The PAWS program of the Albany Damien Center provides support to people living with HIV/AIDS to help them keep their pets at home with them when the physical or financial burdens of the virus might make it otherwise impossible.
Please read the store below from the Times Union regarding our upcoming event!
ALBANY — A decade ago, Perry Junjulas recalled, it was heartbreaking when people living with HIV/AIDS were forced to give up their beloved pets when they were too ill to care for them or had to choose between that and feeding themselves
"We also saw many people not going into the hospital when they needed to because there was no one to take care of their pet," said Junjulas, executive director at the Albany Damien Center.
He said it was then that the attending veterinarian at Albany Medical Center, Dr. Douglas Cohn, came up with an idea for helping people when their physical and emotional health can benefit most from the comfort provided by pets.
In 2003, Pets Are Wonderful Support began at the Albany Damien Center.
Today PAWS is helping 100 people and their pets in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Columbia and Greene counties. Volunteers walk dogs, change litter boxes, deliver pet food and more. Veterinarians and groomers donate their time and expertise at free quarterly Banfield Pet Wellness Clinics.
To qualify, HIV-positive, low-income residents in the six counties must own an adult pet that is spayed or neutered.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, PAWS will be hosting its second annual charity event at the Playdium Bowling Center. Each bowler is raising at least $25, and businesses are contributing the raffle items.
PAWS currently has 40 people on a waiting list, and $15,000 is needed now to bring that number down to zero, said Junjulas.
It is on a first-come, first-served basis, Junjulas said, "though we try to give priority to persons who are the most ill."
Story By: Cheyanne Bridger
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Save-the-Date-Pets-help-out-in-time-of-need-3154211.php#ixzz1ltusD3t6