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Home Van Pet Care Project Newsletter: July 4, 2009
It's hard to believe that only a few weeks ago things for the animals were about as stable as they get in Tent City . . . the caretakers were feeding the colonies, the last canine holdout had gotten into the St. Francis Veterinary program for spay/neuter . . . Rachel, the biter, was adopted and so happy with Little Kat . . .
Most of you know what happened: A convicted felon from Lake Butler, three-time murderer, came into Tent City and stabbed two of the residents. Both of them were seriously injured, and this was the end of tolerance for the property owner. Within a week, the first wave of evictions came, then another property owner joined in and a number of people, a lot of them the dog owners, had to move for a second time.
Arupa Freeman compares the ensuing events to a tsunami and that's how it feels to me . . . our animal and human friends thrown up in a tidal wave, and we don't even know where some of them have landed. It is hard to see our cat colonies without their caretakers . . . dogs and their people walking long distances to resources . . . campsites abandoned . . . pots and pans and doggie toys left behind.
As Home Van Pet Care volunteers, we have hung in there. We have a group going daily to feed the Tent City cat colonies and we are starting to visit the new campsites of the dogs. The Tent City group was the first for the Home Van Pet Care Project volunteers and they are special to us. We will find them and continue to assist them.
We also continue to work with quite a number of dogs, cats and their people who live homeless in other, less concentrated areas.
We took Abby and Duchess, older cats, out of tent city before the final eviction day. They weren't in a colony and there would have been no one to feed them in the upper area where we were forbidden to enter. They are in foster care but need to go to a loving inside home where they can retire. They are sisters, about six years old, healthy and love to be petted. Call Elizabeth if you can help. 352-337-2723.
We ask that you continue to insist that the City of Gainesville provide housing accommodations – even campgrounds – to the homeless of our City - and that when they do, that they remember the animals. We are presently seeking funding to pay pet deposits for people who are actually obtaining housing.
There was also a tidal wave of generosity from the Gainesville animal lovers. All my closets are full of dog food and cat food; we now have a fleet of cat carriers and dog crates that we can use or loan; we have leashes and food bowls and cash donations. Many times items were left on my porch and sometimes I don't even know who brought these gifts.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who brought donations, sent emails and good wishes and supported the animals in so many ways. Best to you from all the animals and people of the Home Van Pet Care Project. Elizabeth Howard, Coordinator.
We have a continuing need for dog food and cat food. We're feeding Friskies or Purina fish flavors dry food to the cat colonies and all the dogs seem to like Publix brand or Pedigree.
If you'd like to donate funds or goods, please contact: Elizabeth Howard, phone 352-337-2723. Checks should be made payable to St. Vincent dePaul Society (our “umbrella” nonprofit) and marked: “For Home Van Pet Care Project.” Mail to Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604
Most of you know what happened: A convicted felon from Lake Butler, three-time murderer, came into Tent City and stabbed two of the residents. Both of them were seriously injured, and this was the end of tolerance for the property owner. Within a week, the first wave of evictions came, then another property owner joined in and a number of people, a lot of them the dog owners, had to move for a second time.
Arupa Freeman compares the ensuing events to a tsunami and that's how it feels to me . . . our animal and human friends thrown up in a tidal wave, and we don't even know where some of them have landed. It is hard to see our cat colonies without their caretakers . . . dogs and their people walking long distances to resources . . . campsites abandoned . . . pots and pans and doggie toys left behind.
As Home Van Pet Care volunteers, we have hung in there. We have a group going daily to feed the Tent City cat colonies and we are starting to visit the new campsites of the dogs. The Tent City group was the first for the Home Van Pet Care Project volunteers and they are special to us. We will find them and continue to assist them.
We also continue to work with quite a number of dogs, cats and their people who live homeless in other, less concentrated areas.
We took Abby and Duchess, older cats, out of tent city before the final eviction day. They weren't in a colony and there would have been no one to feed them in the upper area where we were forbidden to enter. They are in foster care but need to go to a loving inside home where they can retire. They are sisters, about six years old, healthy and love to be petted. Call Elizabeth if you can help. 352-337-2723.
We ask that you continue to insist that the City of Gainesville provide housing accommodations – even campgrounds – to the homeless of our City - and that when they do, that they remember the animals. We are presently seeking funding to pay pet deposits for people who are actually obtaining housing.
There was also a tidal wave of generosity from the Gainesville animal lovers. All my closets are full of dog food and cat food; we now have a fleet of cat carriers and dog crates that we can use or loan; we have leashes and food bowls and cash donations. Many times items were left on my porch and sometimes I don't even know who brought these gifts.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who brought donations, sent emails and good wishes and supported the animals in so many ways. Best to you from all the animals and people of the Home Van Pet Care Project. Elizabeth Howard, Coordinator.
We have a continuing need for dog food and cat food. We're feeding Friskies or Purina fish flavors dry food to the cat colonies and all the dogs seem to like Publix brand or Pedigree.
If you'd like to donate funds or goods, please contact: Elizabeth Howard, phone 352-337-2723. Checks should be made payable to St. Vincent dePaul Society (our “umbrella” nonprofit) and marked: “For Home Van Pet Care Project.” Mail to Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville FL 32604
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