In the U.S., at least 20 million pets live in homes experiencing poverty or in underserved areas where resources are limited or essentially nonexistent. This is why I have spoken about access to care as one of the defining animal welfare issues of our time and why we have campaigns like More Than a Pet to raise funds and awareness to support our efforts. Our Pets for Life program has been working for years to increase equity in access to care through interconnected approaches, such as community outreach, policymaking, mentorship and direct care programs that provide veterinary care, pet supplies, other animal care services and information at no cost to pet owners. Here, Robert Sotelo, manager of Pets for Life, shares the story of Billy along with his thoughts on how years of work on access to care has had positive impacts that reverberate through communities.
Over the 12 years I have worked on the Pets for Life team, I have met so many wonderful community members who have difficulty accessing care for their pets. Whether they are living on the street, sleeping at the bus stop in front of the Pets for Life office, living in public housing or in the more affluent part of town, I love talking to people no matter what their background or experience.
These conversations have impacted my life, and now I see my life differently. I have gratitude and don’t take what I have for granted. The gratitude that is displayed by the Pets for Life community members tells me that I have impacted their lives in some way. I have seen how we make an impact in someone’s life every day, be it a conversation, a listening ear, being there to console and/or providing supplies or much-needed veterinary care for a pet.
One person who comes to my mind is a fellow named Billy. I met Billy in the community of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, about 10 years ago. I was doing door-to-door outreach and saw Billy pushing a shopping cart carrying his dog Copperhead. I stopped him and said, "That is a beautiful dog you have there," and Billy was quick to tell me all about her and what she means to him. It was awesome to hear about the love he has for Copperhead. “She’s a staffie, I love this dog, she’s my savior,” he said. “She’s been there for me through my struggles.” Billy went on to tell me about how he ended up unhoused after being injured at his job. He suffered a back injury that required multiple surgeries. He went on disability, but the funds ran out. It was a terrible setback to his life. He left his family, lost everything and went to Boyle Heights. Billy told me all of this in our first conversation. I was blown away by how trusting he was with me.
After our conversation, I asked him if he needed anything for Copperhead. He was hesitant to ask for anything, but I said, “Please, let me offer you some support during this time. There is no catch, and I do not expect anything in return.” He humbly accepted some food, flea medication and toys. I gave him my number and told him to call me anytime.
About a week later I received a call from him. Copperhead had been attacked by a coyote near a cemetery by the Pets for Life office and she was in bad shape. Fortunately, our veterinary partner Dr. Vasquez at North Figueroa Animal Hospital was able to quickly take Copperhead in. Dr. Vasquez said, “I can’t promise a miracle, but I’ll do my best to treat your baby.” Copperhead went into surgery and Billy waited anxiously. A few hours went by, and Dr. Vasquez let Billy know that the surgery went well but they would keep Copperhead overnight to monitor her. The next day Billy picked her up and afterwards he told me that she was doing great.
Billy kept in touch and brought Copperhead to visit Pets for Life many times. He would drop by the office and have conversations with Sonia Perez, our senior community organizer, and pick up dog food and flea medication. He was always very humble and loved a good conversation.
Then, a few years back, Billy and I lost touch. Still, he would pop up in my mind and I would wonder what had happened to him and Copperhead. I hoped they were both well.
Last year, a photographer/videographer came to Pets for Life to shoot some footage and follow me around during a few home visits. We were back at the Pets for Life office shooting an interview and a man with a beautiful female Staffordshire terrier walked in. I paused during my interview and said, “Hello, welcome to Pets for Life.” I did not recognize him at first, but he turned out to be Billy. He was well dressed and clean cut and had great energy. I was shocked! I said, “Is that you Billy? What?!”
