b'Privateequity(PE)iswhena needs to sound the alarm. So here I amgroup of investors pool their money to sounding the alarm. like fash- YOU MATTER.buy and invest in companies, usually to While some industries, improve them and eventually sell them ionandtechnology,areconstantlyfor a profit. Think of it like a team buy- movingforwardandimprovingoningafixer-upperhouse,improvingit, what has been done, the animal welfare YOU BELONG.and then selling it for a higher price. industrygenerallydoesnot.AnimalMostanimalclinicsretainthe sheltershavehistoricallybeenmoresamename,staff,andwebsiteafter reactive than proactive, often adjusting We would like to thank our Welike to thank being acquired, making it difficult for onlywhenpublicpressure,policy many friends who have clients to know if the clinic they visit is changes, or crises force them to do so. I donated to our ministry, to our ministry,owned by a private equity firm. am not suggesting we focus on fleeting allowing us to serve the It should not come as a surprise trends, like fashion or tech. We should, nutritional needs of pets who f pets thatprofitisprioritized,leadingto however, focus on proactive solutions. otherwise may be abandoned therwise may be abandoincreased prices for veterinary services, Here is the type of forward-think- or given up to a shelter. Your or giv to a shelter. Yourunnecessaryupsellingoftreatments, ing strategy, as an example, that would valuable gifts are far-reaching e farand reduced flexibility in care options. serve us well: breed specific legislation, and touch many liveshuman y livWe know that being unable to afford banning the ownership of pit bulls, was and pets alike. From deep veterinarycareisoneofthereasons overturned in Miami-Dade County in within our hearts, we thank you.within our hearts, thatpeoplerelinquishtheirpets. 2023. Many thought that was a victory,Expect these troubling statistics about butwasitamissedopportunity?privateequityfirmsacquiringveteri- Consider what happens when we add anary clinics to exacerbate that. contingency: People can own pit bulls,Anotherlurkingconcernisa but the dogs must be spayed/neutered andpotentialshortageofveterinarians. microchipped. Statistics show that mostWhile a recent report by the American dogbitesarecommittedbyintactVeterinary Medical Association (AVMA) males, regardless of breed. By addingsuggests that the number of veterinari- thisrequirement,wecouldreduceans will be adequate to meet demand, attacks(and,inturn,shelterintakesothersourcesstillclaimashortage due to bites), address overpopulation, St. Clements Episcopal Churchis imminent. and reunite lost dogs with their ownersConcerning factors are not limited morequickly,ultimatelyfreeinguptoveterinarymedicine.Thehousing kennel space.market is another. Homeownership has Wecannotcontinuetoonlyseebecome out of reach for many people, the problem in front of us. We need tomaking apartments an attractive (or at see the problems ahead of us and act 706 W. 113th Avenue. Tampa. Fl 33612leastmoreaffordable)alternativefor accordingly. Ultimately, we cannot go 813.932.6204youngadults.However,manyapart- 36 years without adding to or improv-ments require non-refundable deposits ing the model.and/orobnoxiousmonthlypetrent, Itisclearthatthisisadefiningwhich can make the affordable alterna- momentforanimalsheltering.The BRING YOUR PETS TO CHURCH TO WORSHIPtive less affordable. The other option is stakes are high, and the solutions are far 3rd Sunday of Every Monthd Sunda f E eryy Maymovingbackinwithparents,which from simple. But within this complexity All pets receive blessings.canstillpresentaproblemifthe lies an opportunity; a chance to advo-parents do not welcome the pet or have cate for the changes that will make apets of their own, creating a potential lasting difference as we move forward. It Pet-t-Friendlyriendly W Wedding edding ServicServicesesconflict. Since moving is already one is a journey that invites us to ask diffi- In the courtyards St. Francis of the most common reasons for relin- cult questions, to confront uncomfort- Remembrance Garden,den,quishing pets, it is inevitable that the abletruths,andtoactwithintegrity. a contemplative quiet space ongoing housing crisis is going to fur- Most importantly, it reminds us that our where more than 250 pets are ther strain animal shelter resources. work is not just about saving lives. Its rememberemembered.ed.These factors, and more, are lead- about honoring them. Uingustoaninsurmountablecrisis.Ibelieve that what we have been dealing We welcome your opinion and To inquire about donating pet food and supplies to our Peoplewith in the animal sheltering commu- response. Please send an email to and Pets Ministry, please email nity pales in comparison to where we anna@thenewbarker.com stcpeopleandpets@gmail.comareheaded.Ibelievethatsomeone tcpeopleandpets@gmail.comwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 17'