Guest Writer Stacy: Tough Times for Pets, too

Daughter Stacy is experiencing firsthand the effects the slowing economy has on people...including herself. Though she's struggling to kickstart that new degree into a real career, she's staying positive and volunteering for an organization in San Francisco called PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support). She sent this message to me just before Christmas, and it reminds me that there are lots of ways to help people in need. Sometimes going through their pets seems so much easier and more satisfying for both the giver and the receiver.

It is a tough time for a lot of people.

Yesterday me and three friends piled into the Egg of Saftey (that's Stacy's little Hyundai Accent) and delivered cat/doggy toys to PAWS clients in the Tenderloin. We mostly visited transitional shelters and homes for those with mental illness. A few people invited us inside to play with their pets. One cat really made an impression: his name is Ollie and he came right out and rubbed up against all of us. His owner immediately took out one of the toys and Ollie chased it around the bathroom. I realized when people are moving a lot, simple things like dog chew toys and cat treats get lost in the chaos. Bringing them gifts not only pepped up the animals, but made their owners smile too.

It was a really nice day!