Two Chicks and a Hoe
We’re gonna dig deep into some really amazing people and topics — cultivating ideas about nature, the environment and conservation — in your backyard and globally. We want to share stories with you where the only intention may be for you to say,“Wow, I didn’t know that!”…and now that you do, maybe you might think about your relationship with it differently, share the information with a friend or get involved.
Two Chicks and a Hoe
No Judgment, Just Love—The Project Street Vet Story
Have you ever watched the sunset alongside a furry friend and felt an unparalleled sense of connection? That profound companionship is what we explore in our latest heart-stirring conversation, where Genesis Rendon from Project Street Vet reveals how the love between pets and their unhoused owners transcends all barriers. Our discussion honors the incredible work of those who provide health care to pets of the unhoused in Los Angeles, bringing to light emotional tales that exemplify resilience and the strength of the human-animal bond.
The streets tell stories of loyalty and survival, and in this episode, we share the journey of Justin and his cat Um, whose lives were transformed through the kindness of strangers and the medical expertise of compassionate veterinarians. We unpack the misconceptions about homeless pet owners and discuss how Project Street Vet, inspired by Dr. Kwane Stewart's vision of non-judgment, offers a lifeline to these precious relationships. The tales we share are a testament to the shared humanity and the lengths to which people will go to protect their animal companions.
As we wrap up our conversation, we shine a spotlight on the transformative impact of community-driven initiatives that extend a helping hand to pets in need. From Skid Row to the LA riverbed, we reflect on how these programs have fostered human connections and built a sense of community. The episode is a tribute to the unbreakable bonds we form with our pets and the heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that no animal is left behind, regardless of their owner's circumstances.
Project Street Vet
Interview with: Genesis Rendon
Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.
Life can be a whirlwind, dishing out surprises like job losses, housing hiccups or nature's fury, sometimes sending folks tumbling onto the streets, facing a daily struggle just to stay afloat. Yet within this chaos, a profound bond emerges between humans and their animal companions, evident through the work of organizations like Project Street Vet. These pets become pillars of strength, offering more than just companionship they provide a sense of purpose and belonging in the challenges of life on the streets. In the United States, over 580,000 people are experiencing homelessness, and a significant portion of them around 10 percent have beloved pets as their companions. Though estimates vary, that's potentially anywhere from 58,000 to over 145,000 individuals who share an unbreakable bond with their furry friends. These pets aren't just animals, they're family. Homeless individuals often prioritize their pet's well-being above their own, ensuring they're cared for and loved. Even in the face of adversity, and while accessing veterinary care may present challenges, studies show that these pets are often just as healthy, if not healthier, than those in housed situations.
Speaker 1:On today's episode of Two Chicks and a Hoe, we are celebrating this incredible bond and checking in with an amazing group of animal health care professionals that honors this special bond. Hey, everybody, it's Vanessa. Welcome to another episode of Two Chicks and a Ho, the podcast that talks to amazing people doing incredible things in our world. Yes, we hit a jackpot again today. I'm thrilled to dive into this topic. It's really, really close to my heart the magical bond between humans and animals.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I know I'm a bit biased, but hear me out for a sec. Through my life experiences, both personally and professionally, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact this bond can have. It's not just something you can put into words. It's a force that transcends language and logic. It's a connection brimming with love and unwavering loyalty.
Speaker 1:And today we're going to explore how this bond plays out in a truly extraordinary setting the relationship between unhoused individuals and their beloved pets and an amazing group of veterinary professionals that are working to help with health care needs of the animals that live with the homeless folks in Los Angeles. I grab your tissues, I have it, I know and I know. I know I'm the one who's going to actually need them. We're about to embark on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and shine a light on the incredible work of the team from Project Street Vet. Joining us today is Genesis Rendon, a registered veterinary technician for over 20 years and a vital member of the Project Street Vet Los Angeles team. Welcome, genesis. Thank you so much for being with us today and talking about the incredible work that you guys are doing.
Speaker 2:Thank you so much. It's an honor to be here with you.
