Posted on 02/26/2005 8:28:27 PM PST by Former Military Chick
Steve Albin thought he’d be enjoying retirement right about now with lots of nothing to do.
Instead, the former dog breeder and owner of a kennel and grooming store works full-time running a global network, pairing troops and their pets with volunteers who’ll give those pets a temporary home.
Albin started NetPets.org shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, figuring the nation would be going to war.
“I heard what happened during the last desert war. If military members had no friends or family who could step up to the plate, they were left with nonacceptable options: shelter or abandonment.
“Either way, they would never see their pets again. … What a morale builder,” Albin deadpanned. “In order to serve and protect, you have to kill your best buddy.”
About 5,000 foster families worldwide make up the mosaic of pet lovers and owners that is the MilitaryPetsFOSTER Project, specifically designed to connect foster homes with military members who might be deploying, moving or going to school.
South Carolina resident Lynn Boccia is fostering “Semper,” a 2-year-old shepherd-mix owned by a Marine who deployed for seven months.
“With all we ask of our service personnel … I wondered what I could do on my end. I can’t take up arms and fight side-by-side, but I can open my home to their pets. That’s at least one worry off their mind,” said Boccia, assistant clerk for the Beaufort County Council.
Semper joined her home already filled with two dogs and two cats, and aside from the occasional “stand-off,” they’ve all gotten along. Every Monday morning when she gets to work, she e-mails the Marine, whom she declined to identify, keeping him in the loop on Semper’s activities and shenanigans, “like chasing moles in the backyard.”
Pets have to be legal (no venomous snakes, for example), up-to-date on all vaccinations, and spayed or neutered if they are not show animals, Albin said. Foster families must provide a list of references and contact information for a local veterinarian.
Anyone interested in taking in a pet or making a charitable donation can visit www.NetPets.Org.
I think they have found a needed niche and I commend them for giving our troops the peace of mind they need to do their job and know their pets are cared for.
If you check out the website you will see a link if you would like to foster pets. I know many of us want to do more for our troops thus the posting. If we only make a difference for one soldier it was 1 more than it was 5 minutes ago.
Furry critter ping.
How wonderful this is!! I wasn't aware. I would volunteer except my pupster Lola won't allow it.
There is an organization in Atlanta that does Pet Foster care for people who have Aids or other debilitating illnesses. When the person goes into the hospital for treatment there are foster homes that care for the pet until the person can come home. They also help with Vet care, food and meds for the pets. the last thing a sick person needs is to not be able to keep their "best friend."
Thanks for posting this again. I'd heard about it and thought it was a great idea, but I had a 14 year old fur baby who wouldn't play nice with other critters. Sadly I lost her in November. I now have a puppy in the house and it might work. I'm off to check into it further.
What a great thing to do------I hate to see loving pets abandoned,even when it is out of necessity.
BTTT
What a wonderful service for those who are ill. Pets can really make a difference for those who are ill.
I can also understand that you already have many pets and this would not work for you. But, perhaps you can send it along and they can send it along and just maybe someone will help a service member torn over the care of his pet while serving overseas.
Excellent comment thank you.
furry 4 legged pet **PING**
My cat would like this too much. He's extremely sociable. :)
www.deploymentdogs.com offers a similar project-including fostering.
Wow thank you for adding that to the thread. It is nice to so much generousity towards our troops and their 4 legged friends.
This will go out to all my non-Freepering friends. Good idea to get the word out about the support for our Troops and thier "Little Persons in a Fur Coat."
Dual-list ping - this is important!
PING!
Thanks. Noted.
De nada.
Hank Hill volunteered last week--and got a cat that cost him a whole bunch of money. Wonder if tv shows like that help or hurt the cause?
FYI prayer warriors...wonderful organization!!
I said I could take anything but birds... I have a bad feeling about Gidget with birds ;~D
Also pinging some of the FReepers who helped so generously with the boarding bill for the dogs belonging to an injured Marine who was in recovery a while back. This would be a super alternative to expensive boarding like they had to do.
Thanks for this. I am going to check it out. I already have 4 dogs, that's one more than my subdivision allows per house but what the heck! No one would know. I have a big yard.
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