NEWS
EMANCIPET MONROE CLINIC: CELEBRATING 1 YR OF SUCCESS
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t is an understatement to say that 2020 was a challenging year. Each one of us has a story to tell about how we’ve been affected by COVID-19, and how we’ve found the strength to persevere. Emancipet (a nonprofit pet clinic) has the honor of seeing that very resilience in action among pet owners determined to provide the care their pets need – by accessing affordable veterinary care at their two Houston clinics. 2020 was a pivotal year for Emancipet and everyone who believes that people – no matter how much money they have – love their pets and will do what’s best for them when given the opportunity to do so. Houston announced it was closing nonessential businesses in March 2020, soon after Emancipet opened the new Monroe clinic (@ 8533 Gulf Freeway). The Monroe clinic opened just in time and both Houston clinics saw huge demand from clients, even with coronavirus restrictions in place. Thanks to Houston PetSet and PetSmart Charities, Emancipet’s capac-
ity was doubled with the opening of a second clinic. Approximately 30,000 patients (dogs and cats) received the veterinary care they needed at Emancipet, including spaying/neutering approximately 12,000 cats and dogs. This month (March), Emancipet celebrates their one-year anniversary of the Monroe clinic. Thanks to a collaborative effort between donors, community supporters, clients, and staff, Emancipet made sure that pet owners didn’t have to choose between buying medicine for themselves or the pets they love. Owners did not have to give up their faithful companions to a shelter when money got tight, or opt for euthanasia instead of treatment when their pet got sick or hurt. There are some 53 million dogs and cats in households that cannot afford vet care at least some of the time which often results in needless suffering for both pets and people. Together, we can change this, creating a healthier, happier and more humane environment for Houston pet families.
K9 VETERANS DAY MARCH 13
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n March 13, let’s celebrate and salute our K9 Veterans by honoring working dogs that served our Armed Forces. Most of their lives are spent in service and retirement is short. Mission K9 Rescue is celebrating this K9 Veterans day by completing the reunions of 6 Military Working Dogs from Japan with their former Handlers. “At Mission K9 Rescue,” says president Kristen Maurer, “we rescue, reunite, re-home, rehabilitate, and repair any retired working dog who has served mankind in some capacity. Since 2014, we have reunited more than 450 military working dogs with their handlers, and rescued more than 1,000 from all over the globe. We spend around a quarter of a
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million dollars annually to make sure these K9 veterans have the medical care they deserve. Our facility is a place where the dogs in our care are housed and enriched while they wait for their forever homes.” Those wishing to donate to Mission K9’s good work can visit doMWD BButler (RET nate.missionk9resJAPAN) cue.org