ACO Collaboration Program

PoundHounds ACO Collaboration Has Helped Over 500 Dogs In Town Pounds...and Counting!

In 2000, PoundHound created the PoundHounds ACO Collaboration (PAC) in the hopes of drawing more attention to the plight of dogs in town pounds and helping ACOs get more visibility for dogs and funding for medical care.

Many towns do not have the funds to provide even basic medical care for dogs (including spaying/neutering and vaccinations), much less expensive medical treatments. Unsterilized dogs who are adopted may continue to contribute to the tragic cycle of pet overpopulation and unnecessary euthanasia. Dogs who have treatable medical problems may stay for weeks or months or even years in a pound...or they may be euthanized simply for lack of funds.

Over the last four years, with your help, we have covered medical costs for over 500 dogs — including spay/neuter for over 400 dogs, vaccinations for over 300 dogs, and additional medical care for over 120 dogs.

Why is this program so urgent?

• In these tough economic times, towns are barely able to cover the costs for education and public services. Animal control is very far down the list of priorities and falling further behind every minute.

• There will never be enough shelters and rescue groups to empty all of the town pounds. The fate of an unknown number of dogs rests with these ACOs, most of whom are not chartered by their towns to provide medical care or find good homes for strays.

How the PAC Program Helped the Norton ACO Help Buster

Dear Judith:

I'd like to thank you so much for all your help with Buster. Buster was a stray who came into our shelter in very poor condition. His fur was mattted to the skin and flies bit the tips of his ears. What a good-natured dog he was, despite his condition. Thanks to you, we were able to get Buster a much needed vet appointment. He needed a check up, vaccinations, heartworm testing and to be neutered. We are truly grateful to have PoundHounds sponsor our shelter. We consider this an honor.

Then came the bad news. Buster was heartworm positive. Norton Shelter doesn't have the funds for every day things like basic medical care and spay/neuter. We were worried now. This precious life was at risk. When we told you of Buster's serious medical problem, you told us you got a grant from Petco and you would use it to pay for his treatment.

We were so relieved. Buster wouldn't have to be euthanized after all. With the grant, Buster was treated successfully. It would have been a grave injustice to have to euthanize a sweet adoptable dog.

Thanks also to a nice spread on your website, where his new family saw Buster. His new family proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that this dog was worth saving. "We are so happy. Buster is a beautiful dog and has made such a difference in our home. Thank you so much."

What a great feeling that was. In closing we thank you and your wonderful funders who have backed your efforts to help ACOs deal with the homeless pet population in a hopeful, positive way. Enclosed please find a few pictures of Buster proudly standing with his new family. Without your help these pictures would not have been possible. This very happy ending would have been a tragic ending without your help.

With much gratitude,

Brian Plante, ACO Norton

We rely on the generosity of your donations to help us help these ACOs. With your help, we can continue to make a difference.

Remember: Donations to PoundHounds are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law!

NOW...DONATE BY CREDIT CARD WITH PAYPAL! JUST CLICK ON THE PAYPAL BUTTON ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE.

If you are interested in helping us with fundraising or working with local ACOs, please email us at info@poundhounds.org.