Speaker 1:So tell me, you just said I had to grab some tissues and I laughed because I'm thinking I had to grab some tissues. Is this a podcast? I wanted to actually warn you that more than likely I will, and my listeners know that this is near and dear to my heart.
Speaker 2:Same here and I grabbed tissues and Dr Kwane's always he's like there goes Genesis, she's crying, but you know I've caught him a few times tearing up and getting emotional. It's an emotional journey, a mission that we're doing Not only because we love animals, but just the situations we encounter and I love what I do ever since I was a kid. I've always said that my mission in life is to help animals in every way that I can, and it doesn't matter how it looks like or how I do it, it's I'm going to be there for them. And ever since I was a kid I mean, I live in the city. I don't have a farm I wish I did, but I made my backyard a farm. I any strays I would find I would bring them back to health, whatever it's. It was a bird, a reptile, a butterfly, even I had a butterfly on my money tree. She was missing a wing and she just lived there and I would hang oranges for her and water and she lived an amazing life. And rabbits you name it, mice, I could have everything you can think of and kittens and litters, and it's just. It's always been a passion of mine to help animals in every way that I can.
Speaker 2:And when I met Dr Kwane, it was just such an ironic meet. I met him at a gala many, many years ago because I was nominated for Hero Tech of the Year throughout the United States. And we met at a gala. We sat right next to each other, we spoke about what we did career wise and we parted ways. I was helping and volunteering With an organization that helped pets Of the unhoused, and then it's just something that I did by myself, on my own.
Speaker 2:My car has blankets, food, treats, water, leashes, you name it. Anything to sorry about pickles. That's my dog. Polly's around here too. Okay, yeah, she's my guard dog for the cats that pass by. And I got a call from Dr Askin, who I worked with in radiation oncology at the hospital I was at, and she said Genesis, remember Dr Kwane, you met him at the gala years ago. Well, he's out in the streets doing what you do too, but he needs, he needs a nurse now by his side. He needs help. He can't do it on his own, he wants to meet you. Great. So she gave me his number, we called. He did see other nurses too that could help him, but I was him.
Speaker 2:Like it's real when people get to say started from the bottom and now we're here nice because, yeah, there's times where I mean all of it's all volunteer work that we did, but it was even us putting our own money out of our pocket to get the means to help so when, when you, when you've combined, now you've combined your forces to form Project Street Vet, what?
Speaker 1:what is Project Street Vet for our listeners?
Speaker 2:Project Street Vet is a nonprofit now, thank goodness, where we provide medical attention for pets of the unhoused, whether it's just flea and intake medication, deworming medication, antibiotics. You know we clean the ears, anything that's needed for the pet. And luckily now with donations we get to go a little further. Before we would ask for pro bono or who can help us would ask for pro bono or who could help us, and now with the donations everybody out there supporting we could do dentals, spays and neuters, mass removers, any fractures, even anything major that the pet needs. We are there for them and it's a true blessing for the pet, but their owner as well. Wow, so we've gone above and beyond. And another thing I wanted to mention too back when we first started, Dr Kwane, we would be driving and calling hospitals. You guys have vaccines we can buy off of you, because we encounter a lot of pet owners that that's their main thing is is vaccines for their pet, to keep them updated, and they want this for their pet.
Speaker 1:They do whatever it takes, and you know, and that's so. I've been looking at your website and I really, really encourage our listeners to check out your website projectstreetvetorg, I think, yes, dot org, and that'll be on our website as well afterwards. But, um, some of the things that you guys do, you're not just like you said. You're not just doing. You know the basics and um, uh of you know some fleas and what have you. You're doing some serious work out there for animals that are lethally injured, like they've been hit by cars and stuff.
Speaker 2:Oh yes, when we first started, Um was a cat we had met. We met Justin. He was Um's dad.
Speaker 1:I was hoping you would tell this story.
Speaker 2:Yes, Justin and I might start crying now, because Dr Kwane and I did bond very much with Justin and he's a traveler that's what we call them. He travels everywhere. He's been all over the United States and he saw um as a kitten behind a trash dumpster and they saved each other. So Justin was riding his skateboard that's how he got around and he got hit by a car. He fell and the car just ran over um, um carrier and he didn't stop. He kept going and I remember Dr Kwane and I were helping a family in studio city and he called us Dr Kwane. I still remember um and I got hit by a car and I need your help.
