Group keeps AIDS patients, pets together

ST. LOUIS -- It was the late 1980s, and the mysterious, deadly disease striking gay men had become a four-letter word.

Beyond a name however, little was known about AIDS. Doctors could offer only comfort and tell those with the new diagnosis to get their affairs in order. The disease also brought isolation, with friends and family falling away.

Those facing imminent death took comfort in their pets, loyal companions through the dark times.

But those pets often would outlive their owners, leaving the animals' care and future in jeopardy. Those with AIDS often would get so sick they could no longer care for their pets. The financial burden of treating their illness forced owners to give their pets away.

Longtime gay-rights activist Michael Mullen remembers story after story of those with AIDS being hospitalized for extended periods, coming home to find their pets had starved to death. Something had to be done to care for the pets of those with HIV, Mullen said.

He came upon a magazine article about an organization in Marin County, California, where volunteers stepped forward to foster pets or help care for them so the owner could stay with his companion to the end.

Mullen talked with his friends. One put up $500 in seed money. They created a network of volunteers to help walk dogs and provide whatever other assistance was needed.

In 1991, their efforts became a not-for-profit, Pets Are Wonderful Support, better known as PAWS.

The program serves about 70 people a year, with an additional 85 on a waiting list. With the advances in HIV care, what once was certain death now is treated as a chronic disease.

As a result, owners are outliving their pets. The focus of PAWS had to shift.

"Since HIV has evolved, so has the program," said Kaytlin Reedy-Rogier, coordinator of the PAWS program, now part of the services provided by St. Louis Effort For AIDS.

Instead of trying to find homes for pets, the agency provides assistance with vet bills, pet food and cat litter -- whatever it takes to ensure owner and pet can live long lives together.

But with that shift has come a need for more funds and donated services. So the waiting list grows for PAWS, with a budget of just $37,000.

Hyrum Griffin found out about PAWS 15 years ago from his doctor.

At the time, he had two Weimaraners and a new puppy, a pug named Pixie. Griffin's health wasn't good, and he was on disability.

"I was afraid I'd have to get rid of my dogs," Griffin said. "If you can't love them and take care of them, you're abusing them."

PAWS came through with vet care and food.