My Dog Eats First

I first learned of My Dog Eats First when I was donating food to feed the homeless. I heard stories of how homeless people would share their food with the pets they loved. These people, often suffering from mental illness and isolation had loving companionship only because they had a pet. How compassionate to include them in providing food. And now that this is an established nonprofit, the animals get care and leashes and more than just enough food to survive. That provides their human companion with comfort, knowing that their animal will be cared for and that their relationship is respected and valued.

This group is awesome they do a lot for the community and the homeless and their pets, I sent my dog eats first a message about a women who had just left an abusive relationship and was fighting breast cancer and was putting out a plea for food for her pups and my dog eats first answered the call and helped her out with a big bag of food love all they do for people and pets.

This program is great I don’t have a lot of money, but I love my pets and so does my family. I was able to get flea medicine on a few Waggle Wednesdays. They give out cat litter, dry cat food, and cats of cat food. They also have a vet on certain Sundays that will administer low cost vaccines such as rabies and distemper. I couldn’t feed everyone in my house if it wasn’t for this great organization. Most of the volunteers are pleasant and very kind. I’m on a walker and have mobility issues. The volunteers are kind and pleasant. Thus program is a Godsend.

This organization fills a need that could easily fall through the cracks. It helps pets stay with the people who love them. By doing that, it helps keep additional animals out of shelters, and helps people maintain companionship and dignity. It opened my eyes and changed my understanding of people sleeping rough and their pets.

I kept hearing about this wonderful organization and the help they provide for our community. I volunteered for the first time this week. I met Bethany and she has such passion for her mission. People were lined up outside waiting for the doors to open. So many expressed thanks for the help. I got to hear stories about their pets and how much My Dog Eats First means to them. It meant so much to me too. I will be back.

great organization for the homeless and their pets

Love The work you do for the homeless And the companion animals in our city

I have had the PRIVILEGE of volunteering for this amazing organization. It has been a humbling experience that has opened my eyes & changed my perspective greatly. I look forward to being able to continue doing so for many years to come. Thank you MDEF for all of your work in our community.

MDEF is such a blessing to the community, they do more than just offer pet food to those who need it, they hold drives for the homeless, lost cost clinics, help get vouchers to fix pets in low income homes. They have helped my family, they've helped friends, and they care.

This is a amazing organization. I am very proud to have them in my community! Very glad that they have been helping Tucker with his cancer treatment and all the other animals they help on a daily basis.

I have seen first hand what an amazing organization this is and what they have done for our homeless people and their pets.

When I moved from my last home the adults agreed to take care of my sweet girl, Henrietta, along with their two dogs -- her mother and full brother, since I could not take her with me. She was almost two. That was November 2015.

As events crystalized this last year with neighbors complaining about dogs barking, and attitudes escalated to a high alert uproar, people in the home not having the means to care for three dogs with energy or time, stress levels, work loads, including conflict over details like where a dog should sleep and dogs jumping electric lines. Without consistent play and exercise, or ongoing training and nurturing for a fairly high energy girl, I knew I had to make every effort find a home for my sweet dog Henrietta. Her situation had become an issue of proper nurturing and healthy care. It was past time for me to find a forever home if I could not be her Mom and provide a safe and nurturing space next to me. Where I am will not allow me to have a dog. No options. If I did not have COPD, were truly homeless and living at a campsite with others, not this between lease chaos, she would be with me.

My Dog Eats First walked this path with me last Sunday afternoon through the entire process of re-socializing my girl, vetting her skills, getting her shots, check-up, and chipped, and pedi-pawed, along with horrific process of finding a new forever family. All at a miraculous down to the last minute day. Every person working there had Henrietta's best interests at heart when I told them I needed help rehoming her. These folks are here to keep families together not split them apart, yet they stood with me when they understood Henrietta's needs could not be filled in any other way except through rehoming. Betheny, the director of MDEF, white knuckled the entire afternoon sending out messages and pleas for a good hearted person to step up. Meanwhile everyone else from the greeters at the information and registration desk to the veterinarians and assistants in the portable clinic did their best to comfort and reassure both us, Henrietta and I.

Henrietta's hero arrived in the form of a lanky two legged meat smoking food vender with a gentlemanly southern demeanor. As an artist I see the potential for a lively illustrated book. Stephen Bowles is a true champ and animal loving guy. Besides, what dog would not appreciate a sidekick that grills and proudly says, "Sit in the front seat with me."

I witnessed compassionate love towards everyone that walked in and out the doors, four and two legs alike, in the only way St. Francis of Assisi would have approved. Unconditional.

A most compassionate group of people dedicated to helping others. Love their energy, hearts and purpose of helping those that need help taking care of their animals for whatever reason.Thank you for your hard work, loving others as God, giving those a helping hand in taking care of their pets.

Love this charity. Very low overhead, in the community it serves. Accessibility for the homeless. They use the funds for the charity not for salaries and overhead. Great Charity. Well managed.

Helped us and our pets and our feral neighborhood animals that we take care of through a rough time because of an life changing accident. Thank you

My Dog Eats First is an amazing organization that helps the homeless population take care of their pet/companions. This group helps them with food, vaccinations, vet care, & actually and so , so much more. They not only take care of the needs of the pets, they take care of the souls of the people they serve.

Love what this group does. So needed in our community. What heart this group has.

I believe in the importance of this organization. My son has autism and a variety of mental health issues. Our dog is is only friend and dearest companion. Four legged friends provide a level of comfort and love that is priceless. It's imperative that right isn't taken away from people due to situations beyond their control. My daughter and I volunteer regularly and she is learning important life lessons. At 10 years old she is learning that our place in this big world is not to judge , but to serve however we can.

My Dog Eats First has changed the lives of not only the homeless but the under served in our community. Pets enrich the lives of their owners, bringing more meaning and love. To have an organization like MDEF brings hope and compassion for pets and their owners!

If My Dog Eats First didn't support the under-served pets and pet owners in our community, I don't know who else would. This is a non-profit I can get behind.

This is a great non profit organization that also works with other organizations to help the homeless and their pets in Louisville and Southern Indiana.

My Dog Eats First is an amazing organization that uniquely serves the Kentuckiana area homeless population, and the under-served, and their beloved pets. This wonderful organization provides the pet food, supplies, vaccinations and spay/neuter services that allow people to keep their pet, even when they have lost everything else. The founder of this nonprofit is kind, very business and marketing savvy, and manages any donations of funds, pet food, and supplies very carefully.

I think of this organization, and the founder, as a knot, so to speak. The kind of knot that helps to keep people holding on when they are at the end of their rope.

What an amazing organization this is. Helping the homeless with their pets is such a thoughtful needed service. Beth Green is an amazing person. I'm so glad this has gotten off the ground, & is a huge success.

MDEF is wonderful! I have recently started volunteering with them and love it. They provide the necessities such as pet food and partner with vet services for people who are homeless or otherwise cannot afford it. They also provide so much more - litter, toys, beds, blankets, collars and leashes...plus the opportunity for everyone to come together with a common love: pets!

My Dog Eats First are the real deal. I have volunteer with them a few times and they are a very compassionate group of people.

I read about this organization on facebook and also heard about it through facebook friends involved in rescue in KY. I started making donations to them after I saw them step up and help a homeless woman who was living in her van in frigid temps with her 2 dogs and 3 cats, some of whom were elderly . They immediately helped her rent a hotel room and provided food for the animals. They went above and beyond by asking for donations for the woman and providing her with gas and grocery gift cards. They also have an event, I think weekly, where they hand out pet food to the homeless of Louisville and provide some vet care through volunteer veterinarians. Awesome organization! And I think every city should follow their example and offer this valuable resource to the homeless.

I read about this organization in the online news. In the photo, a homeless man standing in a sleet covered his dog by a jacket donated by a kind driver to keep his friend warm. Commenters wanted to help and one person shared that MDEF has assisted the man and the dog. I found MDEF's website and learned what it does. It touched me that there is an organization as unique as this one - helping those without the place to stay AND their non-human families. I live hundreds of miles away from Louisville, KY, yet I felt honored to donate and let others know about this work of compassion and love.

My Dog Eats First is one of the most important non-profits that I know. Through their work, individuals needing help get another chance to have yet another day with their animal companions. Aiding this companionship helps promote good mental and emotional health which in turn can positively affect physical health. My Dog Eats First is truly a healer and life saver.

My Dog Eats First is an organization founded to help homeless and struggling people keep their pets. We provide food and medical assistance. Often our participants have no one else in their lives but their pet. These pets provide unconditional love and acceptance to many people who get far too little encouragement.