Speaker 2:So justin was in santa ana and traffic here in la it's something else. It's just beyond you can imagine. We had a drive from studio city to santa ana. Justin was at a am AM PM and was laying on the ground and we just listened to him and I was just in shock and we rushed back to Studio City. It was because at that time was the only hospital we had available for pro bono to help us.
Speaker 2:I had a fractured femur, he had a collapsed diaphragm which actually it ruptured, so pretty much what happened was all of his intestines that under, that's, under, the diaphragm, went up to his chest cavity. It was, um, a major, major surgery, and we had to stabilize before he went under to fix the diaphragm and his femur. Dr Pedraza, which is an amazing doctor he's an orthopedic surgeon was able to perform the surgery for the broken leg and the diaphragm. Dr Leach is the owner of Beverly Oaks in Studio City and she was kind enough for us to do the surgery there. Wow, Um is now up and running a happy cat with Justin, and they're still going all over the United States just traveling and riding skateboards. Um actually sits on the top of Justin's shoulder, Wow, and we bonded very well with Justin, and he was great, too, on finding families for us that need the support too. He was just part of the crew at one point, Wow.
Speaker 1:So these are, these animals are family. Oh, I know, and I know I can already see you know from you, these are animals are family, but it's the same thing. On the streets it doesn't matter. I think you know the more I see and the more I read too, that, um, they get their care. The love and the care that they receive from the folks that are living on the streets is more at times than some of the animals that are in houses 110 percent.
Speaker 2:Um, I've been working in the industry for 24 years and money is a big factor in the industry and I, unfortunately, have put a lot of pets down or seen pets surrendered or not get the best treatment because money is an issue, and this is for families that have a roof over their head and have a job, but encountering, you know, pet owners that do live out in the street, they'll do whatever it takes to take care of their animal and a lot of the time is asking for money and I'm not going to lie, and Dr Kwane has said it himself where you know he didn't get a chance to help or I'm like, oh, they're just, you know, using the dog to to get money. Um, I unfortunately was that person, but then when I once um went out myself and I dressed you know down, I put dirt on my face and I started going to ask for money, um, to try to put myself in their shoes. Oh, okay, so you had a better understanding. Yeah, and it was.
Speaker 2:It was, um, a difficult thing and um, you get judged and and my best friend did it too, and that's why I decided to do it myself and I didn't recognize her and I hate saying this, but when she came up to us, a group of friends I judged I'm like you're asking for money, but you have a clean pair of Uggs, and then I realized it was her. So then I just put myself in those shoes and I'm like this is tough, and I'm like this is tough. But on the side note, when we encounter someone that you know lives in the streets and I hear their stories I learn so much about women and they just unfortunately got into this situation, and most of them were because they can't have their dogs in an apartment or they don't have credit, and they rather live in the street With their animals.
Speaker 2:With their animals and it's what keeps them going, it's what keeps them living, and they're with their pet every single day. So that bond is undescribable, the bond that they have. They're together every day, every single moment.
Speaker 1:I was looking at one of the amazing videos on the Project Street Vet website and there was a brief interview with a gal and her dog and what she said stayed in my heart and I think it sits at the core of why Project Street Vet does what they do.
Speaker 3:She's my world. She's all I have. I don't have any family, so she is my family. She's my daughter. I've had her for six years now and we've never been apart, so I feel it when she's hurting. I can't watch the shots because I feel it like they're giving me a shot.
Speaker 1:So when you said no judgment, you know and I think that's really key because I would like you to if you could share the story of how Project Street Vet got started with the idea of judgment or no judgment- that's something that Dr Kwane came up with of not judging, because so much of us do that, even both of us.
Speaker 1:I have to say Genesis, I know I have done it myself. I see somebody on the street that has an animal and I have thought an animal's not getting the best care. What kind of life is that? But the more I dug deeper into the research for this and now talking to you, I recognize that is not the case.
