 | | | Irma, a chihuahua/terrier mix nicknamed Squirmy, is one of the adorable pups available for adoption. Photo Kara Navolio | | | | | | Over 100 residents stopped by Orinda Books on Oct. 7 to cuddle kittens and play with pups for a Paw Fund adoption event. Forty hopeful pet lovers turned in applications, and several adoptions were completed that day. Pet lovers could also find a large selection of pet-themed books for sale with a portion of the proceeds donated to the nonprofit organization.
Paw Fund has a unique mission compared to other nonprofits supporting pets. Paw Fund's main goal is to provide free vet care to homeless and low-income pet owners. "Our mission," stated Jill Posener, "is to help people help their pets." The organization, founded in 2011, offers a monthly clinic in Berkeley where pet owners can get minor health issues addressed for free. They often see over 150 pets at these clinics where they offer vaccines, treat minor conditions, and spay and neuter pets. They have a vet on staff, but the organization is primarily run by a regular crew of 30 volunteers.
They even have an outreach group that visits homeless encampments, bringing their services to populations who have no transportation. "It empowers people when they can get the proper care for their animals," added Posener. These animals, in turn, offer emotional support to people who might really need it.
In some situations, their clients might have to surrender their pets or find homes for litters. These are the pets that are offered for adoption at Paw Fund Adoption events. Their clients never have to worry that these animals would be euthanized; they are all cared for in foster homes until permanent homes can be found.
While Paw Fund serves the Berkeley area, they partner with similar organizations that also offer free or low cost clinics like theirs in Oakland (PALS East Bay) and Contra Costa County (Furry Friends Pet Relief).
On some occasions when pets might need a more extensive procedure they are able to partner with Animal Rescue Foundation and other vets for services.
A link on the Paw Fund website (www.pawfund.org) will lead you to Pet Finder where their adoptable pets are featured. The next adoption event is Oct. 20 at Holistic Hound in Berkeley.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA