Simply put, programs like Aid a Pet are experiencing demands that far exceed supply. Recognizing the need to think outside the box, we are working more intently with our collaborative organizations, such as Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary, Protectors of Animals and Bloomfield Animal Control, to creatively combine assets and services, and stretch every dollar a little further. As innovative as we may be, please recognize that all assistance costs money. Veterinary costs rise seemingly every day, and denying care to an animal who is greatly suffering is a position Aid a Pet diligently works to avoid.

 

 

To better understand how AID a Pet originally determined the need for our program, and continues to witness that same need, I thought it would be helpful to provide a glimpse of how those on State Assistance care for their pet:

 

 

How is pet food gotten if a person is unable to purchase it with Food Stamps?Most families that are on assistance programs feed their pet boiled chicken and rice, in many cases some dogs will not eat regular dog food because they have never had it provided.  Did you know Dogs could experience a vitamin deficiency from consuming a strict diet of white rice and chicken? Such a deficiency can be seen in poor bone formation in the front legs, smaller body development, and lessened physical endurance from poor protein supply.

 

 

 

AID a Pet provides food from donators, PETCO or occasionally from Foodshare Warehouse in Bloomfield.  The newest resource is the Humane Society in Newington. Please pass this information on to those that would qualify and have transportation. 

 

 

Where is the pet food pantry located?  How to Apply?1. Download the Pet Food Pantry Assistance Application or pick one up at the Fox Memorial Clinic at our Newington Shelter, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT.

2. Return your completed application, along with proof of the financial assistance program you are participating in, by mail or in person to the Fox Memorial Clinic, 701B Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.

3. If approved, you will receive an ID card by mail within 2 weeks of receipt of your application. This card must be presented each time you visit the Food Pantry.
* In order to be eligible for food on November 18th, applications must be submitted no later than November 4th.

4. Your Food Pantry ID card is good for one year from date of issue. Reapplication will be necessary to further qualify.  Please call for further information                  1-800-452-0114All offerings are for those on government assistance for low income individuals.

 

 

 

“How do folks afford to get required shots and get their pet “Fixed”?”Simply put, most pets do not get Rabies, Distemper or other required shots, and have one litter after another because the owner cannot afford these essential health preventative measures.  Once a year, when the budget allows, the State of Ct offers Low-Income Pet Sterilization.  AID a Pet requires that all pets that seek our assistance are sterilized. This conditional provision has far reaching benefits, and aims to impact the state wide animal over-population statistics. Aid a Pet will assist owners who require our help by instructing proper application, submission, and paying for postage when necessary.  For more info on this program, call 860-713-2507.   Meanwhile if you are ever interested in adopting a needy pet please contact Janis @ 860/727-9601.

 

 

 

Short stores about whom we help:Poor on the Outside …Rich on the Inside…Mary, Barry and their family of five felines. Mary and Barry opened their door to the AID a Pet program and allowed us an informal interview for the purpose of this newsletter.  All seven of the family members live on a very fixed income in an apartment on James Street in Hartford. The neighborhood is smothered with drug interactions and robberies, quite the familiar setting for Mary & Barry.  Despite the “actions” taking place outside Mary, Barry and their cats feel safe inside.Please tell us about your cats?“My cat’s names are Patches, Precious, Tuxedo, Blackie and Panda…1-3 years old.”Do they need any medical treatment?“No each cat is fixed with shots…I work hard to make sure they are in good shape although it is not easy for us living on small budget…AID a Pet helps when we are short of money.” How do you afford to feed your family of 5 felines?“I work at a parking lot Monday – Wednesday 5 hours a day, 15 hours a week.  On the weekend I get up very early and collect cans…I have 6 places I go to where they save the cans for me because they know I need to feed my cats.” How long have you been doing this?      “For the past 3 years.”How long does it take you?      “…a couple of hours…”What happens if you run out of cat food?“Since I can’t buy it with food stamps I buy Tuna in a can…”How much money can you collect in cans?“…I can collect up to 40$ – 50$ worth (800-1000 CANS) …for cat food and cat litter...”“I try to be responsible because my cats can’t be”

 

 

 

“Where there is a will there is a way for Zena”Walter lives on a fixed income with his dog Zena who suffers from Bladder Cancer (diagnosed 2007).  Walter is very resourceful in finding ways to support Zena’s monthly medication cost of $130.00.  I was simply amazed to hear the effort this man has extended in order to provide the medications his dog needs to live.  However, Walter needs help, after his monthly financial obligations are paid he has $37.00 to “splurge” on and this goes directly to Zena.  Walter turned to Aid a Pet for help to help with the cost of medication and periodic urinalysis.  If anyone has further questions for Walter, he is a very kind man that is willing to discuss any matters concerning how he can extend the life of his best friend.  Please call Walter at 860/871-2632.

“We may financially Poor, but we are Rich with love for our pets”       

 

A kind woman, Angela, encountered Marie in a market, and gave her a ride home and their conversation, which led Angela to contact Aid a Pet for help for this poor cat. Marie's circumstances did not and do not enable her to pay for vet care, desperately required for "Delilah", who had apparently been violently jerked out, with entangled legs, from a pet carrier. Delilah had a compound fracture of her left front leg for which medical advice was never sought. Therefore, it healed in a displaced position. For many months subsequent to the injury, she has been experiencing intermittent drainage from that area where it remains raw because the skin was not sutured back in place. She is a sweet and lovely cat, very demure, due to go for an assessment to determine what medical treatment is required to save her leg.  Ultimately, pending spay, vaccines and whatever else is needed, this heartlessly abused, neglected, and abandoned little innocent sweetie-pie will go to a brand new, loving forever home, where she can be doted upon and cherished. 

 

 

If you so choose to make a donation for a specific pet please make mention with your donation and we will make sure it goes directly to that pet.  There are two methods you can make a donation:1.     Go to the www.aidapet.com web site and PayPal2.     Mail to AID a Pet / COHC 21 Grand Street St Hartford CT 06102  Attn: Lorie Reardon

 

 

 

We use the following Veterinary Offices:Animal Clinic Hartford 505 Wethersfield Ave Hartford, CT 06114East Hartford Animal Clinic 109 Connecticut Blvd. East Hartford, CT 06106All appointment for our client need to be arranged in advance.  How you can help?·        Always need Pet Food ..dog, cat, kitten, puppy·        Sponsor a needy Pet·        Enclosed container with Lock to store donated Pet Food.·        Someone to Pick Up Food Donations 1 X a Month between Hartford and Manchester– Call Janis at 860/727-9601·        Flea and Tick Drops·        Do not forget to check out our Web Site:  www.aidapet.com