Speaker 2:No, and I think that's what we've learned along the way, because we learn a lot ourselves when we encounter pet owners out in Skid Row or wherever we get to travel is is everyone has a different story.
Speaker 2:So we've learned and again Dr Kwane came up with this is not to judge and just help them, because we don't know their story.
Speaker 2:And this is why I love what we do, because we get to educate those that are in the outside that they deserve help to whatever it looks like, and they're doing whatever it takes to help their pet. And one thing I've learned too if they're asking for money, most of the times when where they're living, if it gets raided by the cops, they have a certain amount of time to get out of where they're living. If it gets raided by, you know, the cops, they have a certain amount of time to get out of where they're at, and that's leaving their tent where it's at, which is their home. But most of the time, if they don't get out in time from the timeframe that they have, they're put in jail and the pets taken to a shelter. So then they're asking for money so that they could get their pet out, and that probably could cost about 200 plus to get their dog out of or their cat out of the shelter it costs money to pick up your animal from the shelter in most shelters.
Speaker 1:yes, wow, I didn't know that. Wow, okay, wow, so. So. So tell the story please about the beginning of Project Street Vet.
Speaker 2:Well, as I said, Dr Kwane was doing this on his own and I was too, and when we met you know, like I said, he's interviewed he interviewed a few people to help him because he wanted to see who would have the good fit to be out in the streets with him and be able to to kind of be okay in that situation. Skid Row is not the easiest place to see or be in or be in Sometimes, no, most of the time when I come home I still smell Skid Row on me. It's not the cleanest place. And so how it started, I remember it was a restaurant PJ's restaurant in Burbank, where we sat along with his brother, Ian, who has been a big support in starting this, with his brother Kwane, and they asked me a bunch of questions. I let them know what I did on the side, that I've been in this industry for that time, what maybe 20 years and how my passion for animals is to take care of them and my mission as well. So that's where it started. Then Dr Kwane and I just started visiting the streets of San Diego, san Francisco, venice, santa Monica, mainly Skid Row, long Beach. You know the riverbed in Long Beach, the LA riverbed. There's a lot of animals there too, and it's just gotten bigger since then and let's see it's 2014.
Speaker 2:2014 is when we started, I believe, and again, it's still volunteer work and it's free, right, it's free for anybody. Oh gosh, yes, and coming out of, you know, Dr Kwane's pocket. Sometimes I would do it myself and this is what we would do on the side, on top of our, our job. We would get together and, like you know I said before, we would call hospitals and say who, who can help us, who's pro bono, where can we buy vaccines from flea and tick control and deworming? And we've gotten to a place where, you know, Dr Kwane won CNN hero of the year, um, and we, we were given money and now we get donations. When I walk into hospitals, there's doctors like here is a box of flea medication and a box of ear cleaner and some antibiotics, because it's stuff that we need when we're out in the streets.
Speaker 1:So you built a network now of other vet healthcare professionals that that are involved, not only involved, so they're giving you medicines and they're giving you services, pro bono services and use of their facilities. Are they joining you as well on the streets?
Speaker 2:Oh, we now have some doctors do, but now we have so many volunteers. It's great. It was just him, and then it was him and I and it was him and I for a long chills, because it's now becoming a bigger, a bigger thing. And you know, I met some young ladies. Yesterday we went to a gala because Dr Kwane was given an award for the work that he does and I want to start yeah, I want to start working and it's crazy because we were at Skid Row beforehand helping some pets and meeting people that we already know and then we, you know, had to come home and change and shower, then go attend this gala for this award.
Speaker 2:But I met some girls that that remember me from, you know, instagram and the work that we do out in the streets. And you know I'm Latina and I speak Spanish, so I helped Dr Korn a lot in the Latin community that we meet out in the streets. And you know I'm Latina and I speak Spanish, so I help Dr Kwane a lot in the Latin community that we meet that does not speak English. So he's grateful for me when we're together and they want to join and they want to help with at least that community and help them and know that there's, you know, people that could help them too, that speak Spanish and could be there for them. So we're starting to grow and it's now. We don't have to call hospitals Like, can you help us? We now have the funds and not just by um, you know doctors or donation, and it's mainly donations from supporters and viewers that love what we do out there.
