LAS VEGAS -- Americans love their pets, so much so that according to the American Pet Products website, they spend more than $53 billion each year on their dogs, cats, birds, horses, cows, turtles, fish, snakes and other beloved companions. Of that, more than $14 billion is spent on veterinary expenses alone, not including veterinary surgeries. But what happens when a pet owner can’t afford to provide healthcare for their pets? Charles Lyle, a career cinematographer says, “Pets are often regarded as important family members, and often, when a pet owner is a senior citizen on a fixed income, they don’t have the resources for veterinary care when their beloved companion falls ill, it’s a very sad situation. Other times, the owner’s financial situation changes through job loss or from being underemployed. When a beloved pet who has been with a family for many years falls ill and their owner can't afford veterinary care for their pet, it can produce a very sad and unfortunate outcome. It’s heartbreaking for all concerned.”
In response, Lyle founded Doggy Do-Overs, a non-profit pet products thrift store that helps pet owners provide their pets with the medical care they need to live happy, healthy lives. “What we do is accept donations of quality pre-owned and new pet products, and offer them at reasonable prices so pet owners can buy what they need at a discount. The proceeds go into a fund that helps pay for our clients’ veterinary expenses. Even though our name is Doggy Do-Overs, we are not limited to canines. We accept products for any type of animal and our goal is to help all pets, not just dogs or cats.”
Still at its start-up phase, Doggy Do-Overs recently launched its website at www.doggydoovers.com. Site visitors can shop; make donations, read the story of Sasha, Charles' inspiration for creating Doggy Do-Overs, and more. Those wishing to help can purchase online or make contributions via its Indiegogo funding campaign, or via volunteering, donating money, gently used pet products, pet food, pet fostering and sharing their mission. Lyle continued, saying, “100% of every donation goes to support our cause.”
A dog lover himself, Lyle founded Doggy Do-Overs after first finding, then adopting Sasha, a three year old stray Chihuahua. Like many stray pets, Sasha, was in dire need of medical attention. According to Lyle, she had several missing teeth and needed medical care for her arthritis and vaccinations. Emphasizing her poor condition, he added, “She needed vaccinations and a lot of TLC, much like many other animals who find themselves in new loving homes. We weren’t sure how long we would have her, as we were searching for her family. We checked around looking for inexpensive, quality items to no avail. Then as we thought to look at Goodwill, the concept came to us. Once we reach our funding goal we are prepared to set up a brick and mortar store. The plans are to hold a dedication ceremony on the First Friday following our Grand Opening. We will also hold our First Annual Pampered Pups Party which will be an annual fundraising event where volunteer groomers will pamper pets while their “pawrents” will have the opportunity to take part in a silent auction, pet and person bake sale, “pawrent pampering” and more.”
For more information about Doggy Do-Overs visit their website at www.doggydoovers.com ,call their headquarters at (702) 703-6621 or visit their Indiegogo start-up funding campaign directly athttp://igg.me/at/doggydoovers/x/4937687.
Contact
Doggy Do-Overs
(702) 703-6621
doggydoovers@gmail.com