I've already been in contact with them. Am setting up a visit to their operation in Albany--to volunteer and learn. They are very willing to share information as to how the program operates, etc.