Smith says he stays as he also doesn’t want to be separated from Pixie, who he credits with helping him get through some addiction issues. Some, but not all, shelters allow pets. “She keeps me alive,” he says with a smile, of the lab-mix.
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Dr. Denise Pilgeram, a veterinarian who runs the low-cost clinic at Union Gospel Mission, said people often see pets as a luxury, but for many of her clients, they’re a necessity. She said some patients have overcome addiction, have a disability or are victims of circumstance and an animal is what motivates them to take care of themselves. “That’s what keeps them going,” she said.
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She said they don't like to see animal suffering of any kind and feral cats are a problem both in the city and country, which is why they were happy to help the clinic provide low-cost spaying/neutering and medical care to pets that normally don't get vet attention. The clinic receives no government funding. The Kitchener location is running with support from Waterloo's Bill and Marion Weber, who are cat owners and advocates.