Continuing the tradition of helping those who help animals in the Chicago area, Midwest FurFest is proud to announce its 2022 charity recipient, The Street Dog Coalition!
There is a critical bond between people experiencing homelessness and their pets, but the burden of caring for those animals is understandably heavy for those on the streets. The Street Dog Coalition was formed to offer a lifeline to those pets and their people through veterinary assistance. SDC embraces a “One Health” approach to street medicine, which binds all forms of assistance together through collaborative efforts with existing (human) programs of the Street Medicine Institute.
For instance, SDC’s Chicago Team sets up street clinics once each month in Humboldt Park (Division and California) and South Shore (70th and Jeffery) alongside The Night Ministry Outreach Bus, which parks at bus stops throughout Chicago. While people in need can receive care for their own health at the bus, the SDC team provides free basic veterinary care (physical exams, vaccinations, parasite control, etc.) to the pets of people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
SDC is the brainchild of veterinarian Dr. Jon Geller, who founded the group in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 7 years, SDC has branched out to more than 50 volunteer-run teams across the nation.
MFF holds two auctions over the convention weekend for its designated charity: a silent auction Friday and Saturday in the Dealers Den next to the Street Dog Coalition information table, and a live auction Sunday morning at the Hyatt Regency O‘Hare’s Rosemont ballroom. Come check it out, and bring your generosity!