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Community Pet Project is a 501c3 charitable organization serving Hillsborough. Volunteers attend
the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police Department quarterly outreach events, providing homeless and at-risk families with pet food, pet supplies such as flea pre- vention, wormer, grooming supplies, treats, and toys as well as informa- tion on veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries. Financial contributions and product donations are greatly appreciated. 813.530.6722 -
CommunityPetProject.org
Jessica and Grey
Struggling to Keep Their Pets Healthy. Story and photography by Mary Collister
There are many reasons why dogs are called humans best friend and Harvard Health Publishing notes just a few. The publi- cation explains that not only do dogs offer unparalleled com- panionship, but a growing body of research shows that they also boost human health. They continue by explaining that just pet- ting a dog can reduce one’s blood pressure and heart rate as well as having a positive effect on the dog. Community Pet Project (CPP) is an organization based in
Hillsborough County that provides homeless and at risk resi- dents with food, collar, leashes, toys, flea preventative and other pet care items. Initial contact is often made at quarterly home- less outreach events sponsored by a number of law enforcement agencies in the county. After this initial connection, clients are encouraged to contact CPP when supplies run low. Like other nonprofits, CPP hosts fundraisers while reaching
out to try to educate the residents of Hillsborough County. One such event is held at EarthWise Pet in Valrico. At the most recent, EarthWise donated 100% of all dog self wash proceeds to CPP. One of the groomers, Chestean Graham, donated her tips for the day. She explained, “This is a way I can help a little.” Not all CPP clients are homeless. Some just need one-time
assistance. Jessica Berry is a CPP client who ended up with two dogs in her care unexpectedly. She explains, “While lost in Plant City and looking for a spot to turn around, I spotted two small, dirty dogs running in and out of traffic. I was able to grab one and get him in the car but the other would not come to me. A truck driver stopped and snatched him up and put him in my car.” Now what, she thought. She had a dog at home that
required ongoing vet care. Her budget was not able to cover more vet costs. “This was right after Hurricane Irma came through (August 2017) and the shelters were full. I just knew
30 THE NEW BARKER
they wouldn’t have a chance there.” For over a month she looked for their owner. She took them home and after getting an estimate for
grooming the heavily matted dogs, she realized she would have to do it herself. “Poor little things. I bought a pair of round tipped scissors and cut off as much hair as I possibly could.” Perhaps not ready to win any beauty contest, she could tell they felt better already. She then took them to the vet. Eclipse, a small Poodle mix,
had a clean bill of health. He was brought up-to-date on his vaccinations. Grey, a little Schnauzer/Silky Terrier/Shih Tzu mix, came back heart worm positive. Jessica did not have the money for the treatment and started reaching out to rescue groups and low-cost vet clinics, with no luck. One day she saw a pop-up for CPP on Facebook. “I wasn’t hopeful that they would be able to help, but when
I explained my situation, Rhonda (Rhonda Eldridge, CPP president), immediately said they would help,” Jessica said. “If not for them, Grey would have had to battle the disease on his own, and it would have continued to progress,” Jessica noted. Rhonda connected Berry to Star Barks Mobile Dog
Grooming and after a free groom, Grey both looked and felt better. Grey sits in Jessica’s lap as she recalls his journey. She smiles as she pets him and explains that he had a calming effect on her while she finished her computer classes and continues to seek employment. “He’s a happy guy and my kids love him.” Jessica knows that her animals, now two dogs and a para-
keet, make her children happy and relieve her stress. A February 2018 News in Health article outlined how pets decrease stress, improve heart health and even help children with emotional and social skills. Jessica sees this in her home every day. “Sometimes,” said Jessica, “dogs choose us.”
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www.TheNewBarker.com
Help For At-Risk Families
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