Some heroes wear uniforms, others wag their tails.
This Memorial Day weekend, military families can meet their match at Helen Woodward Animal Center, where adoptions are free in honor of Memorial Day.
Helen Woodward Animal Center offers several programs that serve the local military community. For example, Pet Encounter Therapy brings therapy animals to veterans at the ICS Hawthorne Center and Veterans Village San Diego. These visits aim to reduce stress, improve memory, and offer emotional support.
In addition, the Center’s AniMeals program—supported by the natural pet food company Blue Buffalo—provides pet food to wounded veterans with service dogs.
The Companion Animal Hospital at the Center also offers a Military Fund, which helps cover veterinary costs for enlisted service members (E-1 to E-7), disabled veterans, and their immediate families. To contribute, contact Renee Resko at (858) 756-4117 x 347 or visit www.animalcenter.org.
“Pairing an orphan pet with a military family is a win for everyone,” said Kendall Schulz, adoption services director. “The animals and the families both benefit from the connection, and we’re thankful to the Animals for Armed Forces Foundation for making these adoptions possible.”
Dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will be available for adoption throughout the weekend. You can see the adoptable animals at https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet.
For more details, contact the Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Department at 858-756-4117 ext. 1.
