This was written last year; December 26th to be exact; please take a moment to read the following article; though it's a bit different from what we usually deal with, it shows the more compassionate side of human-kind in today's society

 

Mae

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                                                   www.theoaklandpress.com

 

 

By Michael P. McConnell

 

At the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project in Ferndale, pets are recognized as benefiting clients with affection and companionship.

 

"Medical research shows pets have been demonstrated to be very beneficial to people who are ill and seem to heop them heal quicker." said Craig Covey, Ferndale's mayor-elect and head of MAPP, a nonprofit agency.

 

For the month of December, the pets of about 80 MAPP clients are getting free pet food, treats and toys to assist the clients in keeping their animals.

 

For the past decade, the agency has offered the WAGS program, which provides pet food, reduced-cost veterinary care and other services to help metro-Detroit residents with HIV or AIDS care for their pets year-round.

 

But December is the month when MAPP workers offer baskets of treats for the clients' dogs and cats.

 

"Very few programs (for clients) include programs for pets." Covery said. "So my staff volunteers to step up to fulfill what we feel is an important need."  Covey estimets MAPP will distribute about a half ton of dog treats, cat toys, pet food and other supplies this month.

 

Area businesses that make or sell the pet items donate them to MAPP.

 

"Pets are part of the family." said Jihannh Jones, who heads the WAGS program.  "We don't want to forget them during the holiday season."

 

The WAGS (Wonderful Animals Giving Support) program relies soley on donations and support from the community.  It serves low-income clientsin Southeast Michigan.

 

The MAPP offices are hrimming with everything from squeak toys to catnip and treats, said Monica Mills, MAPP's office manager.  "But we are so happy to be helping people care for their companion animals." Mills said.

 

 

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