To honor our veterans who have risked their lives to protect our country, Pawmetto Lifeline has created a new program called Boots in Service that will help care for pets of veterans should they need medical attention away from home and no other option is available. The program, named for Governor Henry and First Lady Peggy McMaster’s late English Bulldog Boots, will be funded by the Michael J. Mungo Foundation.
“It’s a great day in South Carolina when prominent citizens like the Governor and First Lady understand the human-animal bond between companion pets and their families,” stated Denise Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer for Pawmetto Lifeline. “During his distinguished public service career, Governor McMaster has worked diligently for the betterment of care for animals in our state, including the prosecution of David Tant - one of the most notorious dog fighters in our nation - when he served as Attorney General.”
In the last year, Pawmetto Lifeline has learned there are veterans in need of medical services who will refuse treatment due to the lack of options for their beloved pets while they receive important, and sometimes life saving, services. These veterans have no resource to care for their pets while undergoing medical treatment and are not willing to relinquish ownership of their beloved family member. They will sacrifice their health to care for their pet(s).
Through referrals from Veterans Affairs, Pawmetto Lifeline will offer the following services at no charge to veterans while they receive the care they need:
*Boarding
*Foster Homes
*Medical Services including vaccinations, micro-chips, spay/neuter surgeries and immediate basic care
*Training
“Our veterans should not have to choose between keeping their pet and receiving medical treatment, “stated Stewart Mungo, Chairman of the Michael J. Mungo Foundation. “We will work with Pawmetto Lifeline to make sure any veteran who has no other option will be able to receive medical treatment and ensure their pets do as well. It is our hope they will be able to live many more happy years together.”
Pawmetto Lifeline is naming the program after Boots to honor Governor McMaster for his lifelong commitment to animal welfare. The McMaster’s beloved Boots was well known among state staffer and was often seen on the state house grounds attending meetings with the Governor. He thoroughly enjoyed life as a cherished family member. It was with great sadness for the McMaster family when Boots passed away from cancer in 2016.
Currently, Boots in Service is only provided via referral from the Columbia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
You may visit their website via, https://www.columbiasc.va.gov/
To reach the Columbia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System via telephone call
- 888-651-2683
Outside Columbia, within SC only - 803-647-5829
In Columbia - 800-293-8262
Outside Columbia
If you are a veteran in crisis, please contact The Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, option 1.
