Helping pet owners living with AIDS/HIV
AIDS Walk Houston is this Sunday. There's still time to register if you want to join an existing team.
One of the teams is Team SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program). SNAP's Animal Aid Program is a beneficiary of this year's AIDS Walk Houston.
The Animal Aid Program (AAP) provides free spay-neuter surgery, free wellness exams, and at-cost wellness services and products for the animals of low-income persons with HIV/AIDS.
SNAP Animal Aid Program Manager Gil Lizalde says the program is so important. "There have been numerous studies done that have shown that animal companions help people living with illness, whether it be HIV/AIDS or any other kind of chronic illness. It helps them to lead healthier, happier lives."
Those who struggle with HIV/AIDS are faced with high medical bills and are often financially challenged. It is a situation that forces many to make a choice between maintaining their health or keeping their beloved dogs and cats. SNAP's Animal Aid Program enables its clients to provide critical care for their animals at substantially reduced cost. Both the people and the animals benefit.
Gil Lizalde with SNAP says his work with the Animal Aid Program really hits home for him. "I know I couldn't live without my animals, so would hate for somebody else to have to give theirs up."
Register here for AIDS Walk Houston.