Speaker 1:So I, I saw that that just in the year, in 2023, you have helped in some capacity over 1,600 animals. That's amazing, that is an amazing genesis, and I know that. That's, like you said, beyond flea control. That's a little bit of everything, from injuries to life-threatening stuff.
Speaker 2:Yes, we've helped many parvo puppies and we all know that's not cheap to treat. Like I said, I mean mainly spay and neuters. But we also educate, you know, the pet owners of why flea and tick control is so important, especially spays and neuters, why that's so important. And dental care you know we provide toothbrush and toothpaste. You know doggy toothpaste and kitten toothpaste. It's very different than ours, us human toothpaste, and it's not just here's a medication, here's a surgery. We educate of why everything is so important to the pet owner, even when it comes to diet, and they're all very grateful it's. I always ask people to come with me because even though they're living in the street and they don't have a rooftop like we do or access to food like we do, they are so grateful and they have so much faith. And you know there's this one lady saying was just praying and saying I, I, I need help. And then dr kwan and I show up oh, yeah, isn't that how that works?
Speaker 1:yes, yes, wow, that's beautiful. Wow, so that kind of um. I wanted to talk about the bond between animals and humans and I wanted to share your insights on that that you have gained over the last few years. But you know, but, genesis, you're already taught the bond, too, that you're talking about and I'm hearing it this bond between people building these communities with each other over because of the animals. You know, another thing that the animals are doing for us is the bonds that we then create for each other, with each other. But tell me about that. Tell me, please, about that experience for you, because I think, you know, I think that is one of the most amazing things. That's, that's that you guys are doing. Is this, this bond that you're nurturing?
Speaker 2:On all these levels. It's what, it's what keeps them going, even though they live in the street. It keeps them wanting to continue living life because of their furry one, because of their dog or their cat. I mean, we've seen snakes and birds, turtles, mice, rats, even bunnies. They keep wanting to live life because of their pet and I don't know what I would do without my pickles. She's my dog, I love her, I would do anything for her, I would even live in the streets for her, because I can't imagine her being in a cage, like at a shelter, being put down. I would live under a bridge for her and many would say she's just a dog.
Speaker 2:But for us animal lovers, yeah, it's not just a cat, it's not just a dog, it it's family, it's, it's our heart and our soul. So if I need her to keep going and I have a roof over my head, those that don't, they need their animal, their companion and, like I said, they're. You know I have to go to work, so Pickle stays at home. I watch it through a camera and imagine just be with your animal 24-7, 365.
Speaker 2:That bond is beyond what we can imagine and Dr Kwane did encounter a woman about six months ago and he shared this story where she hit a really dark place in her life and I know a lot of us not many of us have gone through that where we hit a dark spot and she told Dr Kwane that she wanted to take her life. And when she wanted to do that, she just looked to her dog and she said, if I take my life, who's gonna feed you tomorrow? And she didn't do it. So the dog saved her life and she saved her dog okay, well, okay, now we both have Kleenex.
Speaker 1:Oh man, I, you know, yes, I no, I can't even hardly talk. I attribute my life to my animals, yes, animals that have brought me out of dark, dark spots in my life. So I, I can relate on that level.
Speaker 2:Yes, same people have done the same for me and past dogs too.
Speaker 1:Yeah yeah, okay that's why.
Speaker 2:That's why we do what we do, thank you. That's why we don't judge and we just help, thank you.
Speaker 1:You're welcome. That is Thank you, that's amazing. Okay, let's take a break for a sec. We're taking a break. Oh my gosh, that's great Genesis.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and then, like even you know, Pickles knows as soon as I could be in my office and if I just have one tear coming, she knows and she'll come to me, and that's what she's with me right now, cause she, she knows Huh.
