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BarkAID to Become Umbrella Organization for Animal Welfare Groups Across the Nation

Wichita, KS – Patrick Lomantini is the Founder/CEO of BarkAID, whose mission is to raise funds and awareness for homeless animals, as well as educate people about what is happening with animals in their communities.  BarkAid raises funds for shelters and pet adoption organizations in all 50 States.

There is no real database or association of shelter/rescues across the nation.  “BarkAID is in the position to be the ‘association’ where people would be members and could share a forum and be part of a coalition of shelters working collectively. So much more can be accomplished when you have large groups of members all striving toward the same goal working together,” explains Lomantini.

The 50 States Tour will take off this year in August for its 4^th time; this time with 57 stops as opposed to the usual 50. Year 3 (2013) of BarkAID’s 50 States Tour reached new levels. Not only in the amount of dollars raised, but also in the number of haircuts and the new relationships made. The 50 States Tour performed 2,525 haircuts and raised $74,525.

Expenses for this tour is something that Lomantini has been solely funding up until this year, and to assist in the funding of this national tour, BarkAID recently and successfully held its first 5K Event in Wichita, KS. With outreach from shelters, rescues, organizations and businesses across the city of Wichita, BarkAID had a much higher-than-expected turnout for its inaugural 5K event; prompting BarkAID to devote to an additional 3 races in various locations across the Midwest in 2015.

Nothing is more irritating than when an animal shelter says they are no kill or “gives you the impression” they are no kill. Tell the truth or at least be real with the public about what you do. UNFORTUNATELY, kill is a sad aspect of our nations homeless pet population. Even in my area, the largest shelter kills thousands of animals each year. But the sad truth is it’s the easiest way out for them. When you deal with over 20,000 animals each year, you find homes for them the best you can. Even with an adoption rate over 60%….you gotta do something???? right????
I know that SEVERAL rescue groups come to the rescue for that other 40% but even with that, 1,000’s are euthanized.
I KNOW, that several of them are severally injured, sick and very old and with that said, euthanization may just be the humane thing to do.

All across the country I see the massive facilities worth millions of dollars supported by millions of dollars from local donors and corporations. With starting budgets each year worth millions of dollars. Executive staffs earning very lucrative salaries. Running such facilities is almost a whose who of the local community. To be on the “board” is more of something to brag about vs. actually getting your hands dirty and doing something to make a difference.

The world of animal welfare is much like any other welfare state. There are those that live it, breathe it and feel it everyday and try desperately for the rest of the world to understand and be involved. And, there are those that run it like any other corporate entity; bottom lines, profits, bonuses.

Like it or not, the animals are a part of us and interact with us on a daily basis. You may not like animals, many don’t. You may not own one, many don’t. But you can’t deny they are a part of our world and deserve humane welfare. Just like you and me.

Be honest about what you are and exactly what you’re doing. BarkAID‘s mission is to open communities eyes of exactly what is going on and to SUPPORT those shelters around the country for what they are doing to make it a better place for those animals.