Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: The Pet Project Midwest

The Pet Project Midwest began in 2009 with a mission to keep pets in their loving homes and out of shelters. The run four main programs: Pet Pantry, AniMeals, Paws for Life, and Iowa Pet Alert.

“Our first program,” explained Kim Hanlon, a member of the Board, “was Iowa Pet Alert, which continues to reunite lost pets throughout the state of Iowa. Soon after, the Pantry was born. The Pantry has been providing food and supplies to Metro families since 2010. The Pantry was designed as a temporary program to assist families who found themselves dealing with a loss of income due to job loss, illness, under employment or whatever situation put their family at risk of surrendering their family pet to one of the many shelters in the community. The Pantry gives those folks 6 months of breathing room to get things back on track while keeping the family whole.”

“In just 8 years, The Pet Project Midwest has helped thousands of families stay together. What’s more remarkable is The Pet Project Midwest has done so with 100% volunteer help and a working Board of Directors. The Pet Project Midwest is funded by grants and community donations. In fact, over 70% of our funding has come from people in the community who share our passion for pets but who also know a pets’ importance to the family.”

They are always looking for ways to add to their mission including: aiding people with veterinary care and assistance with spay/neuter. Unfortunately, current funding has prohibited this type of support. They are currently partnering with other animal organizations in the area to help families find assistance.

“Because our mission is to keep families together, our tree theme will be the family,” said Hanlon. “We will incorporate all aspects of the family including those with fur, feathers or in some cases scales.

To bid on this tree and support the work of The Pet Project Midwest, please visit our 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd.

For more information on The Pet Project Midwest, please visit their website.