Home Van Pet Care Project News -- August 2021

 

Our mission: To provide food for pets of homeless persons in our community; offer education on pet care and spay/neuter; assist with access to veterinary care;  foster respect for animals and the animal/human bond.

The Story of the Loyal Dog Orlando:  Orlando lived in Dignity Village with his owner, Johnny Smith for several years. Home Van Pet Care Project contributed most of his food, and once a month Johnny and Orlando went to St. Francis' Clinic for a checkup, heartworm and flea meds.  When Dignity Village started to clear out in spring of 2020, Johnny was able to get into an apartment with help from Grace Marketplace.  Johnny and Orlando moved into their new home and they were happy. They were sleeping, but one morning Johnny didn't wake up. Johnny had died in the night, but he wasn't alone because Orlando was with him. When Johnny was discovered, after two days, Orlando was taken to Alachua County Animal Services where they were very kind to him. Veterinary students even came to his aid with services for a condition called "cherry eye" so he can see much better now.  Best of all, Johnny's aunt, whose name is Wilhelmina, who already knew Orlando very well, has taken Orlando to her home, where he is well loved and cared for.  We've been to visit Orlando several  times now. He remembers us and is ready for a treat. We will definitely continue to visit Orlando and we will let you know if he needs your help.

URGENT!   URGENT!   URGENT! We need your help replacing our HVPCP vehicle!  This is what happened: I live in Melrose in a rural area. I was driving our Subaru Forester into Gainesville when I was involved in a collision with another vehicle.  I'm okay however our Subaru was totaled.  Friends are helping and pet food is being distributed but as you can see we really need a vehicle for our Project so that we can continue our work to help the pets and their people.  If you know of a vehicle that can be donated or that we can purchase please call or text me at 352-246-2727, or email me holisticliz@hotmail.com. You can mail donations to our Post Office Box 14305, Gainesville Fl 32604 or donate through Pay Pal.

IN ADDITION TO OUR SPECIAL NEED FOR A VEHICLE THESE ARE THE ITEMS THAT WE CONTINUE TO NEED: Donations toward pet deposits (designate if you donate for this) Small bags of Purina Dog Chow (green bags) Small and/or large bags of Purina Friskies Seafood Sensation Fancy Feast cat food All size collars and leashes Small and medium tarps Any amount toward our project expenses is always welcome.

Donate Now

Financial donations can be made by check payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604; or by PayPal at our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Money, food, and new or clean leashes, harnesses, collars, bowls, blankets and towels can be dropped off at Sisset's....A Fun Twist on Home & Patio, 3433 W University Ave., 352-224-5192.  For more information or to volunteer, call or text  352-246-2727.

REG# CH38562.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Home Van Pet Care News - November 2020

 

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Our mission: To provide food for pets of homeless persons in our community; offer education on pet care and spay/neuter; assist with access to veterinary care;  foster respect for animals and the animal/human bond. "How about some good news?" Sheryl Crow (1983)

