Pets are important to their owners – especially when the owners have health problems – and no one knows that better than Jihannh Jones. For almost two years, the 28-year-old gay Roseville resident has been working for the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, now the Michigan AIDS Coalition. Jones heads up the Wonderful Animals Giving Support program, which aims to assist people with HIV/AIDS in caring for their pets. They provide food and supplies, help with vetrinarian bills and give pets foster homes if their owner is in the hospital, assuring that people with HIV/AIDS never have to give up their furry best friend.
"Hi Jessica I'm 28 years old I have been working for MAC now going on 2 years, I live in Roseville and I'm gay."
1. Why did you decide to get involved with WAGS?
WAGS was ultimately given to me when a previous staff member left the agency. Since then, I have grown to appreciate a program that not only shows care and concern for our clients but for their pets as well. Many don't realize that a lot of people depend on their pets for companionship and love that they cannot get from others.
2. What exactly do you do on a day to day basis? Do you work with the animals?
Everyday, I am in contact with clients paying vet bills, coordinating the receipt of pet food vouchers planning fundraisers with program volunteers and just conversing – being that I have built a pretty nice relationship with some of the clients and their pets. Pets are indeed allowed in my office.
3. So much of HIV/AIDS work is focused on prevention and treatment. Why is your unique contribution so important?
The WAGS program is a program of the Michigan AIDS Coalition. Historically, MAC has provided prevention and risk reduction education throughout the state of Michigan. This program is our first endeavor to provide direct services to people infected with HIV/AIDS who have pets that they need to take care of as well. Many of us know the comfort and pleasure we receive from our own animals. Pets are very important for our health and emotional well-being. For people with AIDS, the psychological and physical health benefits of having pets are very significant and this creates a unique dynamic all by itself.
4. What response do you receive from the people WAGS helps?
Most clients affiliated with the WAGS program are very grateful. Each Christmas up until last year, WAGS provided gift baskets to all the clients. The baskets were created by another WAGS client and were fill with all kinds of goodies for both the pets and the clients. It was unfortunate that we were unable to pass out baskets this past holiday season due to the economy and lack of financial support. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time to see how many of the clients depended on those baskets. It is my charge to work that much harder this coming holiday season to ensure that the WAGS clients are made happy during the season.
5. Do you have any pets at home? What do your pets give to you?
Yes I do. She is a 12-pound K-9 bundle of joy!
For more information, visit http://www.aidsprevention.org/wags.htm
