Pet Power Project in the Works

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My daughter Kelsey came home from her psych class the other day and shared an idea that has given me renewed energy. She told me her instructor had mentioned that drug addicts are often reluctant to go to rehab because they do not want to, or can't, leave their pets.

Kelsey said she would like to do a project that would create a safe place for pets of addicts to stay while their owners are going through addiction programs or are incarcerated, whatever the needs are.

Kelsey's soon-to-be mother-in-law and her friend will be moving to a property that could be used for the project. Most importantly, the property is located near Espanola, an area where these kinds of services could really make a difference.

All Sorts of Possibilities
Kelsey's idea has been on my brain since, and I see all the possibilities:

  • As well as providing kennels and compassionate care to their pets, we could arrange for addicts to visit or be visited by their pets during their rehab process. 
  • This program could be tied in with related ones like PTSD, families of addicts, etc. 
  • The opportunities for funding are more varied. This isn't about school/education. This is about life! We can go for funding from many other sources -- healthcare, community organizations, humane societies...
  • We can partner with all sorts of organizations in our communities like animal shelters and schools.
Why don't we push this even further and consider creating a facility where addicts can get therapy in the company of their pets? Have all of it in one place? 

I think we're on to something. I always ask for feedback and rarely get actual comments but I will keep asking because I DON'T GIVE UP! Let me know what you think and if you have ideas, too, please share them with the rest of us. 

For today, go out with your pets and enjoy beautiful New Mexico. (shown in the picture is my 14-year-old sweetie pie Buster) 





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