Pets of seniors, veterans get a leg up through nonprofit

When Katherine Schlintz, founder of the Protect Animal Life Humane Society, began donating dog and cat food to Meals on Wheels, she noticed what an impact a few pounds of kibble made.

The food didn’t just affect the animals. It also made a difference to the pet owners who often sacrificed their health for their four-legged companions.

“Many people would share their food with their pets,” Schlintz said. “That resulted in them not eating well and getting sick. I decided to create a program to tackle that need, not just with seniors but with our vets, as well.”

After relocating the PAL Humane Society to Las Vegas from California last year, Schlintz started the Pet Connection Project to help homebound and disadvantaged seniors and veterans care for their pets with food, medical care and grooming services.

Seniors who are 60 or older, permanent residents of the Las Vegas Valley, have a maximum monthly income of $1,500 individually or $3,000 per couple or are part of the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada’s Meals on Wheels program are eligible to participate.

Veterans who want to participate need proof of military service, proof of residency and verification of income.

“We wanted to do something for the vets who served our country to thank them for their service,” Schlintz said. “Many vets need pets to help them with their PTSD, but the financial cost of owning a dog can add up. We want to provide them with enough financial support to last the rest of their life.”

In addition to food and medical assistance, people who qualify are eligible for grooming services, dental care, emergency care, lab work, vaccinations, unusual medical procedures and euthanasia services for their pets.

The project also helps with temporary fostering or boarding due to the hospitalization of a pet owner, adoption placement of the pet, if necessary, and grief counseling for the loss of a pet if requested.

Smarty Paws Canine Coaching runs the Pets for Vets program, which pulls animals out of shelters and trains them to serve returning veterans.

It partnered with the Protect Animal Life Humane Society in January to help veterans with the financial costs of their service animals.

“My dog has really helped me with my PTSD,” said a participant of the Pet Connection Project, who wished to remain anonymous. “Before, I couldn’t get on elevators, but now I’m comfortable going to different places because I know she has my back.”

Schlintz and a small group of people formed the PAL Humane Society in 1993 with a mission to reduce pet overpopulation, prevent animal cruelty and instill respect and appreciation for all living things.

During her 21 years in the nonprofit business, Schlintz has worked to rescue more than 15,000 cats and dogs, worked with prisoners to train dogs and has educated the public about animal rights.

In the near future, the nonprofit plans to offer free spay and neutering services to the public and create a partnership with the Link Coalition to stop violence against people and animals.

The nonprofit opened a gift store at 7501 N. Cimarron Road, No. 106, last year to help pay for the programs.

“Dogs are welcome in the store, and 100 percent of the profits goes directly to the programs,” volunteer Tom Waller said. “I’ve seen veterans who are mentally and physically wounded. It’s hard to come out of that type of nightmare.”

The shop sells dog and cat treats, memorabilia, keepsakes and other unique items.

Schlintz is seeking volunteers to help with community outreach, education and fundraising and local groomers and veterinarians to participate in the program.

The Joe Kidd Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 13 at the Highlands Falls Golf Course, 10201 Sun City Blvd. The cost is $100 per person or $400 per team. All proceeds will benefit the PAL Humane Society. For more information, call 702-300-4549.

“I’ve had people cry because they were so thankful of our service,” Schlintz said. “We don’t get paid for our work. Our only paycheck is knowing that we’re helping people.”

For more information on the nonprofit, visit palhumane.org or call 702-629-6351.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.