CPP volunteers are often asked
about the validity of the homeless having pets. Eldridge explained that “Often we don’t know why an individual becomes homeless, so we should give them credit for not abandoning their pets.” She went on to emphasize that the pets may be their only family, and may be the only reason they get up in the morning.
needs come first. “I know I have to get out and walk Luna. I have to take care of our animals. The animals are our kids.” And it’s to these ‘kids’ that the
Community Pet Project wants to help provide care for. Like other nonprofits, CPP needs support from community members and businesses to make it work.
U
Rather than abandon the one thing they have left that they love to an uncertain future, people will sacrifice their own comfort.
They'll live in tents in the woods, they'll sleep on
other people's couches, they'll sleep in their cars. –Renne Lowry, Executive Director, Pets of the Homeless,
PetsOfTheHomeless.org
Irvine says, “Homeless pet owners
in particular, fear confrontations about their ability to care for their animals.” “CPP volunteers do not question
their ability as a pet guardian. We just want to know how we can help make it better for the pet.” explained Eldridge. A homeless couple with two cats
and a dog living in a tent near the University of South Florida in Tampa, is an example of those helped at the outreach events. Martin (he goes by Shohn) and Elizabeth Zappala love their dog Luna and two cats, Jade and Gargoyle. Luna is nine years old and was rescued from a shelter in Vermont by Shohn. Gargoyle walked into an apartment the Zappalas were living in about three years ago and Jade is a recent rescue. Shohn reached into a storm drain to pull her out. Both of the Zappalas were raised around animals. Elizabeth says, “The cats especially remind me of my home. We always had cats around. The cats bring me happiness. They bring me joy.” Elizabeth quietly noted that people
they pass on the street do question why they have animals and often ask them how they can care for them. Elizabeth tells them that the “animals are our priority. We love our animals.” Shohn explains, “I love animals. I
was raised around horses and cats and have always loved dogs.” According to Shohn, the animals’
www.TheNewBarker.com
Find out more about the organization the Community Pet Project, Hillsborough County: On Facebook and Instagram @communitypetproject or their website at
communitypetproject.org.
While soup kitchens, shelters and churches feed hungry people, there are very few places where people can get food for their ani- mals – even fewer that will offer them a place to sleep or affordable veterinary care. There are Florida SPCA and Humane Society shel- ters providing some assistance to the homeless.
The following organizations are helping the homeless with pets in Tampa, Gainesville and Orlando.
Vets 4 Pets Charitable Clinic 5010 E. Broadway Ave., Tampa 813.235.0883
Vets-4-Pets.org St. Francis Pet Care 501 SE 2nd St., Gainesville
StFrancisPetcare.org Full Tummy Project - Orlando, a canine soup kitchen formed by Doglando Foundation.
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