Memorial day is a day where we honor the men and women who have served our country. One important way to honor those who lost their lives, is to help or aknowledge the veterans here that are still here with us.

We want to share a story with everyone today, that is close to home and really pulls at our heart strings. Back in November we met a man sitting outside our local food pantry sitting with his dog. Curious, if he needed help with his dog, we asked him, “Do you need help with food for your dog, or anything else?” He did. We talked awhile. We went home, where we run a non profit animal rescue, and got him food, toys, a bed etc…. There were so many items, he could not walk home with all of them, so we offered him a ride. Once we got him there, we realized he was homeless. That brought us to tears. We also asked him if he needed help getting his dog, Buddy, fixed and vetted. We then made an appointment at our partnering vet, and got it done for him. We also asked him if he needed anything else for himself, he didn’t want to say but we pulled it out of him. He needed a few things. Later that morning we went and got him a cooler, warm winter boots, and prong collar for Buddy, that is all he asked for. Knowing he was outside, we tried to think of what else he may need. We got him a matress topper, so he wasn’t directly laying on the ground, or the cardboard he was sleeping on in his tent. It was also big enough where he and Buddy could snuggle during the cold nights. We also got him lights, sanitary items, a cell phone and a job, which he knew nothing about.

Not only did we take a chance on him, but so did his place of employment. He had know idea of what we were bringing him, but was so appreciative, he welled up in tears. We asked to come to our home, for dinner to find out his story. It turned out, he is a veteran. We have continued to help him where we can, and what he needs at any particular time. At the really cold times in the winter we would worry about he and Buddy freezing to death, especially when we would call, and it was so cold his phone we got him, would not operate. We couldn’t go through that consistantly, so when it got that cold, we would put he and Buddy in a hotel.

Dave and Buddy need a home. That’s where you come in! We all have a story, and in any moment we could all be in the same boat. Not to mention, the homeless are someones friend, Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Husband, or wife. Meaning, we all come from a family, and they have one, just as much as you do. So, the next time you look past them, try and picture your someone in your family in their position. Maybe you can give the next homeless person, a little of your time and ask them their story, like we did. You may be surprised. We were.

The rise is homelessness is at an all time high. The calls we get daily, of people wanting to surrender their pets, because they lost their home, is real, it is frequent on a daily basis, and it is mind blowing. Dave refuses to give up his dog. With running an animal rescue, we can appreciate this more than anything, for what we do for so many homeless pets already.

Dave is a veteran, and as of now he has found three options that are not suitable for them long term. They are; He can get on a section 8 waiting list, 3-5 year waitinglist, put him in hotel for 2 weeks, or he can go the shelter, where he can not take his dog, and leaves him with no ride to work, that he is two hours from walking to now. There are so many obstacles to overcome, mostly is getting all your credentials back in order, after not using them for so long. Lack of programs, and most of all, not having a physical address to list for anything.

There is quote that we use, in reference for the dogs, but it works for people too. “YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT FOR THAT ONE PERSON THEIR WORLD HAS CHANGED”

PLEASE HELP US CHANGE DAVE AND BUDDY’S LIFE!