Speaker 1:I don't know if you can hear it. The caller oh, that's ollie. Yeah, come here. So I just recently lost my dog of 10 years to bone cancer, sorry, and uh, yeah, so, uh, maybe I should tell this story, you know. So it's that bond thing, but but anyway, my kitty, my kitty was snoring on the bed. That's what I said, didn't you hear? She snores loud. But, yes, the bond is, uh, is critical.
Speaker 1:Um, I, I lost my dog, um, a few months ago to bone cancer and a pretty devastating loss. It was a dog that actually helped me get through the loss of my husband. So it was kind of, you know, it's like your best friend. It was, she was my best friend, sorry. And I was at a grocery store and a couple of weeks after she passed and I saw my neighbor, really great lady, and we used to walk, you know, through the neighborhood and stuff and we both have dogs and she, hi, how is Roxy doing, you know? And that's when I told her Boy, she flew around that grocery cart, gave me the biggest hug and without saying I never said anything she looked at me and she said don't wait. And I was blown away.
Speaker 1:To tell you the truth, that morning I had talked to Roxy in my prayers and said please give me a sign. And I got my sign. She said don't wait. Don't wait to adopt another dog. She says there's too much love to be had, too much love to give. So, yes, I can relate. And so then, a few weeks later, I got my new little Queensland healer boy from a rescue group. But, yeah, I get the bond. I understand the bond. I understand this bond. I understand why people would modify and change their lives dramatically for their animals. Yes, so okay, I see that you guys are expanding You've mentioned it too whether it's New York, atlanta, all over California, it sounds like.
Speaker 2:What's the future for Project Street Vet? To bring awareness is our main focus and for everyone to learn not to judge and to help and just help, but having more doctors and more nurses and anyone who wants to that wants to volunteer and help more pets out there. Obviously, we do need the money, the funds, to be able to pay hospitals and having pet owners be able to call a hospital and say and it happened to, actually a hospital was at that I was visiting and they said Genesis, we have someone that that lives actually in the alley behind and his cat's sick and they're asking if we could help them. And I said have him come in and uh, call, you know, denae, who takes care of a lot of um, our stuff for Project Street Vet and um, bill us and that's something that we've never been able to say before Just, just bill us. And now we are blessed to say that, to say this, but to expand, bring awareness and help more animals so that nobody that's unhoused gets to worry about medical treatment or food for their pet. You provide food as well. Oh gosh, yes, we now have a pantry the pet pantry at a location in Skid Row where people that the unhoused do their showers there. They get to shower, sometimes their food from themselves, but we have a pantry there where they could pick up dog food, cat food, treats, a toy, a blanket here and there Wow, blanket here and there, wow. So it just expanding being able to help more, more owners so that they don't have to stress or feed their pet before they feed themselves.
Speaker 2:Cause I I've met a lot of pet owners where they won't eat, and this is true and and and I know this because I've sat with them and God knows what with them and I don't care and Skid Row, I'll hug them, I'll shake their hands and I'll sit in filth, but they will feed their pet before they feed themselves. And I tell them too you also got to take care of yourself, because if you're not around and healthy, you know your, your pet's not going to have you Right. As long as we're bringing food, then they can eat their food. Because if you're not around and healthy, you know your, your pet's not going to have you Right. So as long as we're bringing food, then they can eat their food. And my Jeep right now the back is I have blankets, dog food, flea and tick control. So if I pass anyone.
Speaker 2:Wherever I'm at, even at a supermarket, I saw a gentleman asking for food and I bought him some Snicker bars and some food and he said how'd you know? Snickers are my favorite. I'm like I don't know. It's one of my favorite chocolates, so I just buy it for everyone. It makes people happy. But when I brought a blanket for his dog, he said that made his night a whole lot better and I remember her just sitting on the blanket and she absolutely loved it.
Speaker 2:So, yes, just bringing awareness and be able to expand. I mean, have a veterinarian in every state and nurses to help, because it's not just California that struggles with people being unhoused and that's what's sad that we're living in times like that, when there's so many people that are unhoused and I hope more apartment owners and the government gets to understand that they do need help. And if someone doesn't have credit, help them out. If someone has a pet and has good credit and could get a place to live, let them live there With their pets, with their pet and one of the gentlemen's that we we met in Venice.
