Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/456364
SHORTCUTS NEIGHBORS 72 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Keeping Pets United with Loving Families T he term "animal welfare" may convey the idea of humane societies protecting abused dogs or housing orphaned kittens. But what if your own beloved pet needs to be spayed and your budget is tight? Help could come from Animal Welfare Assistance Group (AWAG), a little- known resource for Monterey County pet owners since 1978. AWAG (formerly known as Animal Welfare Information and Assistance) was founded more than 30 years ago by Gwendolyn May (the first execu- tive director) and Countess Kinnoull (a benefactress of The SPCA of Monterey County) to provide financial assistance and education to low- income individuals, families and seniors with pets. According to new execu- tive director Roxane Fritz, the group received almost 1,500 calls in 2014 from pet guardians seeking help with vet bills, pet food, and spay/neuter costs. "Our numbers have been steadily increasing," Fritz says. "Our current budget is $10,000 a month for spay and neuter and vet bills, but some months it is more." AWAG depends entirely on donations, which are then used for vet bills and food to keep pets in their homes instead of being abandoned to local shelters due to financial hardships. Fritz says her goals for the future include more outreach, promoting low-cost vaccination clin- ics, and more community education about pet care. About 14,000 dogs and cats end up in Monterey County shelters each year, often when vet care or good food is unaffordable for the owner. "The people we serve love their animals and want to do the best for them," says Fritz. "Seniors and disabled veterans come to rely on their pets for friendship and even exercise." Beyond direct donations, AWAG runs a thrift store called Tailwaggers in Pacific Grove, which accepts gently used items to be sold, with proceeds used for food and veterinarian services for economically disadvantaged Monterey County pet guardians. On Saturday, March 21st, from 12-4pm, a "Paw-di Gras" fundraiser (with a Mardi Gras theme) is being held at the Pacific Grove Community Center. Tailwaggers Benefit Shop is at 206 17th St., Pacific Grove. Donations (and shoppers!) appreciated Monday-Saturday. AWAG welcomes financial applicants and donors. Call 831/659-2156 or visit www.animalwelfare.org for details. —Catrina Coyle Tailwaggers Benefit Shop sells gently used items to fund the programs of Animal Welfare Assistance Group. Shop manager Jennifer DeGroodt (with Pax the Papillon mix) and AWAG Executive Director Roxane Fritz (with Phoebe the Pug) work to keep pets united with their owners. Photo: Kelli Uldall