Project helps military pets

Some things just make you feel really good, and that's how I felt when I spoke with Steve Albin in Myrtle Beach, Fla. He is a good- hearted, tireless person working out of his home and fueled by coffee. This onetime breeder of show dogs has organized an amazing nationwide network of individual foster homes that care for the beloved pets of our military.

Back in August of last year, Steve realized that thousands of pets belonging to members of the military who were being sent overseas had nowhere to go. They were left in shelters or abandoned - - until Steve Albin's idea became a reality.

Military Pets Foster Project launched by Albin's www.netpets.org now has thousands of volunteer families and individuals from coast to coast, in every state and even abroad in countries where we have military bases, like Germany, Canada and Cuba. These volunteers are caring for dogs, cats, birds, horses, ferrets, turtles, reptiles and a potbelly pig, among others -- all belonging to military personnel on active duty. This amazing foster project matches pets with appropriate foster homes. For example, in the case of dogs, they match by breed, type and size.

When I spoke with Steve, he said when he started, he had no idea how big this project would become, especially in such a short period of time. There are now thousands of foster homes in existence, and many more are urgently needed in every state for every kind of pet you can think of. All of these creatures need housing, nurturing and loving care.

If you are a member of the military, you can now leave home with the knowledge that your pet will be waiting for you when you return. This nonprofit program is recommended and endorsed by the United States Department of Defense. If you need pet foster care, you can contact your base Family Support Office or the Readiness Office.

You can also go online for information and register your need at www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php. Keep in mind that dogs and cats must be spayed and neutered before they are accepted in the program. There are some exceptions. It is also the responsibility of the military to pay for food, toys, medication, grooming and veterinary care if needed.

If you are in a position to care for a military pet and can provide good foster care, your help is urgently needed. You can sign up online at www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php as well. Albin relies on your good will and your follow-through to provide excellent care. He requires personal references and a veterinarian's name and phone number. You should also have adequate housing for the type of pet you can care for and quality time to spend with the pet.

Albin does not charge a fee for his services, which led me to ask him how he funds this 'round-the-clock organization and all that coffee. He uses much of his own money and is extremely grateful for every donation. This is a nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible. If you are reading this column and can spare a donation, please visit the netpets Web site, or call Steve at 1-843- 249-5262.

If you are a company looking for a tax-deductible worthy cause, Albin is looking for corporate sponsors for things like posters for military bases and veterinary offices. He needs financial help to spread the word about this valuable service.

Besides, this is one donation or sponsorship that will really make you feel good. And what a wonderful way to support our troops.

Good luck, and WOOF!

--Uncle Matty

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Send your questions to dearuncle.gazetteunclematty.com or mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. ? Creators Syndicate Inc.

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