Speaker 2:We found them living behind a Thai restaurant and we spoke to him. His name was Antonio and you know we were talking in Spanish. He was from Brazil Seven languages he spoke, and a chef, and he lived in Venice and he did have money but the owner of the apartment he was living wanted to tear it down. He bought, bought by you know corporate wanting to build a bigger apartment complex. So they kicked him out. No one would take him because he didn't have credit and he wasn't from here and he had a dog Wow. So he was sleeping on a cardboard mat with a tent over him and he's like I can't give up my baby, he's my life, he's my son, and he was living out in the streets, all because he had no credit and he had a dog Wow. And that's where we also need to bring awareness to people to let them just have a home together.
Speaker 1:Yeah, thank you, thank you. So I want to make sure that listeners, listeners understand that they can support you guys, of course, and go through the website, website project street vetorg, to donate. Do you take supplies? Do you take all? I mean, if you're in an area like the Los Angeles area or San Diego or wherever you have your setups, do you take physical supplies, or would you prefer cash so that you can you, you know buy the things that you need when you're, when you're in those towns?
Speaker 2:supplies are always great, um, especially food and blankets, um leashes and collars. Right now we're getting a lot of donations. Uh, you know dr, you know kwan, one cnn hero of the the Year, and a lot of people. I think that brought awareness even more.
Speaker 2:Absolutely and people like now want to donate more and, like I said, I go to hospitals and doctors are just giving me stuff or people have food. My sister gives me blankets and that's always great. I always tell people to like on my Instagram when I'm live. You know, if you have blankets or food, you know, definitely give it to someone. But if you're afraid to approach them, we can meet somewhere and you could give them to me. But donations help the most when it comes to money, because that just means more surgeries, dental care, medication if we need to buy it.
Speaker 2:And my ultimate goal which I forgot to mention is to knock on wood is for Dr Kwane and I to have a van. We can travel so that we drive it because we both drive our cars and our back's full of stuff. Well, so that we drive it because we both drive our cars and our backs full of stuff. Or when we do the pop ups, there's like three cars and it's full of supplies. If we had a van, then we can have everything there.
Speaker 2:If we find a dog that got bit by another dog, or we need an ultrasound machine. If someone thinks it's a mass, we want to see what kind of mass it is and have a you know microscope in there so we can see if it's cancerous or not. Just have our own little clinic in a van. So a clinic on wheels, yes, like a, like a mobile vet. There's so many mobile vets out there, Oof. If we found one that would be willing to let us use our van, if we found one that would be willing to let us use our van, that would be great. But my goal is to have our own van, I know, and when Dr Kwane won the money, I was like yes, and honestly I didn't think Dr Kwane was going to win because, and it's sad to say, a lot of people that are big advocates for animals don't really win awards like that or aren't voted.
Speaker 1:You're talking about the CNN hero award.
Speaker 2:Yes, and and it's sad for me to say that, um, and a lot of people I was talking to that didn't vote like, yeah, you guys probably won't win because you're the only one up there in the panel that helps animals.
Speaker 1:Everyone else out there in the panel amazing exactly, and I know that, that and I've seen that and they are amazing, but I I think it goes back to that statement that you said earlier that eats at us when people say it's just a dog. I think there's still some of that that plays in there. When there's organizations, unfortunately that I don't want to say pitted, but kind of like you know, competition, so to speak, for funds, whether it's animals or people, I understand. Please go ahead.
Speaker 2:But when we, when I knew the amount of money we're going to get, I started yelling yes, we can get our band. I was so excited and you know, Dr Kwane is such an amazing man that he split the money to each person up in the panel and I said it's all well worth it. One day we'll get our van and maybe we will, maybe we won't. I always call Skid Row. We were interviewed once and I had the gentleman that was asking us questions. I said look around us, this is our clinic gentleman that was asking us questions. I said look around us, this is our clinic, Skid Row is our clinic and it's not just a row.
