A terminally-ill patient was living alone with his best friend, a cat. In order to pay for vet care, he was sharing his one meal each day with the cat and was skipping some of his own medications.

Touched by the fact that this man was risking his own health for the health of his cat, Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinarian, and Dr. Margaret Schulte, an educator, decided to take action. P.A.L.S. Atlanta was born.

Keeping pets with their people
P.A.L.S. helps people with critical illness or disabilities keep their existing pets, despite medical or financial changes brought on by illness. P.A.L.S. provides free pet food to clients in seven counties in and outside of the Metro Atlanta area. The group pays for veterinary care, spay & neutering of animals, and free transportation to and from vet clinics. P.A.L.S. also offers free foster care when owners are hospitalized, and adoption programs when necessary.

Since its inception in 1990, P.A.L.S. (Pets Are Loving Support) has provided services to more than 1000 clients and 1300 animals in the Atlanta area.

"Many terminally ill people lose the support and contact of family and friends, not to mention their financial independence, jobs, homes and savings," said Ken Rich, executive director. "P.A.L.S. helps keep pets and owners together, and we all know how important that companionship is. Studies show that companion animals have a positive influence on the quality of life for the aging and ill. Pets offer a sense of continuity, stability, and love to our lives."

P.A.L.S. is currently the only organization in the Atlanta metropolitan area to provide free pet care to critically ill and disabled persons. Their reputation and accomplishments have resulted in accolades and recognition from several organizations, including the Atlanta Humane Society.

FUNdraising
Providing these important services is costly, so P.A.L.S. presents some spectacular and unique fundraising events, including a monthly themed bingo night hosted by celebrity "Bubba D. Licious."

The organization's largest fundraiser is "Rubbing Noses," an exclusive fashion show featuring couture and canines, held yearly at Neiman Marcus. Runway models escorted by dogs from the Atlanta Kennel Club model the latest fashions from a well-known designer. This year's event is scheduled for September 29.

Help wanted
Community outreach and publicity have helped P.A.L.S. grow to its current size. Today, P.A.L.S. boasts 50 volunteers who serve more than 400 pets. The organization also retains two full time and one part-time employee. However, their client base also continues to increase. To attain their goal of continuing to provide pet care to those who so desperately need to have their pets with them, P.A.L.S. needs more volunteers and additional funding.

"We believe that there will be a day when the love and companionship provided by a pet will never be taken away from any critically ill or disabled person because of their inability to continue to care for their best friend, their pet," their website attests.

To learn more about P.A.L.S., or to make a donation, visit www.palsatlanta.org