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.