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Donations of up to $10,000 will be matched now until April 30 for a program at the Better Together Animal Alliance (formerly Panhandle Animal Shelter) that allows pet owners facing emergencies to temporarily have their animal fostered instead of surrendered to the shelter permanently.

The Temporary Loving Care (TLC) program serviced pet owners going through emergencies including those hospitalized with COVID-19, victims of domestic violence, people who needed short-term mental health treatment and people experiencing housing insecurity, according to a BTAA press release.

In 2020, the program helped 17 pet owners, said BTAA Executive Director Mandy Evans, and BTAA has run the TLC program for three years.

One pet owner, James Holman, needed surgery but didn’t know how long his recovery would take. He needed someone to care for his dog, Ranger.

Through the TLC program, Ranger was taken care of at no charge, with staff helping Ranger to make a special painting and volunteers making sure Ranger got regular walks. The two were reunited five days later.

The program is a way for BTAA to help people during a time when many are struggling from challenges related to the pandemic and financial instability, Evans said.

“We all have been faced with situations where we just didn’t know what our options look like and sorting through them can be challenging,” she said. “To hear the words, ‘Yes, we can help you,’ can help take an immense amount of stress off of someone. We are caring for a loved one so they can receive the care they need or focus on a solution for their challenge.”

The staff at the program appreciate the chance to help people during a time of need, she said, and especially love seeing happy reunions.

BTAA also runs programs including Pets for Life and its free pet food bank, both of which aim to support pet owners in caring for their animals instead of having to surrender them when unexpected expenses or emergencies arise.

Through these programs, the number of animals entering the facility has dropped by roughly 30%, according to a press release, and animals spend an average of five days at BTAA before being adopted. They also return stray dogs to their owners at a rate of around 85%, which is higher than average, according to the release.

Donations can be made at bettertogetheranimalalliance.org made directly to the matching fund at mightycause.com/story/Temporarylovingcare to donate directly to the matching campaign.