Sarah and her cherished cat, Coco, were among the many families who attended this summer’s Because They Matter event in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Community members picked up supplies for their companion animals and learned about accessing the VHS’s McVitie Fund for veterinary care assistance.
Sarah shared that Coco has been by her side through addiction recovery, alerts her before seizures, and helps her manage her autism. Holding Coco close, Sarah gushed about “her little buddy,” and said that she “couldn’t do life without her.”
At Because They Matter, Sarah was able to choose toys and a food dispenser to enrich Coco’s life. She admitted, “I was really nervous about coming out, simply because there’s shame associated with needing help.” But the warm welcome from volunteers and staff quickly put her at ease: “I was greeted with a lot of compassion and a lot of kindness.”
Supporters like you make it possible for loved animals to get the care they need without having to be surrendered to the already overflowing shelter and rescue system. The community, their stories, and their bonds with their beloved pets matter.
Thank you for being here for animals and those who love them.