Phoenix nonprofit Dog's Day Out AZ helps homeless people and their pets
Phoenix nonprofit helps homeless and their pets
A local nonprofit is helping homeless individuals in Phoenix keep their pets healthy by covering the costs of essential supplies and medical surgeries.
PHOENIX - One nonprofit has made it its mission to distribute supplies like food, water and even medical care to animals belonging to unhoused people throughout Phoenix. And they say demand is only increasing.
What we know:
Dog's Day Out AZ is celebrating six years here in the Phoenix area, six years of being a lifeline for the homeless and their pets. The group believes everyone deserves compassion, and they are working hard to give it.
A success story
Cody Lewis and his dog Charlie are inseparable.
"We're buddies man, that's my word right there," Lewis said.
(Courtesy: Dog's Day Out AZ)
And while they don't always have a roof over their heads, Lewis says Charlie's wellbeing is his No. 1 priority.
"Keeping him healthy keeps me healthy," Lewis said.
Charlie is one of thousands of dogs cared for by Dog's Day Out AZ.
"[On] an average day, we get about 130 phone calls into our hotline," said Monique Hebert, founder and president. "We have boots on the ground all over the Valley."
Important partnership
The group, which runs solely on volunteers and donations, often works with the City of Phoenix.
Featured
Health Department commits over $700 million to mental health and homelessness efforts
The Department of Health and Human Services plans to tackle the root causes of homelessness and mental health with millions of dollars allocated to expand local health clinics, recovery programs, and other initiatives.
"Being able to show the individual that we not only care about them — but we care about their pets — really goes a long way [towards] building rapport with an unsheltered individual," said Jackie Breidt, a homeless liaison for the City of Phoenix.
Changing stigmas
The initiative also aims to change the stigma that people without homes don't deserve a pet.
"I want to be the first to say it. That is wrong. The rescues are full. Where are all these dogs going to go?" Hebert said. "Many times, this is all they have left in life. It is their reason to get up in the morning. It is their reason to push forward and get off the streets and get themselves together."
Many of their clients agree with that.
"He's everything to me," Reggie, a Dog's Day Out AZ client, said of his dog Blue.
What you can do:
If you would like to donate or volunteer with Dogs Day Out, or you know someone who needs their help, you can go to their Facebook page or call their hotline at 480-249-5676.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Monique Hebert and the City of Phoenix.