Love this organization and the love and support they offer the homeless and their "furry family".

My Dog Eats First is doing important work in the Louisville community, and it's led by a passionate founder and board. They spread compassion and acceptance to pets and their humans, and are incredibly well-organized given the lean way they operate. You know when you donate to or volunteer with MDEF, almost EVERYTHING goes to the pets and people they serve. I highly recommend getting involved in any way.

I've seen their work first hand and know how lucky we are they are here.

I learned of this mission a year ago when I saw a video of what they do on Facebook. I was so impressed with the commitment to the animals and their owners. It is one thing to SAY that we care about the homeless and underfed people and animals of this community, but Beth and her crew actually DO something about it. In rain, wind, snow, and sometimes even SUN, MDEF is there. I am proud of being able to say we have a special organization such as this in our city. They go above and beyond for these people who need them, even having gone to great lengths to find and return a lost/stolen dog back to his owner, as well as funding a home for a terminally- ill man to live his last weeks comfortably with his dog. Your money is well-spent donating to My Dog Eats First!!

I first saw MDEF online and wondered what they were about. As an animal lover, I cannot think of a better group to support. The homeless community has a gem here.

My Dog Eats First is a local organization that provides food for the pets of the city's homeless. It allow those less fortuniate to hold on in most cases to the one thing that is unconditional in their life. This is accomplished weekly by a group of volunteers in the rain, sleet and freezing cold. The last time i was able to volunteer it was in the single digits, standing in the parking lot so cold couldnt feel my face. I couldnt imagine anyone surviving outside but the homeless with pets have no choice as the shelters dont allow their animals. So they stand in line to get their pet food, a bag of treats and maybe a toy then wonder off with their pet in tow until the following week when they gather once more.

MDEF is an awesome non profit organization that provides food, water, treats and basic vet needs to the precious pets of the homeless and underserved in the Louisville area. I feel beyond blessed to be apart of this fabulous organization. I look forward to being with the homeless and underserved, they have become my friends! Love the direction MDEF is headed, blessed beyond words!

My Dog Eats First is an amazing organization ran by a fantastic group of ladies! I have had the honor and blessing to be able to volunteer with this group. I have witnessed first hand their love, compassion and caring with providing the homeless and under-privileged with food, supplies and care for their pets. These homeless and under-privileged that MDEF serves absolutely adore and are grateful for MDEF, its board and volunteers. I have nothing but praise and admiration for this organization!!! Well done ladies, VERY well done!!!!

This is such a wonderful organization that's making a huge difference for the homeless population and their pets. They're helping to take care of a population that's often forgotten and helping make sure these people are able to properly care for their pets. Keep up the good work!!!

Such an amazing and truly beautiful experience. My Dog Eats First is doing things that may otherwise go undone all together. This unique effort touches the lives of so many homeless and needy people with pets. Keeping companions safe, healthy and together! You've never seen so much love in one place!

An impressive group with a compassionate and dedicated founder. Its mission is progressive and its goals are inspiring and much-needed. The board members and volunteers truly support MDEF's principles through actions and deeds, not just talk.

The founder is stellar and an all-around inspiration, to me personally and to her community! The people and animals they help care for and provide services to are impacted greatly! They are fulfilling needs for individuals, who like everyone else, love their pets, but have obstacles inhibiting them from providing all needs, except their love of course! This organization also does what it takes to keep all pets with their humans! This organization is a real example of compassion, and what our society needs most, love!

Awesome group that provides food & vet care to local homeless people's pets. They help the people, too, with food, clothing, etc. Such a wonderful organization that really makes a positive difference in the community.

My Dog Eats First is a wonderful nonprofit. This organization truly helps and makes a difference in lives of people in need and their beloved animals, while providing a much needed service to our community as a whole.

Such an amazing organization that helps so many people in need of help caring for their four legged family members!

This is an amazing organization that is very needed & appreciated by all who donate, volunteer & benefit from. (Especially the pets!) I personally had a devastating family crisis that left me severely depressed and eventually cost me my job, home, & even the desire to live, except for the beautiful pitbull I had recently rescued from a life of severe neglect & cruelty. She is now very healthy, happy, & loved beyond words. If not for the help of a dear friend, I would have been in the same place as the people helped by this group! I have & will continue to volunteer & donate to this cause whenever I am able.

