PAWS/LA
Picture
Your gift will help. Thank you!
  • Home
  • Ways To Give
    • Cash Gifts
    • Facebook Fundraise
    • Wills & Estates
    • In Honor/ Memory Of
    • Workplace Giving
    • Corporate Support
    • Personal Campaigns
  • How We Help
    • People with HIV/AIDS
    • West Hollywood Residents
    • Housing Advocacy
    • Resource List
    • Stories and Testimonials
  • PETSTRONG
    • Program Services
    • Advisory Board
    • Research
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Volunteer FAQs
    • Volunteer Testimonials
  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Board and Staff
    • Our Sponsors
    • Contact Us

#GivingTuesday: Jim and Frankie Blue Eyes

11/16/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Jim passed away on October 29th

“He didn’t run away when I got cancer.
He actually came closer.”

Jim Yogoda and his companion dog, Frankie Blue Eyes, share a special bond that no illness or diagnosis can break. According to the 58-year-old, who called Los Angeles home for most of his life, Frankie takes care of him.
 
After all, Frankie has been a faithful companion that has stood by Jim’s side as he bravely lived with HIV for the last 28 years.
 
Recently, life threw another curve ball at Jim and Frankie.  Jim was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer, which spread to his bones, and doctors informed him that he had only 3-6 months to live.
 
Jim’s first fear was the thought of losing Frankie. He couldn’t bear to imagine life or death without his loyal friend.
 
“When Frankie came into my life, that was the best thing that ever happened,” Jim said. “I’ve got a true friend. And, he didn’t run away when I got cancer. He actually came closer.”

Read More
0 Comments

A helping paw: Companion animals care for veterans with PTSD

11/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
PictureMake a Special Gift to Veterans and their Pets Now!
By Bob Dellinger
Angelus News Magazine

      Nov. 5, a brisk early Saturday morning near the merry-go-round in Griffith Park. Diego Ortiz of PAWS/LA was standing in front of a white tarp trying to get the attention of two dozen dogs and their guardians. Since 1989, the nonprofit has been dedicated to preserving the healing benefits of animal companionship for low-income elderly and others facing life-threatening illnesses like HIV/AIDS. But today he was talking about the launching of a new program called Project Petstrong geared to veterans suffering from PTSD. And part of the kickoff was with a two-mile “pets’ hike” in the sprawling urban park.

“There are 1.9 million veterans in California, 350,000 in Los Angeles County alone,” he said. “And according to PAWS/LA estimates, there are approximately 6,000 low-income veterans with PTSD and/or depression who count on their companion animals to cope with the devastating effects of PTSD. That’s 6,000 just in LA County. That’s why we started Project Petstrong.”

Ortiz pointed out that more than two-thirds of today’s veterans reported difficulties adjusting back to civilian life. And up to 45 percent of post 9/11 veterans suffer from PTSD, with nearly 14 percent demonstrating suicidal tendencies. “As we all know, our companion animals can bring us out of the darkness,” he said. “They can take us out of that dark place, and give us a reason to live.”

Kevin Lewandowski, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who was homeless for 28 years, spoke passionately about his transformation out of that darkness and addiction. He testified how living on the street had left him with a “hardened heart.” It was during a three-year stint in two California state prisons that he finally turned his life over to God, returning to the Catholic faith of his youth.



Read More
0 Comments

VetsĀ  and Pets Fun Hike: November 2016

11/7/2016

0 Comments

 
On Saturday, November 5th, PAWS/LA hosted its first-ever Vets and Pets Fun Hike. This hike took place in Griffith Park and was open to all pet guardians and friends of PAWS/LA. We are proud to celebrate Veterans Day and launch our new program for veterans with PTSD.

The meet-up was the first event held under our PROJECT PETSTRONG banner. Before our walk we saluted the men and women who risked their lives to serve our country. We also got to meet some brave retired soldiers and their four-legged friends.

PAWS/LA hopes to continue organizing these meet-ups to give veterans, their families and their pets a safe environment to bond and enjoy the natural beauty all around us.

PAWS/LA would like to thank Wendy Newell for leading the hike, and Kevin Lewandowski for sharing his story.

We welcomed about 20 hikers and 15 dogs. It was a great turn out for the first fun hike for veterans.

To make a Donation click here.
0 Comments

    Archives

    February 2019
    March 2018
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All
    PQ Newsletter

    RSS Feed

Picture

Contact Us

PAWS/LA
2121 S. Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007  


213.741.1950 (phone)
​213.741.1640 (fax)


info@pawsla.org
www.pawsla.org

Quick Links

HOME
WAYS TO GIVE
HOW WE HELP
VOLUNTEER
ABOUT US
NEWS & EVENTS

Stay In Touch

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Send A Note

Give A Gift

Picture
Federal Tax ID#: 95-4178092

Copyright 2016 | All Rights Reserved | PAWS/LA | Website by iTrust Marketing | Privacy Policy