April 12, 2024 • 48 mins
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.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Life can be a whirlwind, dishing out surprises
like job losses, housinghiccups or nature's fury,
sometimes sending folks tumblingonto the streets, facing a
daily struggle just to stayafloat.
Yet within this chaos, aprofound bond emerges between
humans and their animalcompanions, evident through the
(00:23):
work of organizations likeProject Street Vet.
These pets become pillars ofstrength, offering more than
just companionship they providea sense of purpose and belonging
in the challenges of life onthe streets.
In the United States, over580,000 people are experiencing
homelessness, and a significantportion of them around 10
(00:45):
percent have beloved pets astheir companions.
Though estimates vary, that'spotentially anywhere from 58,000
to over 145,000 individuals whoshare an unbreakable bond with
their furry friends.
These pets aren't just animals,they're family.
Homeless individuals oftenprioritize their pet's
(01:09):
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 nothealthier, than those in housed
situations.
(01:30):
On today's episode of Two Chicksand a Hoe, we are celebrating
this incredible bond andchecking in with an amazing
group of animal health careprofessionals that honors this
special bond.
Hey, everybody, it's Vanessa.
(02:04):
Welcome to another episode ofTwo Chicks and a Ho, the podcast
that talks to amazing peopledoing incredible things in our
world.
Yes, we hit a jackpot againtoday.
I'm thrilled to dive into thistopic.
It's really, really close to myheart the magical bond between
humans and animals.
Yeah, I know I'm a bit biased,but hear me out for a sec.
(02:27):
Through my life experiences,both personally and
professionally, I have witnessedfirsthand the profound impact
this bond can have.
It's not just something you canput into words.
It's a force that transcendslanguage and logic.
It's a connection brimming withlove and unwavering loyalty.
(02:47):
And today we're going to explorehow this bond plays out in a
truly extraordinary setting therelationship between unhoused
individuals and their belovedpets and an amazing group of
veterinary professionals thatare working to help with health
care needs of the animals thatlive with the homeless folks in
Los Angeles.
(03:08):
I grab your tissues, I have it,I know and I know.
I know I'm the one who's goingto actually need them.
We're about to embark on ajourney that will tug at your
heartstrings and shine a lighton the incredible work of the
team from Project Street Vet.
Joining us today is GenesisRendon, a registered veterinary
(03:30):
technician for over 20 years anda vital member of the Project
Street Vet Los Angeles team.
Welcome, genesis.
Thank you so much for beingwith us today and talking about
the incredible work that youguys are doing.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Thank you so much.
It's an honor to be here withyou.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
So tell me, you just said I had to grab some tissues
and I laughed because I'mthinking I had to grab some
tissues.
Is this a podcast?
I wanted to actually warn youthat more than likely I will,
and my listeners know that thisis near and dear to my heart.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
Same here and I grabbed tissues and Dr Kwane's
always he's like there goesGenesis, she's crying, but you
know I've caught him a few timestearing up and getting
emotional.
It's an emotional journey, amission that we're doing Not
only because we love animals,but just the situations we
(04:30):
encounter and I love what I doever since I was a kid.
I've always said that mymission 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'sI'm going to be there for them.
And ever since I was a kid Imean, I live in the city.
(04:51):
I don't have a farm I wish Idid, but I made my backyard a
farm.
I any strays I would find Iwould bring them back to health,
whatever it's.
It was a bird, a reptile, abutterfly, even I had a
butterfly on my money tree.
She was missing a wing and shejust lived there and I would
hang oranges for her and waterand she lived an amazing life.
(05:13):
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 ofmine to help animals in every
way that I can.
And when I met Dr Kwane, it wasjust such an ironic meet.
I met him at a gala many, manyyears ago because I was
(05:37):
nominated for Hero Tech of theYear 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 volunteeringWith an organization that helped
pets Of the unhoused, and thenit's just something that I did
(05:57):
by myself, on my own.
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 dogfor the cats that pass by.
And I got a call from Dr Askin,who I worked with in radiation
(06:21):
oncology at the hospital I wasat, and she said Genesis,
remember Dr Kwane, you met himat the gala years ago.
Well, he's out in the streetsdoing what you do too, but he
needs, he needs a nurse now byhis side.
He needs help.
He can't do it on his own, hewants to meet you.
Great.
So she gave me his number, wecalled.
(06:42):
He did see other nurses toothat could help him, but I was
him.
Like it's real when people getto say started from the bottom
(07:09):
and now we're here nice because,yeah, there's times where I
mean all of it's all volunteerwork that we did, but it was
even us putting our own moneyout of our pocket to get the
means to help so when, when you,when you've combined, now
you've combined your forces toform Project Street Vet, what?
Speaker 1 (07:33):
what is Project Street Vet for our listeners?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Project Street Vet is a nonprofit now, thank goodness
, where we provide medicalattention for pets of the
unhoused, whether it's just fleaand intake medication,
deworming medication,antibiotics.
You know we clean the ears,anything that's needed for the
pet.
And luckily now with donationswe get to go a little further.
(07:59):
Before we would ask for probono or who can help us would
ask for pro bono or who couldhelp us, and now with the
donations everybody out theresupporting 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'sa true blessing for the pet, but
(08:21):
their owner as well.
Wow, so we've gone above andbeyond.
And another thing I wanted tomention too back when we first
started, Dr Kwane, we would bedriving and calling hospitals.
You guys have vaccines we canbuy off of you, because we
encounter a lot of pet ownersthat that's their main thing is
(08:42):
is vaccines for their pet, tokeep them updated, and they want
this for their pet.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
They do whatever it takes, and you know, and that's
so.
I've been looking at yourwebsite and I really, really
encourage our listeners to checkout your website
projectstreetvetorg, I think,yes, dot org, and that'll be on
our website as well afterwards.
But, um, some of the thingsthat you guys do, you're not
(09:13):
just like you said.
You're not just doing.
You know the basics and um, uhof you know some fleas and what
have you.
You're doing some serious workout there for animals that are
lethally injured, like they'vebeen hit by cars and stuff.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Oh yes, when we first started, Um was a cat we had
met.
We met Justin.
He was Um's dad.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
I was hoping you would tell this story.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Yes, Justin and I might start crying now, because
Dr Kwane and I did bond verymuch with Justin and he's a
traveler that's what we callthem.
He travels everywhere.
He's been all over the UnitedStates and he saw um as a kitten
behind a trash dumpster andthey saved each other.
So Justin was riding hisskateboard that's how he got
(10:00):
around and he got hit by a car.
He fell and the car just ranover um, um carrier and he
didn't stop.
He kept going and I remember DrKwane and I were helping a
family in studio city and hecalled us Dr Kwane.
I still remember um and I gothit by a car and I need your
(10:25):
help.
So justin was in santa ana andtraffic here in la it's
something else.
It's just beyond you canimagine.
We had a drive from studio cityto santa ana.
Justin was at a am AM PM andwas laying on the ground and we
(10:46):
just listened to him and I wasjust in shock and we rushed back
to Studio City.
It was because at that time wasthe only hospital we had
available for pro bono to helpus.
I had a fractured femur, he hada collapsed diaphragm which
(11:06):
actually it ruptured, so prettymuch 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, majorsurgery, and we had to stabilize
before he went under to fix thediaphragm and his femur.
(11:26):
Dr Pedraza, which is an amazingdoctor he's an orthopedic
surgeon was able to perform thesurgery for the broken leg and
the diaphragm.
Dr Leach is the owner ofBeverly Oaks in Studio City and
she was kind enough for us to dothe surgery there.
Wow, Um is now up and running ahappy cat with Justin, and
(11:51):
they're still going all over theUnited States just traveling
and riding skateboards.
Um actually sits on the top ofJustin's shoulder, Wow, and we
bonded very well with Justin,and he was great, too, on
finding families for us thatneed the support too.
He was just part of the crew atone point, Wow.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
So these are, these animals are family.
Oh, I know, and I know I canalready see you know from you,
these are animals are family,but it's the same thing.
