Yes, we love our children.
And for some, that doesn't mean kids - that means pets. After all, they do become part of the family.
It is for that reason five women in Des Moines, each passionate about animal welfare, began talking.
"We were just pet lovers and some of us really didn't even know each other very well, but became friends through social media," said Courtney Tompkins. "We all wanted to come up with a better way to connect people with their missing pets."
That is when the light-bulb moment occurred - utilizing modern technology to reunite pets and owners - which could be more effective than posting a flier on a telephone pole.
Alas, The Pet Project Midwest became a reality.
"Our whole goal is to keep pets with their families, no matter where they live in Iowa," said Thompkins, marketing, public relations and outreach chair of the organization.
While the design is in the grassroots stage, two of its programs are off and running like a dog after its ball.
In harnessing power of the internet, Iowa Pet Alert is a service similar to the Amber Alert system, except for animals. It utilizes social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to quickly broadcast local information about missing or found animals.
If you have a lost pet, you can go to iowapetalert.com, enter your zip code, phone number and photo or description of the animal. If your pet is found in the area, an alert will be sent to your cell, as well as those who have opted in to the site. The service is free to use and slated to be fully operating in April.
"We've had such an outpouring of people wanting to help us," Tompkins said. "We have a volunteer roster of about 180 people already."
The Pet Pantry is another way to not only assist man's best friend and beyond, but their owners who may be in a financial rough spot. Food and other necessities are accepted and stored for those in need, from kitty litter to animal foods.
"I know I would devastated if I had to make a choice between feeding myself or my pet," she said. "If we can help someone while helping shelters stay afloat so they don't have as many mouths to feed, mission accomplished."
The organization is already taking applications for those who require pantry items. Information is available on their website at www.ThePetProjectMidwest.org.
Currently, the non-profit organization is run by volunteers and receives financial support through private donations, corporate sponsorships and grants.
Next month, the group will be moving into new offices which will allow ample room for donated food, along with other pet necessities.
And for Tompkins, the new endeavor is worth it all.
"I feel like we all have different talents," she said. "Using them in different ways to make the world a better place for pets is important to me."
If donating items to the Pet Pantry, those may be dropped off at the DMARC Food Pantry Warehouse, 3816 36 St. in Des Moines.
Monetary donations may be given through the website at www.ThePetProjectMidwest.org or sent to 2200 NW 159th St., Ste. 400, Clive, IA 50325.
"Iowa Pet Alert" can be accessed on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, call 877-570-PETS.
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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com
