BOOTS IN SERVICE PROGRAM HELPING OUR UNITED STATES VETERANS AND THEIR PETS SINCE 2016 South Carolina is home to over 420,000 veterans and many have complex medical and emotional needs which can require treatment in a health care facility. Unfortunately, for some veterans with no family, the answer to a health concern is not simple. More often than not, the health care treatment is declined by the veteran so they can keep their pet. Surrendering a beloved pet to a shelter with the prospect of never seeing them again to receive medical, and sometimes lifesaving, care is unacceptable. Pawmetto Lifeline has an answer. Case managers and social workers can now refer veterans to the Boots in Service program and once qualified, Pawmetto Lifeline will offer the following services at no-charge while the veteran receives the care they need: boarding, foster homes, basic care, medical services including vaccinations, microchips, and spay/ neuter surgeries. The veteran can then seek their treatment knowing their pet is well-cared for and will be waiting for them when they come home. Pawmetto Lifeline has named this program Boots in Service to honor Governor Henry McMaster for his lifelong commitment to animal welfare. The McMaster’s beloved English bulldog Boots was well known among state staffers and was often seen on the state house grounds attending meetings with the Governor. It was very sad for the McMaster family when Boots passed away from cancer in 2016. Meet Mr. Bright, a recent recipient of the Boots In Service Program. Mr. Bright, a veteran, reached out to us and was on the verge of losing everything: his wife, children, home and his pets. Thankfully, someone referred him to us to assist with his two dogs, Bear and Dax. Through our Boots in Service program, we were able to give Mr. Bright peace of mind so he could focus on getting healthy. Mr. Bright picked up Dax and Bear and said he could finally have a happy Thanksgiving and a new beginning! A huge thank you to the Mungo Foundation for funding this program.
Mr. Bright with Bear and Dax
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