On the streets it doesn'tmatter.
I think you know the more I seeand the more I read too, that,
um, they get their care.
The love and the care that theyreceive from the folks that are
(12:33):
living on the streets is moreat times than some of the
animals that are in houses 110percent.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Um, I've been working in the industry for 24 years
and money is a big factor in theindustry and I, unfortunately,
have put a lot of pets down orseen pets surrendered or not get
the best treatment becausemoney is an issue, and this is
for families that have a roofover their head and have a job,
(13:04):
but encountering, you know, petowners that do live out in the
street, they'll do whatever ittakes to take care of their
animal and a lot of the time isasking for money and I'm not
going to lie, and Dr Kwane hassaid it himself where you know
he didn't get a chance to helpor I'm like, oh, they're just,
you know, using the dog to toget money.
(13:34):
Um, I unfortunately was thatperson, but then when I once um
went out myself and I dressedyou know down, I put dirt on my
face and I started going to askfor money, um, to try to put
myself in their shoes.
Oh, okay, so you had a betterunderstanding.
Yeah, and it was.
It was, um, a difficult thingand um, you get judged and and
(13:56):
my best friend did it too, andthat's why I decided to do it
myself and I didn't recognizeher and I hate saying this, but
when she came up to us, a groupof friends I judged I'm like
you're asking for money, but youhave a clean pair of Uggs, and
then I realized it was her.
(14:16):
So then I just put myself inthose shoes and I'm like this is
tough, and I'm like this istough.
(14:40):
But on the side note, when weencounter someone that you know
lives in the streets and I heartheir stories I learn so much
about women and they justunfortunately got into this
situation, and most of them werebecause they can't have their
dogs in an apartment or theydon't have credit, and they
rather live in the street Withtheir animals.
With their animals and it's whatkeeps them going, it's what
keeps them living, and they'rewith their pet every single day.
(15:01):
So that bond is undescribable,the bond that they have.
They're together every day,every single moment.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
I was looking at one of the amazing videos on the
Project Street Vet website andthere was a brief interview with
a gal and her dog and what shesaid stayed in my heart and I
think it sits at the core of whyProject Street Vet does what
they do.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
She's my world.
She's all I have.
I don't have any family, so sheis my family.
She's my daughter.
I've had her for six years nowand we've never been apart, so I
feel it when she's hurting.
I can't watch the shots becauseI feel it like they're giving
me a shot.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
So when you said no judgment, you know and I think
that's really key because Iwould like you to if you could
share the story of how ProjectStreet Vet got started with the
idea of judgment or no judgment-that's something that Dr Kwane
(16:09):
came up with of not judging,because so much of us do that,
even both of us.
I have to say Genesis, I know Ihave done it myself.
I see somebody on the streetthat has an animal and I have
thought an animal's not gettingthe best care.
What kind of life is that?
But the more I dug deeper intothe research for this and now
(16:34):
talking to you, I recognize thatis not the case.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
No, and I think that's what we've learned along
the way, because we learn a lotourselves when we encounter pet
owners out in Skid Row orwherever we get to travel is is
everyone has a different story.
So we've learned and again DrKwane came up with this is not
to judge and just help them,because we don't know their
(16:58):
story.
And this is why I love what wedo, because we get to educate
those that are in the outsidethat they deserve help to
whatever it looks like, andthey're doing whatever it takes
to help their pet.
And one thing I've learned tooif they're asking for money,
most of the times when wherethey're living, if it gets
raided by the cops, they have acertain amount of time to get
(17:19):
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 ofwhere they're at, and that's
leaving their tent where it's at, which is their home.
But most of the time, if theydon't get out in time from the
timeframe that they have,they're put in jail and the pets
(17:40):
taken to a shelter.
So then they're asking formoney so that they could get
their pet out, and that probablycould cost about 200 plus to
get their dog out of or theircat out of the shelter it costs
money to pick up your animalfrom the shelter in most
shelters.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
yes, wow, I didn't know that.
Wow, okay, wow, so.
So.
So tell the story please aboutthe beginning of Project Street
Vet.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Well, as I said, Dr Kwane was doing this on his own
and I was too, and when we metyou know, like I said, he's
interviewed he interviewed a fewpeople to help him because he
wanted to see who would have thegood fit to be out in the
streets with him and be able toto kind of be okay in that
(18:35):
situation.
Skid Row is not the easiestplace to see or be in or be in
Sometimes, no, most of the timewhen I come home I still smell
Skid Row on me.
It's not the cleanest place.
And so how it started, Iremember it was a restaurant
(19:01):
PJ's restaurant in Burbank,where we sat along with his
brother, Ian, who has been a bigsupport in starting this, with
his brother Kwane, and theyasked me a bunch of questions.
I let them know what I did onthe side, that I've been in this
industry for that time, whatmaybe 20 years and how my
passion for animals is to takecare of them and my mission as
well.
So that's where it started.
Then Dr Kwane and I juststarted visiting the streets of
(19:23):
San Diego, san Francisco, venice, santa Monica, mainly Skid Row,
long Beach.
You know the riverbed in LongBeach, the LA riverbed.
There's a lot of animals theretoo, and it's just gotten bigger
since then and let's see it's2014.
(19:43):
2014 is when we started, Ibelieve, 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 myselfand this is what we would do on
the side, on top of our, our job.
(20:05):
We would get together and, likeyou know I said before, we
would call hospitals and say who, who can help us, who's pro
bono, where can we buy vaccinesfrom flea and tick control and
deworming?
And we've gotten to a placewhere, you know, Dr Kwane won
CNN hero of the year, um, and we, we were given money and now we
(20:29):
get donations.
When I walk into hospitals,there's doctors like here is a
box of flea medication and a boxof ear cleaner and some
antibiotics, because it's stuffthat we need when we're out in
the streets.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
So you built a network now of other vet
healthcare professionals thatthat are involved, not only
involved, so they're giving youmedicines and they're giving you
services, pro bono services anduse of their facilities.
Are they joining you as well onthe streets?
Speaker 2 (21:02):
Oh, we now have some doctors do, but now we have so
many volunteers.
It's great.
It was just him, and then itwas him and I and it was him and
I for a long chills, becauseit's now becoming a bigger, a
(21:29):
bigger thing.
And you know, I met some youngladies.
Yesterday we went to a galabecause Dr Kwane was given an
award for the work that he doesand I want to start yeah, I want
to start working and it's crazybecause we were at Skid Row
beforehand helping some pets andmeeting people that we already
(21:50):
know and then we, you know, hadto come home and change and
shower, then go attend this galafor this award.
But I met some girls that thatremember me from, you know,
instagram and the work that wedo out in the streets.
And you know I'm Latina and Ispeak Spanish, so I helped Dr
Korn a lot in the Latincommunity that we meet out in
the streets.
And you know I'm Latina and Ispeak Spanish, so I help Dr
Kwane a lot in the Latincommunity that we meet that does
(22:12):
not speak English.
So he's grateful for me whenwe're together and they want to
join and they want to help withat least that community and help
them and know that there's, youknow, people that could help
them too, that speak Spanish andcould be there for them.
So we're starting to grow andit's now.
We don't have to call hospitalsLike, can you help us?
We now have the funds and notjust by um, you know doctors or
(22:35):
donation, and it's mainlydonations from supporters and
viewers that love what we do outthere.
Speaker 1 (22:42):
So I, I saw that that just in the year, in 2023, you
have helped in some capacityover 1,600 animals.
That's amazing, that is anamazing genesis, and I know that
.
That's, like you said, beyondflea control.
That's a little bit ofeverything, from injuries to
(23:04):
life-threatening stuff.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Yes, we've helped many parvo puppies and we all
know that's not cheap to treat.
Like I said, I mean mainly spayand neuters.
But we also educate, you know,the pet owners of why flea and
tick control is so important,especially spays and neuters,
(23:27):
why that's so important.
And dental care you know weprovide toothbrush and
toothpaste.