Dear friends, we have some really good news this time!   A NEW LIFE FOR THE DOG LEVI We now have a really wonderful home for the Dog Levi. You remember he was the dog who was chained out for a whole year. At the age of 2 he had never been free and was never taken inside or for a walk. As soon as we saw Levi we wanted him, but it took a while and then a while for boarding, but then … Our new friends, Sterling and Rachel took Levi on as a foster and now are "foster to adopt"; Adoption will happen in spring of 2021 when Sterling graduates. Levi tested positive for heartworms and was treated with the "slow kill"; method with Vet Molly Pearson. After six months of Heartgard we expect he will test negative. In the meantime we will furnish medical expenses and basic food needs to Sterling and Rachel since they are students. Elizabeth reported: "When I visited a week ago, I was invited inside with Levi and Sterling. I sat on Levi's couch and the two of us were really overjoyed to be together. I got many kisses and we were happy. Levi is happy, he is healthy and loves Sterling and Rachel and they love him in return." Again, we want to thank Phil Singer at All Paws Boarding, and Cassie at Gainesville Pet Rescue. Cassie posted Levi on their Facebook page where Sterling found him. We also thank all of you who supported us in so many ways. We still need some financial support and good wishes from you in the coming year and we will list some items at the end of this newsletter. Thank you dear friends, for making this possible HOME VAN PET CARE PROJECT IN 2021 In March 2020 we made our last pet food delivery to Dignity Village. It was a wrench but Pete Monte, the new Pet Care Coordinator for Grace had let us know that he had sufficient food coming in and arrangements made to distribute the pet food on the Grace campus. We at Home Van Pet Care Project have wanted an on-campus pet facility for a long time. It is good to see it happening, although slowly as you can imagine. Grace Director Jon deCarmine has done a great job dealing with CoVid with extra cleaning, rearrangement of dorms for distancing, testing twice a week, quarantine area. Very professional and caring. We kept in touch with Pete, but didn't go to Grace until October, when we resumed attendance at the monthly veterinary clinic. Our wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Patti Gordon now sees pets in the former Welcome Center on Grace campus and many times Dr. Molly Pearson comes to assist. We are still working on sufficient space for the cats at Dignity. There are not too many kitties now, but with government allowing evictions we are sure there will be more of both dogs and cats and people. Rather than carry large amounts of pet food in our vehicle, we will carry small amounts and will become a bit more mobile. We want to contact people who are homeless in downtown Gainesville to give food for their pets and steer them to Grace. We also have a number of people who are housed, some of whom we have known for a long time. We can sometimes give them a large bag of pet food and they will share with friends and neighbors in need. We are continuing our commitment to our Partners Committee, i.e., Grace Marketplace, St. Francis Pet Care Project, Humane Society of North Central Florida and Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc. No in person meetings yet, but we keep in touch by meeting on an individual basis Our best to all of you, keep safe and keep in touch. Best wishes from Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc. ITEMS THAT WE NEED NOW: Donations toward pet deposits (designate if you donate for this) Small bags of Purina Dog Chow (green bags) Small and/or large bags of Purina Friskies Seafood Sensation Fancy Feast cat food Large size collars and leashes We always love those soft fuzzy little blankets Any surprises that you think the pets would like. Any amount toward our project expenses is always welcome. Donate Now Donations can be left at any of these locations: Sissets Home & Patio, 3433 W. University Ave., Gainesville, 32607, 352-224-5192 Micanopy Animal Hospital, 306 US-441, Micanopy FL 32667, 352-466-0067 All Cats Healthcare Clinic, 1034 NW 13th St., Gainesville, 32601 352-376-2287 Financial donations can be made by check payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604; or by PayPal at our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Money, food, and new or clean leashes, harnesses, collars, bowls, blankets and towels can be dropped off at Sisset's....A Fun Twist on Home & Patio, 3433 W University Ave., 352-224-5192.  For more information or to volunteer, call or text  352-246-2727. REG# CH38562.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Home Van Pet Care Project News - May 2020

Our mission: To provide food for pets of homeless persons in our community; offer education on pet care and spay/neuter; assist with access to veterinary care;  foster respect for animals and the animal/human bond. "Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow." River Phoenix

Dear Friends, Like many individuals and groups, Home Van Pet Care Project has been caught short of time and funds by the Coronavirus. We are seriously in need of donations for our regular activities and also need special funding for the dog Levi, who we rescued in February. Levi is boarded at All Paws Kennels, and we are sending them a big vote of thanks for all their help. It is through their skill and caring that Levi is walking well on a leash, will sit and accept a treat, and is people friendly, wants to play and is in need of a real home. You can help by adopting, by fostering, by contacting friends, and by sharing on our FB page and by donating for his care. Contact information is below. The Story of Levi When we first learned of Levi's plight he was chained to a post in a dirt pit, his water bowls were perpetually turned over and he was poorly fed. Levi is only two years old, and had been kept on that chain for a year. As attention was paid, people came to visit and Putnam Animal Services was alerted (Levi was chained near Melrose Fl.) We joined the visitors and soon became determined to free Levi. Within a couple of weeks, the owners were convinced to surrender Levi, and he was taken into Putnam Animal Services. After a few more obstacles Home Van Pet Care was able to take possession of Levi. We boarded him briefly with a local veterinarian and now at All Paws where he has much more freedom. He's learning to walk on a leash without pulling and other good dog behaviors. No more chains for Levi. Our goal is to find a "forever" loving home for Levi where his sweetness and energy will be appreciated. He should have a sturdy fence so he can roam freely. According to a friend who visited with Levi recently: "He's a typical pit. Rambunctious and silly. Needs socializing with people and dogs”. Needs lots of exercise and someone willing to do both. Adorable personality. Please get in touch if you are The One or if you have any other questions. To learn more about Levi or to schedule a visit, you can call or text Elizabeth Howard at 352-246-2727. Our regular duties as Partners with Grace, Humane Society and St. Francis Pet Clinic are curtailed due to Corona regulations. We do receive calls from former clients who need help at this time and potential clients needing various help. We refer and respond with pet food and information. Pete Monte, our new Animal Care Coordinator at Grace has been doing a really remarkable job in making arrangements for Dignity residents with pets. Various solutions were found and several dogs and cats and their people are living inside the Temporary campground on Grace campus. We will be sure to keep you advised of the pet project at Grace as it all progresses. CURRENT NEEDS: Donations toward pet deposits (designate if you donate for this) Cat carriers Leashes Dry Cat food: Purina Friskies Seafood Sensation any size bags Canned cat food: Fancy Feast, small cans Dry Dog Food, needs are pretty well supplied at present Canned Dog Food: Mighty Dog, 12 to a package, or any number of cans Any amount toward our project expenses is always welcome. Donate Now Donations can be left at any of these locations: Sissets Home & Patio, 3433 W. University Ave., Gainesville, 32607, 352-224-5192 Micanopy Animal Hospital, 306 US-441, Micanopy FL 32667, 352-466-0067 All Cats Healthcare Clinic, 1034 NW 13th St., Gainesville, 32601 352-376-2287 Financial donations can be made by check payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604; or by PayPal at our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Money, food, and new or clean leashes, harnesses, collars, bowls, blankets and towels can be dropped off at Sisset's....A Fun Twist on Home & Patio, 3433 W University Ave., 352-224-5192.  For more information or to volunteer, call or text  352-246-2727. REG# CH38562.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Home Van Pet Care Project News - February 2020

