ONE-WOMAN CRUSADE AN OUT-PAWING OF LOVE
Gets dog, cat food to the homeless
Moira Farrell has not been without struggles.
Having had multiple brain surgeries since 15, the 37-year-old Vallejo woman said that without her family, “I might be out on the streets.”
Many aren’t as fortunate, she acknowledged, and with no human attachment, rely on the compassion of pets, notably dogs and sometimes cats.
“They love their dogs and cats just as I love my dog,” Farrell said. “There’s no difference in the love. In some cases, it keeps them going … that unconditional love and loyalty.”
To the homeless, “their family may have abandoned them or they don’t live close. These dogs are there all the time and don’t give up on their owners. Dogs are their family,” Farrell said.
Observing how important the animals are — many homeless won’t be admitted to a shelter unless they part with their pet — Farrell started “Outpaw Outreach” at the end of 2017.
With a slogan “Compassion for Pets and Their People,” the mission is to “provides nutrition, enrichment, and preventative healthcare to the well-loved animals belonging to the homeless population living in Vallejo.”
Farrell delivers Ziploc-bagged dog and cat food, treats and, when available, flea and tick medication to various homeless encampment sites and, when funding allows, veterinarian visits. She’s also been a regular setting up a table at Faith Food Fridays (plus
Tuesdays) and distributes pet food at the Solano Avenue site.
When she started her crusade, “my family was really excited,” Farrell said. “At first, they were a little nervous that I was going to see (homeless) people. But they saw how important it is and how much the people really appreciate it. It’s expensive to have animals.”
Benjamin Buggs of Faith Food Fridays admires Farrell’s determination.
“I’m proud of her,” Buggs said. “She’s battled her own health issues and continues to show and that’s all we can ask. She’s doing her part in the community to help people. It’s a wonderful thing she does. People like her. She’s got good people skills.”
Though Buggs said he would “give up that dog in a minute for a roof over my head,” he understands the importance animals have in the lives of the homeless — and why many greet Farrell with grins.
“A lot of people are looking for food for their dogs and cats,” Benjamin. “A lot won’t give up their pets because they’re family to them.”
When people realize that Farrell complements the human food distributed by Faith Food Fridays with dog and cat food for the homeless and low-income locals, “they can’t believe it. They’re very happy their pets are being fed,” she said.
Wherever she’s delivering the pet food and supplies, “I get hugs and a lot of smiles. I’ve gotten tears,” Farrell said. “I also get cuddles from dogs that know me after a while. They’re excited to see me and jump on my lap. When the owners see the joy I bring their dogs, it brings them happiness.”
It takes a commitment and some grit to visit the homeless, said Farrell, wise enough to not deliver pet products at night.
“People ask me if they can volunteer … but this isn’t for everyone,” she said. “I know there are people who don’t feel comfortable reaching out to a homeless person.”
A fifth generation Sonoma County native, Farrell brought her poodle with her when she moved to Vallejo.
“Growing up, I always had dogs,” she said, figuring she’s helped 100 homeless dog owners since the organization became official.
“I’m trying to get it to be a nonprofit. Then people making donations get a tax write-off and are more comfortable donating,” Farrell said.
She can’t picture a time not helping the homeless and their animals.
“It’s so important to me, acknowledging the love that these people have for their animals even under the most difficult circumstances,” Farrell said.
Bagging 200 pounds dog and cat food a week “is the best part,” Farrell joked, somehow managing to convince her family to help.
“I have snacks,” Farrell grinned.
For more information, email Farrell at outpawoutreach@gmail.com or visit the Outpaw Outreach Facebook page.