You know doggy toothpaste andkitten 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 isso important to the pet owner,
(23:47):
even when it comes to diet, andthey're all very grateful it's.
I always ask people to comewith me because even though
they're living in the street andthey don't have a rooftop like
we do or access to food like wedo, they are so grateful and
they have so much faith.
And you know there's this onelady saying was just praying and
saying I, I, I need help.
(24:09):
And then dr kwan and I show upoh, yeah, isn't that how that
works?
Speaker 1 (24:17):
yes, yes, wow, that's beautiful.
Wow, so that kind of um.
I wanted to talk about the bondbetween animals and humans and
I wanted to share your insightson that that you have gained
over the last few years.
But you know, but, genesis,you're already taught the bond,
(24:41):
too, that you're talking aboutand I'm hearing it this bond
between people building thesecommunities with each other over
because of the animals.
You know, another thing thatthe animals are doing for us is
the bonds that we then createfor each other, with each other.
But tell me about that.
(25:03):
Tell me, please, about thatexperience for you, because I
think, you know, I think that isone of the most amazing things.
That's, that's that you guysare doing.
Is this, this bond that you'renurturing?
Speaker 2 (25:26):
On all these levels.
It's what, it's what keeps themgoing, even though they live in
the street.
It keeps them wanting tocontinue living life because of
their furry one, because oftheir dog or their cat.
I mean, we've seen snakes andbirds, turtles, mice, rats, even
(25:46):
bunnies.
They keep wanting to live lifebecause of their pet and I don't
know what I would do without mypickles.
She's my dog, I love her, Iwould do anything for her, I
would even live in the streetsfor her, because I can't imagine
(26:07):
her being in a cage, like at ashelter, being put down.
I would live under a bridge forher and many would say she's
just a dog.
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 goingand I have a roof over my head,
(26:34):
those that don't, they needtheir 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 andimagine just be with your
animal 24-7, 365.
That bond is beyond what we canimagine and Dr Kwane did
(26:57):
encounter a woman about sixmonths ago and he shared this
story where she hit a reallydark place in her life and I
know a lot of us not many of ushave gone through that where we
hit a dark spot and she told DrKwane that she wanted to take
her life.
And when she wanted to do that,she just looked to her dog and
(27:23):
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 andshe saved her dog okay, well,
okay, now we both have Kleenex.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Oh man, I, you know, yes, I no, I can't even hardly
talk.
I attribute my life to myanimals, yes, animals that have
brought me out of dark, darkspots in my life.
(28:08):
So I, I can relate on thatlevel.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
Yes, same people have done the same for me and past
dogs too.
Speaker 1 (28:17):
Yeah yeah, okay that's why.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
That's why we do what we do, thank you.
That's why we don't judge andwe just help, thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
You're welcome.
That is Thank you, that'samazing.
Okay, let's take a break for asec.
We're taking a break.
Oh my gosh, that's greatGenesis.
Speaker 2 (29:06):
Yeah, and then, like even you know, Pickles knows as
soon as I could be in my officeand if I just have one tear
coming, she knows and she'llcome to me, and that's what
she's with me right now, causeshe, she knows Huh.
Speaker 1 (29:24):
I don't know if you can hear it.
The caller oh, that's ollie.
Yeah, come here.
So I just recently lost my dogof 10 years to bone cancer,
sorry, and uh, yeah, so, uh,maybe I should tell this story,
(29:45):
you know.
So it's that bond thing, butbut anyway, my kitty, my kitty
was snoring on the bed.
That's what I said, didn't youhear?
She snores loud.
But, yes, the bond is, uh, iscritical.
Um, I, I lost my dog, um, a fewmonths ago to bone cancer and a
(30:05):
pretty devastating loss.
It was a dog that actuallyhelped 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 storeand a couple of weeks after she
(30:27):
passed and I saw my neighbor,really great lady, and we used
to walk, you know, through theneighborhood and stuff and we
both have dogs and she, hi, howis Roxy doing, you know?
And that's when I told her Boy,she flew around that grocery
cart, gave me the biggest hugand without saying I never said
anything she looked at me andshe said don't wait.
(30:51):
And I was blown away.
To tell you the truth, thatmorning I had talked to Roxy in
my prayers and said please giveme 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 loveto be had, too much love to give
(31:12):
.
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 wouldmodify and change their lives
(31:32):
dramatically for their animals.
Yes, so okay, I see that youguys are expanding You've
mentioned it too whether it'sNew York, atlanta, all over
(31:53):
California, it sounds like.
Speaker 2 (31:59):
What's the future for Project Street Vet?
To bring awareness is our mainfocus and for everyone to learn
not to judge and to help andjust help, but having more
doctors and more nurses andanyone who wants to that wants
to volunteer and help more petsout there.
(32:21):
Obviously, we do need the money, the funds, to be able to pay
hospitals and having pet ownersbe able to call a hospital and
say and it happened to, actuallya hospital was at that I was
(32:42):
visiting and they said Genesis,we have someone that that lives
actually in the alley behind andhis cat's sick and they're
asking if we could help them.
And I said have him come in anduh, call, you know, denae, who
takes care of a lot of um, ourstuff for Project Street Vet and
um, bill us and that'ssomething that we've never been
(33:03):
able to say before Just, justbill us.
And now we are blessed to saythat, to say this, but to expand
, bring awareness and help moreanimals so that nobody that's
unhoused gets to worry aboutmedical treatment or food for
their pet.
You provide food as well.
(33:24):
Oh gosh, yes, we now have apantry the pet pantry at a
location in Skid Row wherepeople that the unhoused do
their showers there.
They get to shower, sometimestheir food from themselves, but
we have a pantry there wherethey could pick up dog food, cat
food, treats, a toy, a blankethere and there Wow, blanket here
(33:50):
and there, wow.
So it just expanding being ableto help more, more owners so
that they don't have to stressor feed their pet before they
feed themselves.
Cause I I've met a lot of petowners where they won't eat, and
this is true and and and I knowthis because I've sat with them
and God knows what with themand I don't care and Skid Row,
I'll hug them, I'll shake theirhands and I'll sit in filth, but
(34:14):
they will feed their pet beforethey feed themselves.
And I tell them too you alsogot to take care of yourself,
because if you're not around andhealthy, you know your, your
pet's not going to have youRight.
As long as we're bringing food,then they can eat their food.
Because if you're not aroundand healthy, you know your, your
pet's not going to have youRight.
So as long as we're bringingfood, then they can eat their
(34:37):
food.
And my Jeep right now the backis I have blankets, dog food,
flea and tick control.
So if I pass anyone.
Wherever I'm at, even at asupermarket, I saw a gentleman
asking for food and I bought himsome 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 favoritechocolates, so I just buy it for
(34:59):
everyone.
It makes people happy.
But when I brought a blanketfor his dog, he said that made
his night a whole lot better andI remember her just sitting on
the blanket and she absolutelyloved it.
So, yes, just bringing awarenessand be able to expand.
I mean, have a veterinarian inevery state and nurses to help,
(35:20):
because it's not just Californiathat struggles with people
being unhoused and that's what'ssad that we're living in times
like that, when there's so manypeople that are unhoused and I
hope more apartment owners andthe government gets to
understand that they do needhelp.
And if someone doesn't havecredit, help them out.
(35:42):
If someone has a pet and hasgood credit and could get a
place to live, let them livethere With their pets, with
their pet and one of thegentlemen's that we we met in
Venice.
We found them living behind aThai restaurant and we spoke to
(36:03):
him.
His name was Antonio and youknow we were talking in Spanish.
He was from Brazil Sevenlanguages he spoke, and a chef,
and he lived in Venice and hedid have money but the owner of
the apartment he was livingwanted to tear it down.
He bought, bought by you knowcorporate wanting to build a
bigger apartment complex.
So they kicked him out.
(36:24):
No one would take him becausehe didn't have credit and he
wasn't from here and he had adog Wow.
So he was sleeping on acardboard mat with a tent over
him and he's like I can't giveup my baby, he's my life, he's
my son, and he was living out inthe streets, all because he had
no credit and he had a dog Wow.