Our mission: To provide food for pets of homeless persons in our community; offer education on pet care and spay/neuter; assist with access to veterinary care;  foster respect for animals and the animal/human bond.

First, we want to thank everyone who contributed toward our annual Christmas pet party. We held the party in the parking lot at Dignity village, during our December veterinary clinic. I really think this was our best Christmas party ever. We bagged and packed: And then once again we loaded up our trusty Subaru: Distributing the gifts was fun, and there were so many heartfelt thanks: Thank you dear friends, for making this possible As we let you know in the December newsletter, Home Van Pet Care Project will be focusing on working with the Wagmore/Grace Pet project in 2020. There have been many delays, but now it seems things are starting to move. A couple of preparations for pets and their people entering the temporary campground soon: People with dogs will have an extra space next to their platform and there will be an igloo dog house for the dog. There will also be a dog park and a supervised "kennel" area when owners must be away for short periods of time. People entering with cats will be given a cat carrier to transport the cats back and forth from their tent to the Cat Room. Habitat cages will be provided as well as litter boxes, water bowls and food. We will keep you posted as the work goes on. As we often do, we have a pet needing to relocate: Meet Jay!! Jay is a 6 year old male neutered chow/lab mix that is looking for his forever home. He belonged to a resident of Dignity Village but now needs to be rehomed. He is currently at a foster home where he gets along with all the humans and other dogs. He is very affectionate, sweet, and loves to play! Sadly, he is heartworm positive but is currently receiving monthly medications to help kill the worms. If you are interested in meeting him please let us know and we will happily arrange it! Foster to adopt is also encouraged. Can't commit to a new pet but want to help? Please share this post to spread the word! Comment or message for more info! One last note, a sad note, as our dear friend Arupa Freeman passed away on December 22, 2019 after a long seige of illnesses. Arupa is well known for helping the homeless and hungry persons in our community. When we first started Home Van Pet Care Project, 13 years ago, we asked Arupa if we could go with her as she traveled around Gainesville each week serving soup and sandwiches to humans. She said "yes," and we began to go with the Home Van every week. We took our own vehicle, full of pet food, collars, leashes and other supplies and followed along behind. Several years later, when we were ready to get our non-profit status, Arupa agreed that she would share the Home Van name with us, and we have called ourselves Home Van Pet Care Project, ever since. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of Arupa's work, for she loved animals as well as people. CURRENT NEEDS: Donations toward pet deposits (designate if you donate for this) Cat carriers Leashes Dry Cat food: Purina Friskies Seafood Sensation any size bags Canned cat food: Fancy Feast, small cans Dry Dog Food, needs are pretty well supplied at present Canned Dog Food: Mighty Dog, 12 to a package, or any number of cans Any amount toward our project expenses is always welcome. Donate Now Donations can be left at any of these locations: Sissets Home & Patio, 3429 W. University Ave., Gainesville, 32607, 352-224-5192 Micanopy Animal Hospital, 306 US-441, Micanopy FL 32667, 352-466-0067 All Cats Healthcare Clinic, 1034 NW 13th St., Gainesville, 32601 352-376-2287 Financial donations can be made by check payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604; or by PayPal at our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Money, food, and new or clean leashes, harnesses, collars, bowls, blankets and towels can be dropped off at Sisset's....A Fun Twist on Home & Patio, 3429 W University Ave., 352-224-5192.  For more information or to volunteer, call or text  352-246-2727.