This organization is NEEDED and appreciated in our community. If it wasn't for them, I can't even begin to imagine what people would do. Much loved & much blessed. They're the best. ❤

I've been volunteering with this group for a year now and it has made a difference in my life. No matter what the weather is like outside, whether I'm soaking wet, frozen or melting from the heat, I come home happy! MDEF is making a difference.

I fell on hard times due to an injury and my spouse had been seriously ill we feed the neighborhood feral cats and we have a dog . I went there for pet food. I was shocked by all the items and food that we received for our family plus animal food. The kindness and love of all the volunteers moved me. I am so grateful for this organization. Thank you.

They are an amazing non-profit that puts their hearts / souls into everything they do. They go above and beyond to offer as much help / support for homeless and their pets.

They are an amazing selfless group that is doing all they can for the least of these! Praise God for all the good they do in the Louisville community.

Very well organized group when serving. Beth and her volunteers are very compassionate about their cause and go above and beyond to help those that they serve.

My Dog Eats First is a wonderful organization that gives to the homeless and indigent in so many ways in the form of food to their pets that need our help, love and support to the people that depend on us for that little bit of help each week. I give to other organizations but this one I can see where my gift is going, I can see the look of gratitude on the pet owners faces for the help they are receiving. Their pets are getting fed and are getting veterinarian attention from our volunteer veterinarians. All our support is through donations from people who understand the need and every Wednesday night there are bright shiny volunteer faces ready to help.

This organization is doing fantastic work for pets of homeless folks in our community. These pets are family to these people. Homeless folks who can't afford food, supplies and vetting for their beloved pets are getting these things through My Dog Eats First, Beth Green and the incredible vets, volunteers and donors who make it possible!

This organization is helping the homeless in our community feed and vaccinate their pets. Sadly, our homeless population in Louisville continues to grow. We all love our pets. And we would all make sure our dogs ate first. This amazing non profit makes it so no one has to make that choice. I've seen My Dog Eats First grow and serve so many in our city. I urge all who read this to learn about this organization, volunteer and please donate (time, pet food, supplies or money) generously.

A person living on the streets feels love, protection and constant companionship having a pet. They love them so much, they often put the animal's needs before their own. MY DOG EATS FIRST gets it! They live out the commission of Christ by loving on "the least of these". When these beautiful pet owners get care and food for their furbabies it takes the stress off of them and makes them feel secure knowing they've given these innocent, unconditionally loving animals the care they deserve but can't afford. I am in awe of this organization. I've truly never seen an group of people more purely loving than this. I will always support them.

Unbelievable work is being done by this organization!

I personally know people who are or were homeless, down on their luck or just don't have the money for dog or cat food, vaccinations, collars, leashes,or what ever the individual needs may be. You have helped my godson when he was down on his luck with his dog and if not for you he may not be with us today. This is an amazing group who go above and beyond to help the people in, around and near Louisville KY. I can't say enough or give enough praise for what you all do out there on the streets.

Words can not convey the compassion this group has. The first time I heard about them I admit, I judged. How dare homeless have pets! Then I went downtown on a Wednesday and was moved to tears. I was so wrong. I have supported them and donated to them ever since.

I live in and walk my own dogs around the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, an area often frequented by people who live on the streets, aka the homeless. Many have dogs and it makes perfect sense to me. After all, when the whole world has let you down and you feel like you have nothing, who will still love you? Your dog. Strike up a conversation and you'll usually hear "he's been with me for 3 years" . . . or five years . . . or 6 months. The key is this is the one constant in their life, the one being they can count on to be there.

I approach these people to share the word about the resources available through My Dog Eats First and I've met have some of the recipients of MDEF's services. Picture a man's face light up as he describes how his dog got a checkup and all his shots, maybe a leash and a collar, always a bag of food. I've heard how grateful these folks are that their dog has gotten the care it needs to stay healthy. I see in their eyes how much they love their dogs and I know how much it means to them.

MDEF has changed what I see on our walks. Instead of looking away, I step forward. I have those conversations and meet those dogs who are so loved, and their humans who are so unloved. I am grateful that I can pass along an offer of help if it is needed.

I am proud to be a supporter of My Dog Eats First.

Excellent organization with a heart. They restore dignity to the needy and full bellies to the furry buddies. Selfless and caring!