This initiative officially kicked off in January of 2023 when our Founder, Amy Weisenburger was contacted by the Owner of Dogsmartz Unleashed, to help an individual with a dog who was experiencing homelessness while battling stage four cancer.
The man was turned down for temporary housing and could not go to a shelter without surrendering his best friend and animal companion of many years.
Sadly this scenario is not rare. There are too many individuals experiencing homelessness who are faced with the impossible situation of having to choose between a warm and safe place to sleep, or their best friend and animal companion.
Yet many humans experiencing homelessness would not even consider abandoning their animal companion. They instead continue to choose the harsh cold streets with nothing but each other. And they do this day after day, week after week, and for some, year after year.
It is this incredible, undeniable, and unbreakable bond between humans and dogs that ARCnests seeks to support.
Our Project: The Dog Bond provides immediate short-term needs for these dogs and their human companions with the intention of bridging the time gap until longer term care and housing are obtained.
The short-term needs include a custom mix of food, nutritional support, transportation to/from Vet clinics, and coordinating communication with local agencies for government programs and housing.
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We meet our customers where-they-are-at and adapt accordingly.
From inception to date, ARCnests has provided:
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Dog gear and supplies that support current living environment
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Dog tags and local registration
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Facilitating veterinary care
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Obtaining ESA legal compliance
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Sourcing short or long term dog foster parents and/or re-homing
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Coordination with Catholic Charities, Neoch, Refuge of Hope, and many local shelters in Stark, Summit, Cuyahoga, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties
Lastly, we provide compassion, emotional support, and understanding.
When you cannot find compassion in the world, find it in yourself.