(36:45):
And that's where we also needto bring awareness to people to
let them just have a hometogether.
Speaker 1 (36:58):
Yeah, thank you, thank you.
So I want to make sure thatlisteners, listeners understand
that they can support you guys,of course, and go through the
website, website project streetvetorg, to donate.
Do you take supplies?
(37:20):
Do you take all?
I mean, if you're in an arealike the Los Angeles area or San
Diego or wherever you have yoursetups, do you take physical
supplies, or would you prefercash so that you can you, you
know buy the things that youneed when you're, when you're in
those towns?
Speaker 2 (37:38):
supplies are always great, um, especially food and
blankets, um leashes and collars.
Right now we're getting a lotof donations.
Uh, you know dr, you know kwan,one cnn hero of the the Year,
and a lot of people.
I think that brought awarenesseven more.
(37:58):
Absolutely and people like nowwant to donate more and, like I
said, I go to hospitals anddoctors are just giving me stuff
or people have food.
My sister gives me blankets andthat's always great.
I always tell people to like onmy Instagram when I'm live.
You know, if you have blanketsor food, you know, definitely
(38:20):
give it to someone.
But if you're afraid toapproach them, we can meet
somewhere and you could givethem to me.
But donations help the mostwhen it comes to money, because
that just means more surgeries,dental care, medication if we
need to buy it.
And my ultimate goal which Iforgot to mention is to knock on
(38:44):
wood is for Dr Kwane and I tohave a van.
We can travel so that we driveit because we both drive our
cars and our back's full ofstuff.
Well, so that we drive itbecause 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 canhave everything there.
(39:06):
If we find a dog that got bit byanother 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 knowmicroscope in there so we can
see if it's cancerous or not.
Just have our own little clinicin a van.
So a clinic on wheels, yes,like a, like a mobile vet.
(39:26):
There's so many mobile vets outthere, Oof.
If we found one that would bewilling to let us use our van,
if we found one that would bewilling to let us use our van,
that would be great.
But my goal is to have our ownvan, 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
(39:50):
people that are big advocatesfor animals don't really win
awards like that or aren't voted.
Speaker 1 (39:57):
You're talking about the CNN hero award.
Speaker 2 (39:58):
Yes, and and it's sad for me to say that, um, and a
lot of people I was talking tothat didn't vote like, yeah, you
guys probably won't win becauseyou're the only one up there in
the panel that helps animals.
Speaker 1 (40:11):
Everyone else out there in the panel amazing
exactly, and I know that, thatand I've seen that and they are
amazing, but I I think it goesback to that statement that you
said earlier that eats at uswhen people say it's just a dog.
I think there's still some ofthat that plays in there.
When there's organizations,unfortunately that I don't want
(40:34):
to say pitted, but kind of likeyou know, competition, so to
speak, for funds, whether it'sanimals or people, I understand.
Please go ahead.
Speaker 2 (40:44):
But when we, when I knew the amount of money we're
going to get, I started yellingyes, 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 eachperson up in the panel and I
said it's all well worth it.
One day we'll get our van andmaybe we will, maybe we won't.
(41:06):
I always call Skid Row.
We were interviewed once and Ihad the gentleman that was
asking us questions.
I said look around us, this isour clinic gentleman that was
asking us questions.
I said look around us, this isour clinic, Skid Row is our
clinic and it's not just a row.
People think it's a row onestreet.
Oh no, Skid Row is huge and wedrive everywhere, we walk.
Sometimes we go our separateways and we'll call each other
(41:28):
and make, hey, I have someone onGrand and Seventh, and then
he'll be, he'll say somethingtoo, and then we just meet and
we help everyone and someoneelse like hey, there's someone
down, seven tents down thatneeds help.
And they all call each otherneighbors and and they're all
very happy.
And some already know us.
There's a good gentleman calledHector that we know very well
and we visit him every time wego and it's it's been as hard as
(41:51):
it is at times.
It's just a big blessing andI'm so fortunate to be a part of
it we're very, very fortunateto have you guys.
Speaker 1 (42:01):
Thank you.
Thank you for the animals andfor the folks that need your
help.
Yeah, so listeners again.
Um, help help these guys.
You, yes, but more importantlyand I love this idea, genesis if
somebody out there has a vanand I'm not talking the
Scooby-Doo mystery van, talkinga nice, cool van that they would
(42:26):
like to donate, why not?
This is a great cause, soputting it out there too.
Speaker 2 (42:32):
Me too.
I'm good, yeah, so putting itout there too.
Me too, I don't know why thatvan.
I know if we had a van, wecould help more of them in a
different way and I could evendrive the dogs or cats to a
local hospital.
And the owner Because some ofthem are scared Because, like I
(42:56):
said, they're 24, seven, theydon't know what to do when their
pet's not with them I woulddrive both of them to a hospital
.
But this van it would be such ablessing if we had one.
It just would be different.
I see it in a different way andbeing able to like okay, let me
take your, your dog, you want tocome with us?
You know we're going to cleanthis wound or we're going to
(43:18):
clean your ears, and they couldbe in the van with us.
Ooh, ooh, yeah, so they couldbe a part of it.
Versus.
You know, Dr Kwane and I are onour knees on the floor and with
the pet parent and educatingthem as well, they could be in
(43:38):
the van with us.
That'd be awesome.
That's why I want it so bad.
I just see it.
Speaker 1 (43:43):
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 toshare with us?
Speaker 2 (43:56):
You know that's that dreaded question, like some kind
of job interview, but that'snot what it is.
To just again, don't judge,just help.
Any bit helps, whether it'sjust one blanket, especially now
since it's raining.
You have a tarp in the back ofyour car seat, that's, you know,
helpful, helpful, um, a dollar,a sandwich, like I said,
(44:20):
they'll feed them their dog orcat, before they feed themselves
.
So my main thing is is nojudgment, just help, and I've
learned that from dr kwan and melearning from the pet parents
and me also experiencing how itis to ask for money yes, and by
walking in it andI encourage everyone to try to
(44:41):
do it and it eats your ego away.
You're, you're.
You gotta let go of your prideto have to go up to someone ask
for money and they just do itfor their pet, because their
pet's worth it.
So when you see that person outthere asking for money and they
(45:04):
have a dog or a cat, trust mewhen I say this and trust Dr
Kwan they're not doing it forother reasons.
They're doing it for their pet.
And for those pet owners thatdid use substance and did use
drugs, they're clean now becauseof their dog and cat.
(45:26):
They saved themselves.
Speaker 1 (45:32):
The little angels with fur oh, yeah, yeah, thank
you.
The little angels with fur oh,yeah, yeah, thank you.
Thank you for sharing yourstory.
Thank you for everything You'rewelcome.
Speaker 2 (45:43):
And thank you for having us again.
It weren't for you guys.
We're not expanding ourawareness to what Dr Kwane
started and his mission and whatwe do.
It's people like you guysthat's also bringing awareness,
because more people need to hearwhat we do.
Speaker 1 (46:01):
Agreed Because there's great things going on in
the world.
Thank you guys.
Thank you.
As I think about theconversation with Genesis and
the work that the Project StreetVet team does, she reminded me
that kindness knows no bounds.
Not having judgment allows usto share our compassion freely.
(46:24):
Whether it's providing a warmmeal, a safe place to sleep or
access to veterinary care, everyact of compassion makes a
difference, contributing to thecreation of a world where every
individual and their belovedpets are valued, cared for and
given the opportunity to thrive.
(46:46):
I have to tell you I hesitatedabout sharing my story of losing
my beloved Roxy, and I criedagain as I listened, but I'm
really glad I did.
I wanted to share my ownforever bond with you guys.
So visit projectstreetvetorgfor more incredible stories of
(47:12):
the work that they do, or tohelp with a donation, or, if
you're interested involunteering with them oh or hey
, maybe you have a connection toget them a van.
Visit the Two Chicks and a Hoewebsite to see all the links.
Thanks for listening.
You guys.
Take care of each other.
