Helen Woodward Animal Center and K9 Dimensions Offer Warmth and Wellness to the Pets of San Diego’s Homeless…
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2019) – Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Pets Without Walls Program is undoubtedly a heart-warming campaign, but this week the program aims to provide literal warmth to the pets of San Diego’s homeless. Thanks to a generous donation from Robby and Marca Alejandro of K9 Dimensions, 100 pets residing in temporary homeless shelters will snuggle into new sweaters and toasty blankets to battle the winter temperatures. Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Pets Without Walls spay and neuter vehicle will be on site at the City of San Diego’s Temporary Bridge Shelter, operated by Alpha Project through a contract with the San Diego Housing Commission (at the corner of 16th Street and Newton Avenue) this coming Wednesday, January 23rd with healthcare checks and the cozy gifts.
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been honored to join efforts to assist homeless families by keeping their furry companions fed and healthy. Currently the Pets Without Walls Program makes two visits every month to shelters headed by Alpha Project, Father Joe’s, and Interfaith, providing health checks, microchipping, preventative medical care, needed vaccinations, flea and tick medication, and pet food (through an extension of the Center’s AniMeals program), along with pet beds and toys, and human clothing and blanket donations from the Center’s Orphaned Objects resale store.
With the latest rains and frigid temperatures, however, Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms put out an urgent request for pet supplies specifically aimed at keeping these beloved pets protected from the elements. K9 Dimensions, which first became involved with the Center in 2018 as a Surf Dog sponsor, immediately answered the call.
K9 Dimensions founders Robby and Marca Alejandro began their canine health supplement business after serving in the United States Military. Robby served 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corp. and Marca served in Dessert Storm as a fighter jet quality assurance officer. Today Robby works for a government agency and Marca is employed as a professor and a business strategist, all while building their pet-focused business. Upon meeting the Alejandros, Arms recognized their amazing compassion and loving hearts.
“I’m fortunate to meet a lot of wonderful people in this field,” stated Arms, “but there are a few who really stand out and go above and beyond to try to make this world a better place for animals. I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness they are extending to the pets of San Diego’s homeless individuals.”
K9 Dimensions is not only donating 100 doggie sweaters, and 100 hand-made blankets, they plan to be on-site for the distribution of the sweaters and blankets in order to measure any dog that needs a special size.
“When presented with the privilege of helping the 4-legged companions of the homeless we knew that it was the right thing to do,” stated Robby, “because all dogs matter and we all need a little help sometimes.”
Members of the media are invited to the Pets Without Walls “Cozy Critters” Visit, to shoot video and do interviews at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 23rd, at the City of San Diego’s Temporary Bridge Shelter, operated by Alpha Project through a contract with the San Diego Housing Commission (at the corner of 16th Street and Newton Avenue).
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.