Pets Are Loving Support (PALS)
HISTORY
Pets Are Loving Support (PALS) was founded in 1990 by two Atlanta businesswomen,
Dr. Susan Wynn (a veterinarian) and Dr. Margaret Schulte (an educator) who met while doing
volunteer work for Project Open Hand. Both were animal lovers and had a common
interest in working with AIDS patients. One day another volunteer mentioned there
was a person wth AIDS who was living alone with his best friend... a cat. He was
sharing his one meal per day with his cat and foregoing some of his medications in order
to pay for veterinary care. When the two founders met, they were very touched by the
fact that this individual was risking his own health for the health of his only friend,
the cat. They immediately recognized the importance of the human/animal bond in the
person living with AIDS. In addition to losing jobs, savings, financial independence
and homes, many also lose the support and contact of family and friends. This was an
area in the life of persons living with AIDS that needed to be addressed. So, they
began collecting pet food and from this humble beginning.... emerged PALS.
Since its start eight years ago, PALS has provided services to more than 900 clients and
over 1200 pets. Currently PALS assists 575 pets with over 50 volunteers. The
program helps clients keep their animals by providing delivery of free pet food along 33
routes, spanning seven counties in and outside of the Metro Atlanta area. PALS pays
for veterinary care, spay and neutering of pets, as well as providing free transportation
to and from veterinary clinics. Free foster care is available in the event the owner
goes into the hospital. An adoption program is also available to individuals to
place their pets in a loving home, if necessary.
PURPOSE
The mission of Pets Are Loving Support is to provide ongoing care and support to
pets of Metro Atlanta area persons living with HIV/AIDS. With this assistance, pets
and owners may remain together to share the healing power of love and companionship which
flows from the human/animal bond.
ORGANIZATION
PALS - Pets Are Loving Support is a volunteer-based 501C non-profit organization.
PALS provides its services through the collaborative efforts of volunteers and
businesses in the Atlanta community.
SUPPORT
PALS relies mainly on donations received through fundraising events such as the
Atlanta Dog Jog for financial support.