Thank you.
Life can be a whirlwind, dishing out surprises
like job losses, housinghiccups or nature's fury,
sometimes sending folks tumblingonto the streets, facing a
daily struggle just to stayafloat.
Yet within this chaos, aprofound bond emerges between
humans and their animalcompanions, evident through the
(00:23):
work of organizations likeProject Street Vet.
These pets become pillars ofstrength, offering more than
just companionship they providea sense of purpose and belonging
in the challenges of life onthe streets.
In the United States, over580,000 people are experiencing
homelessness, and a significantportion of them around 10
(00:45):
percent have beloved pets astheir companions.
Though estimates vary, that'spotentially anywhere from 58,000
to over 145,000 individuals whoshare an unbreakable bond with
their furry friends.
These pets aren't just animals,they're family.
Homeless individuals oftenprioritize their pet's
(01:09):
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 nothealthier, than those in housed
situations.
(01:30):
On today's episode of Two Chicksand a Hoe, we are celebrating
this incredible bond andchecking in with an amazing
group of animal health careprofessionals that honors this
special bond.
Hey, everybody, it's Vanessa.
(02:04):
Welcome to another episode ofTwo Chicks and a Ho, the podcast
that talks to amazing peopledoing incredible things in our
world.
Yes, we hit a jackpot againtoday.
I'm thrilled to dive into thistopic.
It's really, really close to myheart the magical bond between
humans and animals.
Yeah, I know I'm a bit biased,but hear me out for a sec.
(02:27):
Through my life experiences,both personally and
professionally, I have witnessedfirsthand the profound impact
this bond can have.
It's not just something you canput into words.
It's a force that transcendslanguage and logic.
It's a connection brimming withlove and unwavering loyalty.
(02:47):
And today we're going to explorehow this bond plays out in a
truly extraordinary setting therelationship between unhoused
individuals and their belovedpets and an amazing group of
veterinary professionals thatare working to help with health
care needs of the animals thatlive with the homeless folks in
Los Angeles.
(03:08):
I grab your tissues, I have it,I know and I know.
I know I'm the one who's goingto actually need them.
We're about to embark on ajourney that will tug at your
heartstrings and shine a lighton the incredible work of the
team from Project Street Vet.
Joining us today is GenesisRendon, a registered veterinary
(03:30):
technician for over 20 years anda vital member of the Project
Street Vet Los Angeles team.
Welcome, genesis.
Thank you so much for beingwith us today and talking about
the incredible work that youguys are doing.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Thank you so much.
It's an honor to be here withyou.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
So tell me, you just said I had to grab some tissues
and I laughed because I'mthinking I had to grab some
tissues.
Is this a podcast?
I wanted to actually warn youthat more than likely I will,
and my listeners know that thisis near and dear to my heart.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
Same here and I grabbed tissues and Dr Kwane's
always he's like there goesGenesis, she's crying, but you
know I've caught him a few timestearing up and getting
emotional.
It's an emotional journey, amission that we're doing Not
only because we love animals,but just the situations we
(04:30):
encounter and I love what I doever since I was a kid.
I've always said that mymission 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'sI'm going to be there for them.
And ever since I was a kid Imean, I live in the city.
(04:51):
I don't have a farm I wish Idid, but I made my backyard a
farm.
I any strays I would find Iwould bring them back to health,
whatever it's.
It was a bird, a reptile, abutterfly, even I had a
butterfly on my money tree.
She was missing a wing and shejust lived there and I would
hang oranges for her and waterand she lived an amazing life.
(05:13):
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 ofmine to help animals in every
way that I can.
And when I met Dr Kwane, it wasjust such an ironic meet.
I met him at a gala many, manyyears ago because I was
(05:37):
nominated for Hero Tech of theYear 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 volunteeringWith an organization that helped
pets Of the unhoused, and thenit's just something that I did
(05:57):
by myself, on my own.
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 dogfor the cats that pass by.
And I got a call from Dr Askin,who I worked with in radiation
(06:21):
oncology at the hospital I wasat, and she said Genesis,
remember Dr Kwane, you met himat the gala years ago.
Well, he's out in the streetsdoing what you do too, but he
needs, he needs a nurse now byhis side.
He needs help.
He can't do it on his own, hewants to meet you.
Great.
So she gave me his number, wecalled.
(06:42):
He did see other nurses toothat could help him, but I was
him.
Like it's real when people getto say started from the bottom
(07:09):
and now we're here nice because,yeah, there's times where I
mean all of it's all volunteerwork that we did, but it was
even us putting our own moneyout of our pocket to get the
means to help so when, when you,when you've combined, now
you've combined your forces toform Project Street Vet, what?
Speaker 1 (07:33):
what is Project Street Vet for our listeners?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Project Street Vet is a nonprofit now, thank goodness
, where we provide medicalattention for pets of the
unhoused, whether it's just fleaand intake medication,
deworming medication,antibiotics.
You know we clean the ears,anything that's needed for the
pet.
And luckily now with donationswe get to go a little further.
(07:59):
Before we would ask for probono or who can help us would
ask for pro bono or who couldhelp us, and now with the
donations everybody out theresupporting 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'sa true blessing for the pet, but
(08:21):
their owner as well.
Wow, so we've gone above andbeyond.
And another thing I wanted tomention too back when we first
started, Dr Kwane, we would bedriving and calling hospitals.
You guys have vaccines we canbuy off of you, because we
encounter a lot of pet ownersthat that's their main thing is
(08:42):
is vaccines for their pet, tokeep them updated, and they want
this for their pet.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
They do whatever it takes, and you know, and that's
so.
I've been looking at yourwebsite and I really, really
encourage our listeners to checkout your website
projectstreetvetorg, I think,yes, dot org, and that'll be on
our website as well afterwards.
But, um, some of the thingsthat you guys do, you're not
(09:13):
just like you said.
You're not just doing.
You know the basics and um, uhof you know some fleas and what
have you.
You're doing some serious workout there for animals that are
lethally injured, like they'vebeen hit by cars and stuff.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Oh yes, when we first started, Um was a cat we had
met.
We met Justin.
He was Um's dad.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
I was hoping you would tell this story.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Yes, Justin and I might start crying now, because
Dr Kwane and I did bond verymuch with Justin and he's a
traveler that's what we callthem.
He travels everywhere.
He's been all over the UnitedStates and he saw um as a kitten
behind a trash dumpster andthey saved each other.
So Justin was riding hisskateboard that's how he got
(10:00):
around and he got hit by a car.
He fell and the car just ranover um, um carrier and he
didn't stop.
He kept going and I remember DrKwane and I were helping a
family in studio city and hecalled us Dr Kwane.
I still remember um and I gothit by a car and I need your
(10:25):
help.
So justin was in santa ana andtraffic here in la it's
something else.
It's just beyond you canimagine.
We had a drive from studio cityto santa ana.
Justin was at a am AM PM andwas laying on the ground and we
(10:46):
just listened to him and I wasjust in shock and we rushed back
to Studio City.
It was because at that time wasthe only hospital we had
available for pro bono to helpus.
I had a fractured femur, he hada collapsed diaphragm which
(11:06):
actually it ruptured, so prettymuch 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, majorsurgery, and we had to stabilize
before he went under to fix thediaphragm and his femur.
(11:26):
Dr Pedraza, which is an amazingdoctor he's an orthopedic
surgeon was able to perform thesurgery for the broken leg and
the diaphragm.
Dr Leach is the owner ofBeverly Oaks in Studio City and
she was kind enough for us to dothe surgery there.
Wow, Um is now up and running ahappy cat with Justin, and
(11:51):
they're still going all over theUnited States just traveling
and riding skateboards.
Um actually sits on the top ofJustin's shoulder, Wow, and we
bonded very well with Justin,and he was great, too, on
finding families for us thatneed the support too.
He was just part of the crew atone point, Wow.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
So these are, these animals are family.
Oh, I know, and I know I canalready see you know from you,
these are animals are family,but it's the same thing.
On the streets it doesn'tmatter.