Home Van Pet Care Project News - December 2019

Our Mission:  To provide food for pets of homeless persons in our community; offer education on pet care and spay/neuter; assist with access to veterinary care; foster respect for animals and the animal/human bond.

"I woke up in between a Memory and a dream…" Tom Petty   We are now entering our 13th year.  We remain a small organization, with a handful of diedicated volunteers and a core group of supporters to whom we are very grateful.  Our budget is small and simple, with most going to the purchase of pet food and supplies, and transportation to get them to our clients.  Small donations keep us going.  Please consider donating to Home Van Pet Care Project this Giving Tuesday.  We promise your support will make a difference to people and animals in this community. This year we helped many pets in many ways.  Here are a few: Lucky's first owner died and when his next owner went to jail Home Van Pet Care stepped in. We're so grateful to Dr. Pearson and her wonderful staff at Micanopy Animal Hospital who kept Lucky safe and taught him some important behavioral lessons. Now he has a whole family to love him, and a fence and a yard where can run and play and never be tied up again!   You can tell by his smile that he knows! Home Van Pet Care Project took in Harvey, a small, senior terrier, after he was abandoned by his owner. He was super sweet but scared of his new situation.  We found a good foster parent for him, and All Cats veterinarian Patti Gordon gave him a badly needed dental cleaning.  After a while, his foster mom found a permanent adoptive home for him with a wonderful man.  It was rough for a while but little Harvey's a happy boy now!   Dignity Village dog Zeus was bitten in the face by a water moccasin. Thankfully HVPCP was able to get him quickly to the Emergency Clinic at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital where he got a dose of anti-venin. Here he is back home with his discharge instructions, looking nearly as good as new.  (You should have seen his face when it was REALLY swollen!)  His mom was so happy to have her good boy back safe and sound. Changes coming in the new year As 2020 begins, our focus will be changing somewhat. When the old Tent City closed years ago,  Grace Marketplace was opened.  Grace is a homeless shelter and service center with dorms and offices to assist with housing and other needs.  At the same time, many people moved to a new tent city that grew up surrounding Grace Marketplace that came to be called Dignity Village. Many of the people living in Dignity Village have pets, which up to now have not been allowed in Grace. Soon Dignity Village will close and some of the residents will be moved onto the Grace campus where they can receive the same services as other residents of Grace.  We are happy to say that people with pets will be able to move there as well. Grace is presently establishing a pet care area on its campus.  In the beginning there will be tents on platforms with space for an igloo-style dog house, a kennel type area with dog runs, and a dog park. Best of all, there will be a climate controlled cat room! The tent area is temporary and emphasis will be placed on finding homes for former Dignity Village residents and their pets. The pet facilities at Grace, however, are designed to be permanent, so that newly homeless individuals moving to Grace will be able to stay there with their pets. This is a huge project and  according to Jon DeCarmine, Executive Director of Grace Marketplace, "Grace will be the first pet-friendly low barrier shelter in North Florida in 2020." Home Van Pet Care Project will be focusing on working with The Grace Pet Project in 2020. We are partnered with Humane Society of North Central Florida, St. Francis Pet Care, Grace Marketplace and The Wagmore Foundation. We are in good company and very happy to be able to help. Our Wish List Here is our wish list for Christmas and the new year for the pets.  We are asking for specific items since we are helping with a new start and need the basics. Dry Cat food:  Purina Friskies Seafood Sensation, dry food 16 lb. bags Canned cat food: Fancy Feast, small cans Dry Dog food: Purina Dog Chow, 20 lb. bags Canned Dog Food:  Mighty Dog, 12 a package or any number Milk Bone Dog Treats, any size Cat Treats Water bowls and good bowls for dogs and cats Sturdy leashes 5 or 6 ft. And, of course, we always appreciate and make good use of your financial donations! Donate Now Donations can be left at any of these locations: Sissets Home & Patio, 3429 W. University Ave., Gainesville, 32607, 352-224-5192 Micanopy Animal Hospital, 306 US-441, Micanopy FL 32667, 352-466-0067 The Groom Room, 1232 NW 50th Ave., Gainesvill, 32609 352-377-8591 All Cats Healthcare Clinic, 1034 NW 13th St., Gainesville, 32601 352-376-2287

Financial donations can be made by check payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604; or by PayPal at our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Money, food, and new or clean leashes, harnesses, collars, bowls, blankets and towels can be dropped off at Sisset's....A Fun Twist on Home & Patio, 3429 W University Ave., 352-224-5192.  For more information or to volunteer, call or text 352-246-2727. Also, don't forget our Amazon Wish List!  Or designate Home Van Pet Care Project as your beneficiary on Amazon Smile.