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C.A.R.E. Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity™ is a national 501(c)(3).

CARE is sponsored by Life of Riley, Purina, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Maddie's Fund, and Petsmart Charities. >> Additional Thanks to Adopt-a-Pet, The Stephen and Carole Schwartz Foundation, KeepingFinn, South Fork Foundation.

10/19/2026

A couple of weeks ago, Awanookwe participated in the Tails and Trails event; a wonderful opportunity to spend time with community members, their dogs, and others dedicated to helping animals!

Just days before the event, Awanookwe worked with Ashley Ann Peterson to coordinate a ride for a dog needing medical care. Awesiinyag are Loved (AA Loved) provided the platform to connect us, Ashley provided transportation, and we provided emergency funding assistance through our Direct CARE program.

It was great to meet Ashley of A.P. Grooming in person at the event! She also introduced us to Shelby of East Polk Canine Kennels and Sid of Smiley’s Rescues. We are thankful for these connections and look forward to getting to know these ladies better and exploring opportunities to work together. Miigwech to everyone who helped make the event possible!

10/14/2026

Less than 1% of all veterinarians in the United States is Indigenous. In an effort to increase that percentage, CARE is pleased to announce the Shirley Nordrum Veterinary Scholarship Fund in honor of the late Shirley Nordrum, an Ojiibwe educator and community leader deeply committed to science and pets.

“I am passionate about dogs, I recognize them as a great gift from the creator to be by our side … I am passionate about the Earth, Ojibwe language and culture, about our youth and their future.” – Shirley Nordrum

The scholarship will be disbursed to US based Indigenous veterinary students annually. CARE’s Indigeneity REDI Course - haw.academy - is now open to learners. Please note that all proceeds from the course will support the scholarship fund.

This is a great opportunity to learn while also intentionally supporting future veterinary diversity.

09/29/2026

Private Screening of Brown and Bonded Brown and Bonded in Philly featuring local Philly Caregivers, Felicia Harris-Williams of HiTouch, Jo-Ann Zoll and Dr. Leandra Tompson of Providence Animal Center.

Friday, October 23rd
Event starts at 6:00
Intercultural Family Services
4240 Chestnut Street

We will be hosting a pet adoption event sponsors New Lease on Life, PAWS and Emancipet and the Most delicious catering from Black Dragon!

Afterwards, we will host a QA with Kurt Evans, Felicia Harris-Williams, Jo-Ann Zoll and Roderick Gilbert.

Please register today! Tickets are FREE but limited! (Link in the bio)

09/26/2026

Deeds not words… The 8th President of Coppin State University, Anthony L. Jenkins opened with on the 8th stop of Colin Kaepernick’s book tour.

Highlights from Van Lathan’s interview with Colin Kaepernick

When asked if he had resentment or anger:
He said he had Disappointment with the people intentionally working against someone.

He also said he did not want to be publicly feuding with black Men bc of how the media would paint that.

When asked, Does it give room for people to fill in the narrative… if you stay quiet…

He said People will trust what they see over time. They can see through the narratives that have been manipulated.

He was asked if there was opportunity for repair?

He acknowledged that there are Systems working against us, but this is why we need an Extreme level of accountability to counter that.

He also said that Repair can only Be done with people who have good intentions and want to actually be a part of the repair.

He also said that We need to be willing to tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable… and Yes, sometimes that is going to make us uncomfortable.

Ending:
You are never going to break us.

Colin Kaepernick
September 24
Thank you Coppin State University and Urban Reads Bookstore (Tia)
**You can buy these books for incarcerated
Men on their page*

09/24/2026

Congrats to the University of MD Eastern Shore for rising and ranking in the top six public HBCUs in the nation and ranked 13th overall!

We are looking forward to watching them move up, especially in the Veterinary field! Congrats to UMES President Dr. Heidi M Anderson, all the faculty and especially the students.

Special thanks to David Balcom, Dean Dr. Stanley Robertson, Dr. Kimberly Braxton, and Natalie Crawford for spending the afternoon with us. (Tina, sorry we missed you) And a very special thanks to the students, the future.

09/23/2026

When Love Has Four Legs: Navigating Pet Loss: PART II
Written by Dr. Michele Whitney and Dr. Mekel Harris

REMINDER
Be Mindful
We understand that conversations about grief and loss can create discomfort, so please take care of yourself as needed.

Emerging Themes
1. Access & Post-Loss Support
2. Grief Inequities
3. Learned Compartmentalization
4. Transitioning Bonds

The human–animal bond is not just beneficial because it improves well-being. It is meaningful because it becomes something we grieve.

Thank you Dr. Mekel Harris | Licensed Psychologist, TEDx Speaker, & Author and Michele Lisa Whitney for your amazing presentation.

09/22/2026

“You are not responsible for the growth, but you are responsible to plant the seed” Ryan Harris

09/17/2026

When Love Has Four Legs: Navigating Pet Loss
Written by Dr. Michele Whitney and Dr. Mekel Harris

REMINDER
Be Mindful
We understand that conversations about grief and loss can create discomfort, so please take care of yourself as needed.

What is Grief?

“Anguish experienced after significant loss”
- American Psychological Association

Grief Disenfranchisement and Stigma is when society fails to recognize the loss as legitimate, this can lead to hidden sorrow, stigma, and isolation.

You may hear:
“Animals are replaceable”
“It’s just a dog/cat, etc.”
“At least you had them for YYY years”

There are Structural & Emotional Constraints
Addressing pet loss is often hindered by significant structural constraints – that is, societal, professional, and environmental factors that limit the validation and support for bereaved owners.

PART II Coming Soon

09/15/2026

“I took my grief from my pet and turned it into action.
But what I now know is that it was also ok if I sat with that and mourned the loss of my pet and been sad because it was a very sad time.

I want people to know you’re not alone in what you felt for your pet and what they meant in your life and that matters and you should give yourself extra care when you lose a pet.” Keyia Yalsin, Fishies and Fishnet

Keyia is referring to our opening presentation at The Gathering called “When Love Has Four Legs: Navigating Pet Loss” given my Dr. Michele Whitney and Dr. Mekel Harris where we looked at pet grief with African Americans and the inequities.

Keyia owns and runs Fishes and Fishnet. Fishies is an up-cycled pet treat that is made from Fish scraps from their restaurant called Fishnet (also seen on The Great Food Truck Race on The Food Network, Season 24. You can taste their amazing food now if you locate their food truck in Baltimore. Follow Fishnet for more details.

UPDATE. Keyia, will be opening a new restaurant soon! Stay tuned for details.

09/01/2026

Hatred IS Limited.
Love is not.
😻
❤️

Address

Baltimore, MD

Website

https://careawo.org/

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