"Livin in a rainbowland 
Where everything goes as planned and I smile
‘Cause I know of we tried, we could really make a difference in this world
I won’t give up or sleep a wink
It’s the only thought I think 
You know where I stand 
I believe we can start livin’ in a rainbowland ….” 
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus, 2022 

That’s really a great song, with a magnificent beat. If we believe like that, maybe it could happen. 

With that in mind, I’ll say just a little about what’s happening with Home Van Pet Care Project.  
Through many years of hard work, YOU have supported us in our efforts to feed and care for pets of people in our community. This has enabled us to help many people and their pets through a hard time in their lives. 

We still house and care for three kitties from the original Tent City Tribe. Feather who is around 17 now,is a blind kitty but she is healthy and gets around very well. Silver and Gold, brother and sister are 12. I will never forget the day we brought them home. Since they had always come together to eat in the mornings, we set up a drop trap. They went right in to the food, Melissa Glikes pulled the rope and they were ours. They still love each other and are very precious to us. 

After we followed the homeless camps to Dignity Village, the cats and dogs all had homes and owners, no colonies there. We still remember and hear from former residents of Dignity Village and if they need help we do respond. Melissa follows several people, and just gave someone a ride to St. Francis Pet Care Clinic where he is an established client with his pets. 

Sometimes I do wonder how we ever did all that. I am glad about it, but wouldn’t want to do it over again! 

This year, after almost 20 years, we decided to cut back and phase out. Although we did cut back, we still receive several calls each week, many from people we know from Tent City and Dignity Village. Typically, they have a place to live, but still need some help with their pets.  

Our focus at this time is on living independently. We do take them pet food, but specify that this will not be ongoing. We refer them to appropriate agencies for more help, i.e. the Humane Society of North Central Florida, St. Francis Pet Care, SWAG and others. We also recommend that they find a food bank for themselves because they can use it, and there are always items that can used by their pets. This is as independent as many can manage in today’s times. 

We will remain a non-profit throughout 2024 with a few steadfast volunteers, and our Board of Directors.  

REQUEST FOR HELP 

We would like to make this a happy holiday season for as many pets and people as possible and are anticipating calls for help. 

We still need bags of dry food for cats and dogs, as well as canned food for the kitties. Whatever you can donate in the way of food, toys and funds will be deeply appreciated. 

Financial donations can be made by check payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard, 108 Aweema Way, Melrose, FL 32666.  (Please note new mailing address.)  You can also pay by PayPal by clicking the Donate Now button below.  We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Money, food, and new or clean leashes, harnesses, collars, bowls, blankets and towels can be dropped off at Sisset's Home and Patio, 3433 University Avenue, 352-224-5192.

Types of pet food we need now:  small bags of Purina Dog Chow (green bags), small bags of Purina Friskies Seafood Sensation for cats; Cans of Fancy Feast cat food.