Spreading the Joy of Dog Ownership: New Foundation Seeks to Help People Who Cant Afford Them

With an estimated 39% of the U.S. population owning at least one dog, its clear that Americans love dogs. Studies continually show that owning a dog can also improve your quality of life. However, dogs can be expensive and not everyone can afford to own one. On the average, dog owners spend at least $263 annually on veterinary-related expenses, and the prices rise every year. This is more than some households can bear to part with. Is there anywhere to turn for someone who desperately wants to own a dog but cant afford it?

(PRWEB) July 20, 2005 -- With an estimated 39% of the U.S. population owning at least one dog, its clear that Americans love dogs. Studies continually show that owning a dog can also improve your quality of life. However, dogs can be expensive and not everyone can afford to own one. On the average, dog owners spend at least $263 annually on veterinary-related expenses, and the prices rise every year. This is more than some households can bear to part with. Is there anywhere to turn for someone who desperately wants to own a dog but cant afford it?

"In these economically challenged times, many of us have to go without things and experiences that, could we afford them, would add a great deal to our lives," says Lisa Bernhard, founder of the Wagging Tail Foundation. "No one should have to live without animals because the costs involved are too high."

A wait in a veterinarians office inspired Bernhard to start the non-profit Wagging Tail Foundation. "I watched a woman come in with an ill animal she could not afford to treat," say Bernhard. "he vet office wouldnt do the procedure for free and it occurred to me that there should be a fund to help out people who cant afford to pay for care or treatment."

After leaving her New York City law career, Bernhard devoted herself full-time to developing the Wagging Tail Foundation and to focus on her burgeoning writing career. "My hope and dream is that everyone who wants a dog but cant afford one can get one from us," says Bernhard. "Additionally, I never want to see a dog put to sleep because its owner cant afford to care for the animals special needs or emergency costs."

Bernhard is currently trying to raise funds to help her new non-profit organization take off. "If we can persuade everyone to just send one dollar, we can really make a huge difference in peoples lives," says Bernhard. "It is out belief that the dream of sharing your home with a dog should never be abandoned because of financial status, physical capacity, or mental limitations."

For qualified applicants, the foundation will assume all veterinary, food, medical and hygiene costs as well as any reasonable pet shot fees necessary to maintain the dogs general well-being, quality of life, and happiness. "Pets are people with fur, and in many cases, they mean the world to the people that love them," says Bernhard. "Having dogs helped me to create a family and I want to share that same kind of happiness with everyone."

To learn how to help the Wagging Tail Foundation or to set up an interview with Lisa Bernhard for a story, please contact Jay Wilke at 727-443-7115, ext. 223.

Lisa Bernhard's latest book, Lilacs in Bloom, is also available for review.

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