Love2Hope

My name is Helen Lam, and I've spent more than ten years working with the homeless and their companion pets. My first volunteer experience was at a Bellingham homeless shelter. I was intrigued by the idea of working with the homeless and volunteering at the shelter. I've witnessed a lot of homeless people with pets come to the shelter to eat and rest while I've been volunteering there. They loved and cared for their pets as if they were their family.
 

For the homeless, pet food is always an issue. Unfortunately, their resources were never enough. They sometimes had to feed their pets human meals because they didn't have enough money to buy pet food. I have also witnessed the denial of access to a veterinarian for some ill or injured pets belonging to the homeless, a situation that repeatedly broke my heart. Many of these poor animals will suffer from chronic discomfort, become handicapped, or have their owners abandon them as a result of not getting the right care. It is truly painful to watch these poor animals suffer so much.
 

After witnessing an incident, I began advocating for the homeless and their pets. One late afternoon, over ten years ago, a homeless woman brought her limping, weeping puppy to the shelter. The owner told me about the fight her dog had, resulting in serious injuries. To check if any of the nonprofit organizations would assist with the vet's medical costs, the owner attempted to contact a number of them. Unfortunately, no organizations offered assistance, and I was very sorry to see the owner and the injured dog walk away without any help.
 

After that day, I decided to do anything I could to help the homeless and their pets. I would strive to save as much money as possible to support their pets, given that Bellingham lacks organizations that offer veterinarian care or pet supplies to the homeless and their pets. When I can help them and their pets, I am pleased and joyful. I have always helped them, and I have no intention of stopping.
 

I firmly believe that contributing to the following areas would boost cheerfulness and optimism:
 

1) Helping with a smile
 

2) Helping with a sincere heart
 

3) Helping without judgment
 

It is often difficult for the homeless with pets to find a shelter that will take them in. Especially in the winter months, they are in dire need of a place to stay dry and warm. Pet food is also a constant issue for them; therefore, they need help finding an agency that provides pet food as well as veterinary care for their sick or injured pets.
 

Please consider donating to our organization and share this message with your friends and family. All the donations help pay for veterinary care, vaccinations, and pet supplies. Every dollar will help to improve their quality of life.

Thank you for your support

Helen Lam