Charles Hornsby was living on the street when he discovered a cat that was abandoned in a motel parking lot. Without hesitation, Charles rescued the cat and named him Oyster after the white pearl on his chest.
“We were both homeless and as a Marine Veteran, we leave no man, or cat, behind,” said Charles.
Finding Help at Catholic Charities
Charles was working with Jessica Arreola, his Catholic Charities veteran services case manager to try to make a fresh start. Charles knew he couldn’t afford to take Oyster to the veterinarian but he didn’t want to take him to a shelter where they would be separated.
PETCO Grant Helps Veterans Care for Pets
In addition to working with Charles on financial planning, transportation, rental and utility assistance, she told Charles about the PETCO Foundation grant. The PETCO Foundation is committed to supporting animals in need; the foundation has already helped other clients in Catholic Charities veteran services program.
Oyster received his first series of immunizations and was neutered, and Charles got to keep his best friend. “Oyster keeps me calm, helps me laugh, keeps me company, and I talk to him all day,” said Charles.
Charles recently spent his first Thanksgiving in his new home. He enjoyed a homemade meal with his wife and Oyster. Charles is thankful for everything he has, “I just want to thank Catholic Charities and the PETCO Foundation for saving me and my cat Oyster.”
Catholic Charities Veteran Services helps veteran and veterans’ families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. You can help veterans like Charles who are experiencing homelessness.
