Pets Are Wonderful Support
615 Congress Street, PO Box 5305, Portland, Maine 04101
Why Are Pets So Important to People with AIDS?
All of us know the peace and pleasure we get from our animals. Pets are indeed very important for health and emotional well-being. For people with AIDS, the psychological and physical health benefits of having pets are even more significant. When people are afraid to touch you, it is no small thing that your dog is always there to nuzzle your hand and be petted. When your friends and relatives seem to disappear, your cat will be your best friend and confidant.
The psychological benefits of pet ownership are so important. In addition to providing companionship and consistency, pets give their owners pleasure, joy, comfort, and love -- commodities that are often in short supply for people with AIDS. In fact, one of the wonders of owning a pet is the way they often draw out friendship and laughter in other people, bringing more of these cherished needs into their owners' lives. People are more likely to smile or say something nice to you when you are walking a dog than when you are walking alone. This is very important for people with HIV/AIDS who may find their social interactions changed dramatically when people found out they were HIV- positive.
PAWS volunteers and supporters understand completely the importance of pets to people with HIV/AIDS. There is a volume of scientific evidence to back up this common-sense knowledge. Pets are extremely helpful in reducing stress, improving health outcomes, and increasing well-being.
Ok. but what does PAWS do?
- Provides pet food and supplies at no cost.
- Provides foster homes for pets when their owners are in the hospital.
- Provides veterinarian referrals and discount fees at Maine vets.
- Provides health and educational information, including "safe pet guidelines" to pet owners.
- Informs the community about the healing benefits of pet ownership for people with HIV/AIDS.
Who can use our services?
Paws is a non-profit charitable organization. Our assistance is available to pet-owning people with HIV/AIDS.
Our services are only limited by the availability of volunteers and resources.
How Can I Help?
Because PAWS is an organization that relies exclusively on donations, you can help us carry out our mission by giving in many different ways:
- Outright Donations
- Any gift of cash, securities or real estate entitles you to an immediate tax deduction.
- Memorials
- To honor a lover, friend, pet, family member, of anyone you chose, send a contribution to PAWS. All gifts in memory of a person or pet are acknowledged and we gladly notify others of your thoughtfulness at your request.
- Planned Giving
- When Pets Are Wonderful Support is named as a beneficiary in your will, your estate may realize an estate tax saving. To assure that your requests are carried out in accordance with your wishes, please be sure to use our full name of Pets Are Wonderful Support.
- Matching Gifts
- Many companies will match monthly or payroll deduction gifts as well as annual gifts. To initiate this process, just.get your company's matching gift application from your Human Services office, fill it out, and send a copy to us.
- Volunteer
- Paws relies on volunteers to help with direct client services, as well as professional services such as fund-raising, special events, education, and clerical help. If interested call us.
(207) 775-9109
Yes, I want to help out
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Make checks payable to:
PAWS or
Pets Are Wonderful Support, 615 Congress Street, PO Box 5305, Portland, Maine 04101
Phone or Fax: (207) 871-9109
A Volunteer AIDS Service
Organization
Member of the Maine
AIDS Alliance.
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