A welcome windfall

(Photo by Dr. Jon Geller)

Dogs and cats in encampments, some the pets of homeless owners and others unowned, enjoyed quality pet food along with toys, leashes, and collars, compliments of AVMA Convention 2017 exhibitors who donated their supplies after the event. The idea came from Dr. Jon Geller, of Fort Collins, Colorado, founder of the Street Dog Coalition, who found a receptive AVMA convention staff. Donors included Hill's Pet Nutrition, Blue Buffalo, Weruva, PetSafe, Assisi Animal Health, and Royal Canin. Dr. Geller and Angela Hopson, executive director of SOAR Indianapolis, delivered the supplies to two encampments, including Camp Hodge (pictured) along the White River. The Street Outreach Animal Response Initiative is a nonprofit that seeks to preserve the bond between people experiencing homelessness and their pets, through street outreach. Colette Apke, AVMA convention sponsorship and exhibits manager, said the Association hopes to partner with even more vendors at AVMA Convention 2018 in Denver and invites inquiries at exhibitsavma [dot] org ().