I think you know the more I seeand the more I read too, that,
um, they get their care.
The love and the care that theyreceive from the folks that are
(12:33):
living on the streets is moreat times than some of the
animals that are in houses 110percent.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Um, I've been working in the industry for 24 years
and money is a big factor in theindustry and I, unfortunately,
have put a lot of pets down orseen pets surrendered or not get
the best treatment becausemoney is an issue, and this is
for families that have a roofover their head and have a job,
(13:04):
but encountering, you know, petowners that do live out in the
street, they'll do whatever ittakes to take care of their
animal and a lot of the time isasking for money and I'm not
going to lie, and Dr Kwane hassaid it himself where you know
he didn't get a chance to helpor I'm like, oh, they're just,
you know, using the dog to toget money.
(13:34):
Um, I unfortunately was thatperson, but then when I once um
went out myself and I dressedyou know down, I put dirt on my
face and I started going to askfor money, um, to try to put
myself in their shoes.
Oh, okay, so you had a betterunderstanding.
Yeah, and it was.
It was, um, a difficult thingand um, you get judged and and
(13:56):
my best friend did it too, andthat's why I decided to do it
myself and I didn't recognizeher and I hate saying this, but
when she came up to us, a groupof friends I judged I'm like
you're asking for money, but youhave a clean pair of Uggs, and
then I realized it was her.
(14:16):
So then I just put myself inthose shoes and I'm like this is
tough, and I'm like this istough.
(14:40):
But on the side note, when weencounter someone that you know
lives in the streets and I heartheir stories I learn so much
about women and they justunfortunately got into this
situation, and most of them werebecause they can't have their
dogs in an apartment or theydon't have credit, and they
rather live in the street Withtheir animals.
With their animals and it's whatkeeps them going, it's what
keeps them living, and they'rewith their pet every single day.
(15:01):
So that bond is undescribable,the bond that they have.
They're together every day,every single moment.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
I was looking at one of the amazing videos on the
Project Street Vet website andthere was a brief interview with
a gal and her dog and what shesaid stayed in my heart and I
think it sits at the core of whyProject Street Vet does what
they do.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
She's my world.
She's all I have.
I don't have any family, so sheis my family.
She's my daughter.
I've had her for six years nowand we've never been apart, so I
feel it when she's hurting.
I can't watch the shots becauseI feel it like they're giving
me a shot.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
So when you said no judgment, you know and I think
that's really key because Iwould like you to if you could
share the story of how ProjectStreet Vet got started with the
idea of judgment or no judgment-that's something that Dr Kwane
(16:09):
came up with of not judging,because so much of us do that,
even both of us.
I have to say Genesis, I know Ihave done it myself.
I see somebody on the streetthat has an animal and I have
thought an animal's not gettingthe best care.
What kind of life is that?
But the more I dug deeper intothe research for this and now
(16:34):
talking to you, I recognize thatis not the case.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
No, and I think that's what we've learned along
the way, because we learn a lotourselves when we encounter pet
owners out in Skid Row orwherever we get to travel is is
everyone has a different story.
So we've learned and again DrKwane came up with this is not
to judge and just help them,because we don't know their
(16:58):
story.
And this is why I love what wedo, because we get to educate
those that are in the outsidethat they deserve help to
whatever it looks like, andthey're doing whatever it takes
to help their pet.
And one thing I've learned tooif they're asking for money,
most of the times when wherethey're living, if it gets
raided by the cops, they have acertain amount of time to get
(17:19):
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 ofwhere they're at, and that's
leaving their tent where it's at, which is their home.
But most of the time, if theydon't get out in time from the
timeframe that they have,they're put in jail and the pets
(17:40):
taken to a shelter.
So then they're asking formoney so that they could get
their pet out, and that probablycould cost about 200 plus to
get their dog out of or theircat out of the shelter it costs
money to pick up your animalfrom the shelter in most
shelters.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
yes, wow, I didn't know that.
Wow, okay, wow, so.
So.
So tell the story please aboutthe beginning of Project Street
Vet.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Well, as I said, Dr Kwane was doing this on his own
and I was too, and when we metyou know, like I said, he's
interviewed he interviewed a fewpeople to help him because he
wanted to see who would have thegood fit to be out in the
streets with him and be able toto kind of be okay in that
(18:35):
situation.
Skid Row is not the easiestplace to see or be in or be in
Sometimes, no, most of the timewhen I come home I still smell
Skid Row on me.
It's not the cleanest place.
And so how it started, Iremember it was a restaurant
(19:01):
PJ's restaurant in Burbank,where we sat along with his
brother, Ian, who has been a bigsupport in starting this, with
his brother Kwane, and theyasked me a bunch of questions.
I let them know what I did onthe side, that I've been in this
industry for that time, whatmaybe 20 years and how my
passion for animals is to takecare of them and my mission as
well.
So that's where it started.
Then Dr Kwane and I juststarted visiting the streets of
(19:23):
San Diego, san Francisco, venice, santa Monica, mainly Skid Row,
long Beach.
You know the riverbed in LongBeach, the LA riverbed.
There's a lot of animals theretoo, and it's just gotten bigger
since then and let's see it's2014.
(19:43):
2014 is when we started, Ibelieve, 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 myselfand this is what we would do on
the side, on top of our, our job.
(20:05):
We would get together and, likeyou know I said before, we
would call hospitals and say who, who can help us, who's pro
bono, where can we buy vaccinesfrom flea and tick control and
deworming?
And we've gotten to a placewhere, you know, Dr Kwane won
CNN hero of the year, um, and we, we were given money and now we
(20:29):
get donations.
When I walk into hospitals,there's doctors like here is a
box of flea medication and a boxof ear cleaner and some
antibiotics, because it's stuffthat we need when we're out in
the streets.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
So you built a network now of other vet
healthcare professionals thatthat are involved, not only
involved, so they're giving youmedicines and they're giving you
services, pro bono services anduse of their facilities.
Are they joining you as well onthe streets?
Speaker 2 (21:02):
Oh, we now have some doctors do, but now we have so
many volunteers.
It's great.
It was just him, and then itwas him and I and it was him and
I for a long chills, becauseit's now becoming a bigger, a
(21:29):
bigger thing.
And you know, I met some youngladies.
Yesterday we went to a galabecause Dr Kwane was given an
award for the work that he doesand I want to start yeah, I want
to start working and it's crazybecause we were at Skid Row
beforehand helping some pets andmeeting people that we already
(21:50):
know and then we, you know, hadto come home and change and
shower, then go attend this galafor this award.
But I met some girls that thatremember me from, you know,
instagram and the work that wedo out in the streets.
And you know I'm Latina and Ispeak Spanish, so I helped Dr
Korn a lot in the Latincommunity that we meet out in
the streets.
And you know I'm Latina and Ispeak Spanish, so I help Dr
Kwane a lot in the Latincommunity that we meet that does
(22:12):
not speak English.
So he's grateful for me whenwe're together and they want to
join and they want to help withat least that community and help
them and know that there's, youknow, people that could help
them too, that speak Spanish andcould be there for them.
So we're starting to grow andit's now.
We don't have to call hospitalsLike, can you help us?
We now have the funds and notjust by um, you know doctors or
(22:35):
donation, and it's mainlydonations from supporters and
viewers that love what we do outthere.
Speaker 1 (22:42):
So I, I saw that that just in the year, in 2023, you
have helped in some capacityover 1,600 animals.
That's amazing, that is anamazing genesis, and I know that
.
That's, like you said, beyondflea control.
That's a little bit ofeverything, from injuries to
(23:04):
life-threatening stuff.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Yes, we've helped many parvo puppies and we all
know that's not cheap to treat.
Like I said, I mean mainly spayand neuters.
But we also educate, you know,the pet owners of why flea and
tick control is so important,especially spays and neuters,
(23:27):
why that's so important.
And dental care you know weprovide toothbrush and
toothpaste.
You know doggy toothpaste andkitten 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 isso important to the pet owner,
(23:47):
even when it comes to diet, andthey're all very grateful it's.
