SAM's STORY: NO MORE EITHER-OR CHOICES
Sam knew the emptiness of loss by heart. Friendships, food, shelter, security, even a leg to diabetes -- he’d forfeited them all, and more, during his years on the street.
Only two things made Sam get up in the morning: Molly and Ollie.
In their uncertain world, Sam and his dachshunds eked by, sharing sloppy kisses, soup kitchen meals and a big blanket. By sticking together, the family of three survived dark nights, harsh winters, hot summers and unwanted company. But, with his health fading, time was running out for Sam. When social workers and others pleaded with him to get help he sent them away. “He refused to leave his dogs,” one of those workers recalls. “Untreated diabetes and other health problems eventually cost Sam his life.”
Sam knew the emptiness of loss by heart. Friendships, food, shelter, security, even a leg to diabetes -- he’d forfeited them all, and more, during his years on the street.
Only two things made Sam get up in the morning: Molly and Ollie.
In their uncertain world, Sam and his dachshunds eked by, sharing sloppy kisses, soup kitchen meals and a big blanket. By sticking together, the family of three survived dark nights, harsh winters, hot summers and unwanted company. But, with his health fading, time was running out for Sam. When social workers and others pleaded with him to get help he sent them away. “He refused to leave his dogs,” one of those workers recalls. “Untreated diabetes and other health problems eventually cost Sam his life.”
THE MISSING LINK
Sam’s story might have had a different ending if only a pet fostering service had existed in Tulsa’s network of homeless services. And now one does, with creation of a new Tulsa nonprofit, Pause4Paws. After years of unmet need, the Sams of the world no longer must make an either-or choice between their pets and their own well-being.
Pause4Paws is devoted exclusively to arranging free, safe and temporary foster care for pets while their owners receive medical, mental health or substance abuse care.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Volunteer today. Become a pet foster. By temporarily taking in the pet of a loving pet owner, you'll help remove a barrier that all too often keeps them from taking advantage of the critical care they so desperately need.
Sam’s story might have had a different ending if only a pet fostering service had existed in Tulsa’s network of homeless services. And now one does, with creation of a new Tulsa nonprofit, Pause4Paws. After years of unmet need, the Sams of the world no longer must make an either-or choice between their pets and their own well-being.
Pause4Paws is devoted exclusively to arranging free, safe and temporary foster care for pets while their owners receive medical, mental health or substance abuse care.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Volunteer today. Become a pet foster. By temporarily taking in the pet of a loving pet owner, you'll help remove a barrier that all too often keeps them from taking advantage of the critical care they so desperately need.
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Website courtesy of Grey Partners