Speaker 2:People think it's a row one street. Oh no, Skid Row is huge and we drive everywhere, we walk. Sometimes we go our separate ways and we'll call each other and make, hey, I have someone on Grand and Seventh, and then he'll be, he'll say something too, and then we just meet and we help everyone and someone else like hey, there's someone down, seven tents down that needs help. And they all call each other neighbors and and they're all very happy. And some already know us. There's a good gentleman called Hector that we know very well and we visit him every time we go and it's it's been as hard as it is at times. It's just a big blessing and I'm so fortunate to be a part of it we're very, very fortunate to have you guys.
Speaker 1:Thank you. Thank you for the animals and for the folks that need your help. Yeah, so listeners again. Um, help help these guys. You, yes, but more importantly and I love this idea, genesis if somebody out there has a van and I'm not talking the Scooby-Doo mystery van, talking a nice, cool van that they would like to donate, why not? This is a great cause, so putting it out there too.
Speaker 2:Me too. I'm good, yeah, so putting it out there too. Me too, I don't know why that van. I know if we had a van, we could help more of them in a different way and I could even drive the dogs or cats to a local hospital. And the owner Because some of them are scared Because, like I said, they're 24, seven, they don't know what to do when their pet's not with them I would drive both of them to a hospital. But this van it would be such a blessing if we had one. It just would be different.
Speaker 2:I see it in a different way and being able to like okay, let me take your, your dog, you want to come with us? You know we're going to clean this wound or we're going to clean your ears, and they could be in the van with us. Ooh, ooh, yeah, so they could be a part of it. Versus. You know, Dr Kwane and I are on our knees on the floor and with the pet parent and educating them as well, they could be in the van with us. That'd be awesome. That's why I want it so bad. I just see it.
Speaker 1:That's going to happen, that's going to happen. Yes it will Good. Thank you. Yes, You're welcome. Anything else you'd like to share with us?
Speaker 2:You know that's that dreaded question, like some kind of job interview, but that's not what it is. To just again, don't judge, just help. Any bit helps, whether it's just one blanket, especially now since it's raining. You have a tarp in the back of your car seat, that's, you know, helpful, helpful, um, a dollar, a sandwich, like I said, they'll feed them their dog or cat, before they feed themselves. So my main thing is is no judgment, just help, and I've learned that from dr kwan and me learning from the pet parents and me also experiencing how it is to ask for money yes, and by walking in it and
Speaker 2:I encourage everyone to try to do it and it eats your ego away. You're, you're. You gotta let go of your pride to have to go up to someone ask for money and they just do it for their pet, because their pet's worth it. So when you see that person out there asking for money and they have a dog or a cat, trust me when I say this and trust Dr Kwan they're not doing it for other reasons. They're doing it for their pet. And for those pet owners that did use substance and did use drugs, they're clean now because of their dog and cat. They saved themselves.
Speaker 1:The little angels with fur oh, yeah, yeah, thank you. The little angels with fur oh, yeah, yeah, thank you. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for everything You're welcome.
Speaker 2:And thank you for having us again. It weren't for you guys. We're not expanding our awareness to what Dr Kwane started and his mission and what we do. It's people like you guys that's also bringing awareness, because more people need to hear what we do.
Speaker 1:Agreed Because there's great things going on in the world. Thank you guys. Thank you. As I think about the conversation with Genesis and the work that the Project Street Vet team does, she reminded me that kindness knows no bounds. Not having judgment allows us to share our compassion freely. Whether it's providing a warm meal, a safe place to sleep or access to veterinary care, every act of compassion makes a difference, contributing to the creation of a world where every individual and their beloved pets are valued, cared for and given the opportunity to thrive.
Speaker 1:I have to tell you I hesitated about sharing my story of losing my beloved Roxy, and I cried again as I listened, but I'm really glad I did. I wanted to share my own forever bond with you guys. So visit projectstreetvetorg for more incredible stories of the work that they do, or to help with a donation, or, if you're interested in volunteering with them oh or hey, maybe you have a connection to get them a van. Visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website to see all the links. Thanks for listening. You guys. Take care of each other. Thank you.