I always ask people to comewith me because even though
they're living in the street andthey don't have a rooftop like
we do or access to food like wedo, they are so grateful and
they have so much faith.
And you know there's this onelady saying was just praying and
saying I, I, I need help.
(24:09):
And then dr kwan and I show upoh, yeah, isn't that how that
works?
Speaker 1 (24:17):
yes, yes, wow, that's beautiful.
Wow, so that kind of um.
I wanted to talk about the bondbetween animals and humans and
I wanted to share your insightson that that you have gained
over the last few years.
But you know, but, genesis,you're already taught the bond,
(24:41):
too, that you're talking aboutand I'm hearing it this bond
between people building thesecommunities with each other over
because of the animals.
You know, another thing thatthe animals are doing for us is
the bonds that we then createfor each other, with each other.
But tell me about that.
(25:03):
Tell me, please, about thatexperience for you, because I
think, you know, I think that isone of the most amazing things.
That's, that's that you guysare doing.
Is this, this bond that you'renurturing?
Speaker 2 (25:26):
On all these levels.
It's what, it's what keeps themgoing, even though they live in
the street.
It keeps them wanting tocontinue living life because of
their furry one, because oftheir dog or their cat.
I mean, we've seen snakes andbirds, turtles, mice, rats, even
(25:46):
bunnies.
They keep wanting to live lifebecause of their pet and I don't
know what I would do without mypickles.
She's my dog, I love her, Iwould do anything for her, I
would even live in the streetsfor her, because I can't imagine
(26:07):
her being in a cage, like at ashelter, being put down.
I would live under a bridge forher and many would say she's
just a dog.
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 goingand I have a roof over my head,
(26:34):
those that don't, they needtheir 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 andimagine just be with your
animal 24-7, 365.
That bond is beyond what we canimagine and Dr Kwane did
(26:57):
encounter a woman about sixmonths ago and he shared this
story where she hit a reallydark place in her life and I
know a lot of us not many of ushave gone through that where we
hit a dark spot and she told DrKwane that she wanted to take
her life.
And when she wanted to do that,she just looked to her dog and
(27:23):
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 andshe saved her dog okay, well,
okay, now we both have Kleenex.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Oh man, I, you know, yes, I no, I can't even hardly
talk.
I attribute my life to myanimals, yes, animals that have
brought me out of dark, darkspots in my life.
(28:08):
So I, I can relate on thatlevel.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
Yes, same people have done the same for me and past
dogs too.
Speaker 1 (28:17):
Yeah yeah, okay that's why.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
That's why we do what we do, thank you.
That's why we don't judge andwe just help, thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
You're welcome.
That is Thank you, that'samazing.
Okay, let's take a break for asec.
We're taking a break.
Oh my gosh, that's greatGenesis.
Speaker 2 (29:06):
Yeah, and then, like even you know, Pickles knows as
soon as I could be in my officeand if I just have one tear
coming, she knows and she'llcome to me, and that's what
she's with me right now, causeshe, she knows Huh.
Speaker 1 (29:24):
I don't know if you can hear it.
The caller oh, that's ollie.
Yeah, come here.
So I just recently lost my dogof 10 years to bone cancer,
sorry, and uh, yeah, so, uh,maybe I should tell this story,
(29:45):
you know.
So it's that bond thing, butbut anyway, my kitty, my kitty
was snoring on the bed.
That's what I said, didn't youhear?
She snores loud.
But, yes, the bond is, uh, iscritical.
Um, I, I lost my dog, um, a fewmonths ago to bone cancer and a
(30:05):
pretty devastating loss.
It was a dog that actuallyhelped 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 storeand a couple of weeks after she
(30:27):
passed and I saw my neighbor,really great lady, and we used
to walk, you know, through theneighborhood and stuff and we
both have dogs and she, hi, howis Roxy doing, you know?
And that's when I told her Boy,she flew around that grocery
cart, gave me the biggest hugand without saying I never said
anything she looked at me andshe said don't wait.
(30:51):
And I was blown away.
To tell you the truth, thatmorning I had talked to Roxy in
my prayers and said please giveme 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 loveto be had, too much love to give
(31:12):
.
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 wouldmodify and change their lives
(31:32):
dramatically for their animals.
Yes, so okay, I see that youguys are expanding You've
mentioned it too whether it'sNew York, atlanta, all over
(31:53):
California, it sounds like.
Speaker 2 (31:59):
What's the future for Project Street Vet?
To bring awareness is our mainfocus and for everyone to learn
not to judge and to help andjust help, but having more
doctors and more nurses andanyone who wants to that wants
to volunteer and help more petsout there.
(32:21):
Obviously, we do need the money, the funds, to be able to pay
hospitals and having pet ownersbe able to call a hospital and
say and it happened to, actuallya hospital was at that I was
(32:42):
visiting and they said Genesis,we have someone that that lives
actually in the alley behind andhis cat's sick and they're
asking if we could help them.
And I said have him come in anduh, call, you know, denae, who
takes care of a lot of um, ourstuff for Project Street Vet and
um, bill us and that'ssomething that we've never been
(33:03):
able to say before Just, justbill us.
And now we are blessed to saythat, to say this, but to expand
, bring awareness and help moreanimals so that nobody that's
unhoused gets to worry aboutmedical treatment or food for
their pet.
You provide food as well.
(33:24):
Oh gosh, yes, we now have apantry the pet pantry at a
location in Skid Row wherepeople that the unhoused do
their showers there.
They get to shower, sometimestheir food from themselves, but
we have a pantry there wherethey could pick up dog food, cat
food, treats, a toy, a blankethere and there Wow, blanket here
(33:50):
and there, wow.
So it just expanding being ableto help more, more owners so
that they don't have to stressor feed their pet before they
feed themselves.
Cause I I've met a lot of petowners where they won't eat, and
this is true and and and I knowthis because I've sat with them
and God knows what with themand I don't care and Skid Row,
I'll hug them, I'll shake theirhands and I'll sit in filth, but
(34:14):
they will feed their pet beforethey feed themselves.
And I tell them too you alsogot to take care of yourself,
because if you're not around andhealthy, you know your, your
pet's not going to have youRight.
As long as we're bringing food,then they can eat their food.
Because if you're not aroundand healthy, you know your, your
pet's not going to have youRight.
So as long as we're bringingfood, then they can eat their
(34:37):
food.
And my Jeep right now the backis I have blankets, dog food,
flea and tick control.
So if I pass anyone.
Wherever I'm at, even at asupermarket, I saw a gentleman
asking for food and I bought himsome 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 favoritechocolates, so I just buy it for
(34:59):
everyone.
It makes people happy.
But when I brought a blanketfor his dog, he said that made
his night a whole lot better andI remember her just sitting on
the blanket and she absolutelyloved it.
So, yes, just bringing awarenessand be able to expand.
I mean, have a veterinarian inevery state and nurses to help,
(35:20):
because it's not just Californiathat struggles with people
being unhoused and that's what'ssad that we're living in times
like that, when there's so manypeople that are unhoused and I
hope more apartment owners andthe government gets to
understand that they do needhelp.
And if someone doesn't havecredit, help them out.
(35:42):
If someone has a pet and hasgood credit and could get a
place to live, let them livethere With their pets, with
their pet and one of thegentlemen's that we we met in
Venice.
We found them living behind aThai restaurant and we spoke to
(36:03):
him.
His name was Antonio and youknow we were talking in Spanish.
He was from Brazil Sevenlanguages he spoke, and a chef,
and he lived in Venice and hedid have money but the owner of
the apartment he was livingwanted to tear it down.
He bought, bought by you knowcorporate wanting to build a
bigger apartment complex.
So they kicked him out.
(36:24):
No one would take him becausehe didn't have credit and he
wasn't from here and he had adog Wow.
So he was sleeping on acardboard mat with a tent over
him and he's like I can't giveup my baby, he's my life, he's
my son, and he was living out inthe streets, all because he had
no credit and he had a dog Wow.
