Area pup to work like a dog at AIDS Walk Detroit

FERNDALE – Honey, a three-year-old Pomeranain mix, will walk in the Steppin' Out AIDS Walk Sept. 19 in Royal Oak to raise funds for her "pet" charity, Wonderful Animals Giving Support. WAGS is a Ferndale-based program that helps people with HIV/AIDS take care of their companion animals.
Honey has received dozens of pledges from area pet stores, vets, and other companion animals to support WAGS. The program, part of the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, has helped hundreds of area residents keep and care for their pets.
"Pet owners understand the importance of the pleasure and comfort they get from their companion animals," said Christine Gillis, Honey's human and WAGS Program Coordinator. "For people with AIDS, the psychological and physical health benefits of having pets are especially significant."
Pets and their humans interested in raising funds for WAGS can make a pledge to Honey, or walk themselves under the WAGS banner, Team #221. Funds raised thorugh pledges are tax-deductible, and persons wishing to support AIDS education and prevention can also walk under the MAPP banner, Team #121.
To make a pledge to Honey or to receive a walker form, contact Christine Gillis at 248-545-1435 ext. 101 or by email at [email protected]. For more information on MAPP teams visit www.aidsprevention.org/aidswalk.htm.