The One-Day Fundraiser Seeks to Raise Life-Changing Funds at Helen Woodward Animal Center
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (May 17, 2023) – Helen Woodward Animal Center is asking San Diegans to come together on a single day to make a life-changing impact with a special Center program. Memorial Day is right around the corner, an ideal time for the Center fundraiser seeking donations supporting the Military Pet Program at Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Companion Animal Hospital. The Center’s Day of Giving kicks-off TOMORROW, Thursday, May 18, 2023 with the goal of raising $20,000. All donations will be DOUBLED thanks to generous supporter, KayBella Cares!
The Military Pet Program is one way Helen Woodward Animal Center extends its gratitude towards the wonderful men and women who have served. In addition to the struggles of daily stress, danger and anxiety, military homes often become one-parent families with the other deployed for weeks to months at a time. Unable to depend on the other parent to assist with children, these families face regular financial challenges, due to limited work hours while caring for a young family.
Helen Woodward Animal Center sees the unconditional love, comfort and protection a pet provides – crucial elements to assist military members and their families whose lives have been dedicated to dangerous careers and necessary bravery. Keeping these pets healthy so that they remain with their families for years to come is a kindness beyond all measure. By simply providing funding for basic wellness services for these pets, the Center seeks to give back to our military families and the cuddly family members that stand by their side.
Among those benefitting from the Center’s work is a former orphan dog named Beau. Days before Emily Hunt’s husband Austin went on his first deployment in the Marine Corp, the couple rescued Beau from a shelter in Oceanside. “We got him in really bad shape. He was starved down to his ribs,” said Emily. Neglected by a previous owner, Beau was in desperate need of care and kindness. The Hunt family provided the life-saving rescue Beau had been waiting for.
Today, however, the tables have turned. These days, it is Beau the family relies on for kindness and comfort. Beau brings unconditional love to the entire Hunt family, including their daughter Ella.
“He’s very protective of us and his little sister. He is always making sure we are safe,” said Emily Hunt. “Beau is very much my support system. Having a pet takes away most of the loneliness. It keeps you going and gives you things to look forward to.”
Beau has been able stay up-to-date on all of his vaccines thanks to the Military Pet Program.
“This program makes such a difference, because for us in the military, the majority of us don’t have any family nearby. I want to say thank you. This place has been amazing. Everyone has been so kind.”
Stories like these drive the Companion Animal Hospital’s Military Pet Program each day. Helen Woodward Animal Center can only continue the Military Pet Program with the help of the community. The Center’s Day of Giving is this Thursday, May 18th and it’s the perfect time to give.
Helen Woodward Animal Center is committed to ensuring military pets have the care they deserve to continue loving the heroes who protect us. The fund is available to active duty military personnel and their spouses or dependents rank E1-E7 or anyone 100% disabled. Services Include: wellness exams, free vaccinations, and free spays and neuters. Those interested in participating in the Center’s Day of Giving can donate online at AnimalCenter.org/DayOfGiving! Give now and know that your dollars will make TWICE the impact – thanks to Kaybella Cares.
For information on Helen Woodward Animal Center or to donate, go online at www.animalcenter.org, call (858) 756-4117 x 313 or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
***