(36:45):
And that's where we also needto bring awareness to people to
let them just have a hometogether.
Speaker 1 (36:58):
Yeah, thank you, thank you.
So I want to make sure thatlisteners, listeners understand
that they can support you guys,of course, and go through the
website, website project streetvetorg, to donate.
Do you take supplies?
(37:20):
Do you take all?
I mean, if you're in an arealike the Los Angeles area or San
Diego or wherever you have yoursetups, do you take physical
supplies, or would you prefercash so that you can you, you
know buy the things that youneed when you're, when you're in
those towns?
Speaker 2 (37:38):
supplies are always great, um, especially food and
blankets, um leashes and collars.
Right now we're getting a lotof donations.
Uh, you know dr, you know kwan,one cnn hero of the the Year,
and a lot of people.
I think that brought awarenesseven more.
(37:58):
Absolutely and people like nowwant to donate more and, like I
said, I go to hospitals anddoctors are just giving me stuff
or people have food.
My sister gives me blankets andthat's always great.
I always tell people to like onmy Instagram when I'm live.
You know, if you have blanketsor food, you know, definitely
(38:20):
give it to someone.
But if you're afraid toapproach them, we can meet
somewhere and you could givethem to me.
But donations help the mostwhen it comes to money, because
that just means more surgeries,dental care, medication if we
need to buy it.
And my ultimate goal which Iforgot to mention is to knock on
(38:44):
wood is for Dr Kwane and I tohave a van.
We can travel so that we driveit because we both drive our
cars and our back's full ofstuff.
Well, so that we drive itbecause 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 canhave everything there.
(39:06):
If we find a dog that got bit byanother 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 knowmicroscope in there so we can
see if it's cancerous or not.
Just have our own little clinicin a van.
So a clinic on wheels, yes,like a, like a mobile vet.
(39:26):
There's so many mobile vets outthere, Oof.
If we found one that would bewilling to let us use our van,
if we found one that would bewilling to let us use our van,
that would be great.
But my goal is to have our ownvan, 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
(39:50):
people that are big advocatesfor animals don't really win
awards like that or aren't voted.
Speaker 1 (39:57):
You're talking about the CNN hero award.
Speaker 2 (39:58):
Yes, and and it's sad for me to say that, um, and a
lot of people I was talking tothat didn't vote like, yeah, you
guys probably won't win becauseyou're the only one up there in
the panel that helps animals.
Speaker 1 (40:11):
Everyone else out there in the panel amazing
exactly, and I know that, thatand I've seen that and they are
amazing, but I I think it goesback to that statement that you
said earlier that eats at uswhen people say it's just a dog.
I think there's still some ofthat that plays in there.
When there's organizations,unfortunately that I don't want
(40:34):
to say pitted, but kind of likeyou know, competition, so to
speak, for funds, whether it'sanimals or people, I understand.
Please go ahead.
Speaker 2 (40:44):
But when we, when I knew the amount of money we're
going to get, I started yellingyes, 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 eachperson up in the panel and I
said it's all well worth it.
One day we'll get our van andmaybe we will, maybe we won't.
(41:06):
I always call Skid Row.
We were interviewed once and Ihad the gentleman that was
asking us questions.
I said look around us, this isour clinic gentleman that was
asking us questions.
I said look around us, this isour clinic, Skid Row is our
clinic and it's not just a row.
People think it's a row onestreet.
Oh no, Skid Row is huge and wedrive everywhere, we walk.
Sometimes we go our separateways and we'll call each other
(41:28):
and make, hey, I have someone onGrand and Seventh, and then
he'll be, he'll say somethingtoo, and then we just meet and
we help everyone and someoneelse like hey, there's someone
down, seven tents down thatneeds help.
And they all call each otherneighbors and and they're all
very happy.
And some already know us.
There's a good gentleman calledHector that we know very well
and we visit him every time wego and it's it's been as hard as
(41:51):
it is at times.
It's just a big blessing andI'm so fortunate to be a part of
it we're very, very fortunateto have you guys.
Speaker 1 (42:01):
Thank you.
Thank you for the animals andfor the folks that need your
help.
Yeah, so listeners again.
Um, help help these guys.
You, yes, but more importantlyand I love this idea, genesis if
somebody out there has a vanand I'm not talking the
Scooby-Doo mystery van, talkinga nice, cool van that they would
(42:26):
like to donate, why not?
This is a great cause, soputting it out there too.
Speaker 2 (42:32):
Me too.
I'm good, yeah, so putting itout there too.
Me too, I don't know why thatvan.
I know if we had a van, wecould help more of them in a
different way and I could evendrive the dogs or cats to a
local hospital.
And the owner Because some ofthem are scared Because, like I
(42:56):
said, they're 24, seven, theydon't know what to do when their
pet's not with them I woulddrive both of them to a hospital
.
But this van it would be such ablessing if we had one.
It just would be different.
I see it in a different way andbeing able to like okay, let me
take your, your dog, you want tocome with us?
You know we're going to cleanthis wound or we're going to
(43:18):
clean your ears, and they couldbe in the van with us.
Ooh, ooh, yeah, so they couldbe a part of it.
Versus.
You know, Dr Kwane and I are onour knees on the floor and with
the pet parent and educatingthem as well, they could be in
(43:38):
the van with us.
That'd be awesome.
That's why I want it so bad.
I just see it.
Speaker 1 (43:43):
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 toshare with us?
Speaker 2 (43:56):
You know that's that dreaded question, like some kind
of job interview, but that'snot what it is.
To just again, don't judge,just help.
Any bit helps, whether it'sjust one blanket, especially now
since it's raining.
You have a tarp in the back ofyour car seat, that's, you know,
helpful, helpful, um, a dollar,a sandwich, like I said,
(44:20):
they'll feed them their dog orcat, before they feed themselves
.
So my main thing is is nojudgment, just help, and I've
learned that from dr kwan and melearning from the pet parents
and me also experiencing how itis to ask for money yes, and by
walking in it andI encourage everyone to try to
(44:41):
do it and it eats your ego away.
You're, you're.
You gotta let go of your prideto have to go up to someone ask
for money and they just do itfor their pet, because their
pet's worth it.
So when you see that person outthere asking for money and they
(45:04):
have a dog or a cat, trust mewhen I say this and trust Dr
Kwan they're not doing it forother reasons.
They're doing it for their pet.
And for those pet owners thatdid use substance and did use
drugs, they're clean now becauseof their dog and cat.
(45:26):
They saved themselves.
Speaker 1 (45:32):
The little angels with fur oh, yeah, yeah, thank
you.
The little angels with fur oh,yeah, yeah, thank you.
Thank you for sharing yourstory.
Thank you for everything You'rewelcome.
Speaker 2 (45:43):
And thank you for having us again.
It weren't for you guys.
We're not expanding ourawareness to what Dr Kwane
started and his mission and whatwe do.
It's people like you guysthat's also bringing awareness,
because more people need to hearwhat we do.
Speaker 1 (46:01):
Agreed Because there's great things going on in
the world.
Thank you guys.
Thank you.
As I think about theconversation with Genesis and
the work that the Project StreetVet team does, she reminded me
that kindness knows no bounds.
Not having judgment allows usto share our compassion freely.
(46:24):
Whether it's providing a warmmeal, a safe place to sleep or
access to veterinary care, everyact of compassion makes a
difference, contributing to thecreation of a world where every
individual and their belovedpets are valued, cared for and
given the opportunity to thrive.
(46:46):
I have to tell you I hesitatedabout sharing my story of losing
my beloved Roxy, and I criedagain as I listened, but I'm
really glad I did.
I wanted to share my ownforever bond with you guys.
So visit projectstreetvetorgfor more incredible stories of
(47:12):
the work that they do, or tohelp with a donation, or, if
you're interested involunteering with them oh or hey
, maybe you have a connection toget them a van.
Visit the Two Chicks and a Hoewebsite to see all the links.
Thanks for listening.
You guys.
Take care of each other.
Thank you.
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