Gemina Garland-Lewis, research coordinator at the Center for One Health Research, organized animal services for the first shared human/animal Feel Good Day Sept. 4 in the U District. The semi-annual event, led by Facing Homelessness, offers free services for the homeless, including haircuts and massage therapy.
For the first time, the pets of those experiencing homeless got services, too: basic veterinary care, including rabies vaccination, grooming, and goodie bags with food and treats. The Center for One Health Research is networking to create a permanent shared clinic for pets and their owners who are homeless or low income.
Garland-Lewis, also a professional photographer, is conducting a documentary photo project telling the stories of people who are homeless and have animals.
"The goal is to use visual storytelling to help break down misconceptions surrounding those who are homeless with pets and bring together communities working on both the human and animal sides of homelessness to highlight the importance of these relationships and the need for more combined services," Garland-Lewis says. "Just like for those who are housed, pets provide friendship, companionship, security, reduce anxiety and loneliness, and improve health status of owners - this relationship is often even stronger for those who are without shelter, however, and many will seek to care for their animals before themselves."
PhD student and COHR team member Heather Fowler (Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences), a veterinarian, helped with planning and volunteered at the event. (Photos by Gemina Garland-Lewis)