Presents for Paws

December 19, 2010

Miracle on Oglethorpe Street

For people like Viola, Presents for Paws is a holiday dream come true. A retired school teacher now in her 80’s, Viola is the proud guardian of Precious Barbie, a puppy mill poodle whom she adopted from the League after her former dog died. Because she is on a fixed income—her pension barely covers her essential needs—Viola has been a Medical Center client for years. Our veterinarians report that Viola’s animals have always gotten the care they deserve because they are able to receive discounted rates at the League’s Medical Center.

Without the help of our Rescuers’ Food Bank, Viola says she would have to forego food herself to ensure that she could feed her dog and the stray cats she has been caring for since her own cat died at age 20 plus.  “They need me, and I need them,” she explains. “They’re the reason I get up in the morning!”

Not long ago, a car hit Viola in a parking lot, making her already difficult life that much harder.  Now her daughter comes to the League to pick up the dog and cat food she needs. Now that Viola cannot make the trip herself, her daughter brings the tokens of gratitude that Viola always shows up with: a tray of homemade snacks for the staff and a single dollar bill.

Presents for Paws, now in its tenth year, is a holiday drive to collect pet food, treats, toys, and supplies for our Rescuers’ Food Bank, which helps low-and fixed-income neighbors take good care of their beloved pets. With the continued economic difficulties that so many are experiencing, more people and pets than ever before need the help.

Gifts can be brought to our shelter (71 Oglethorpe Street, NW, between New Hampshire and Kansas Avenues). Or they can be purchased and dropped off at the following locations:

• The Big Bad Woof, 117 Carroll Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202-291-2404
• Chateau Animaux, 524 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-8710
• Pet Needs, 4455 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 202-363-6644
• Pet Valu, 11229A New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-754-3690
• Living Ruff, 8517 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-495-7833
• Green Pets, 1722 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202-986-7907
• PetCo, 10464 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, 302-937-1222
• Westwood Pet Centre, 5428 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, MD 301-654-0604
• Bethesda Pet Shoppe, 4939 Elm Street, Bethesda, MD 301-718-8623
• Wagtime Pet Boutique, 1232 9th Street, NW, Washington DC, 202-789-0870
• ProFeed, all locations! check http://www.profeedpet.com for store locations

More locations being added in the weeks ahead

And thank you from Viola, Precious Barbie, and the hundreds of happy people, dogs, and cats whose lives you will touch.