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Local doggy daycare offers free care

April 7, 2020

As first responders and medical workers take care of COVID-19 patients throughout metro Detroit, a local animal daycare is working to take care of their pets.

Canine to Five and Detroit Dog Rescue partnered to provide free doggy daycare or overnight boarding to first responders and those in the medical field.

“The only thing that gets all of us through this is acts of kindness and service to others. This is what we know how to do — we know how to take care of peoples dogs,” Canine to Five owner Liz Blondy said. “I think this is kind of our way of doing what we can to help the community now.”

Pets of essential workers, primarily first responders and healthcare workers, can go to the daycare for overnight boarding on a reservation-only basis. Those who want to take advantage of the care can make a reservation at reservations@caninetofive.com.

Donations from the public help cover the cost of the services. Those interested in supporting can donate through the Detroit Dog Rescue to support a day of daycare for a single dog up to a full week of boarding. So far, the donations have brought in roughly $6,000, which can help support around 40 pets for a five-day window, Blondy said.

“We know how hard this new normal has been on everyone, especially for our favorite furry friends and essential workers,” reads a statement from Detroit Dog Rescue. “Life has changed for them just as much as it has for us. For the dogs of healthcare providers and first responders, who are working extra shifts to keep our communities safe and healthy, it can be even more stressful.”

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