The nonprofit Integrating People for Animal Wellness (iPAW), founded in December 2014 by veterinarian Jodie Gruenstern (Dr. Jodie), provides resources and funding to improve the quality of life of special-needs pets and decrease unwarranted or premature euthanasia in southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. iPAW is not a shelter, but a resource and fundraising group developed to promote pet wellness and support the pet-care needs of individual pet guardians and shelters. This entirely volunteer-run organization is headed by reputable veterinarian personnel and animal lovers who possess a variety of animal-care and fundraising skills. “We have very passionate volunteers,” says Gruenstern. Since its founding, iPAW has provided free or discounted services to several paralyzed dogs as well as ongoing care for a half-dozen physically and behaviorally affected and unadoptable cats.
“As a holistic veterinarian, I am faced almost daily with animal patients who are severely allergic, have cancer or have behavior issues for which guardians are distraught and feel euthanasia is their only recourse,” says Gruenstern. “With education about alternative options or alternative home placement, many of these pets can go on to live quality lives. I decided to develop iPAW to help me continue my assistance to pets, caregivers and benefactors by bringing them all together.”
iPAW needs donations to fund a New Berlin-area dog park with an indoor exercise facility and pool for arthritic and paralytic dogs. Donations are also needed to develop small individual grants for multiple and one-time funding for people whose pets need surgery or other ongoing care such as acupuncture, massage, costly medication, supplements or special dietary needs. Volunteers needed are vets, technicians, massage therapists and graphic designers as well as comedians and musicians at events. iPAW’s upcoming fundraising event is “Fashionistas for Fur-Babies,” Saturday, April 11, at the Marriott West in Waukesha. For more information, visit ipawaid.com.
