A veterinary program in Agoura Hills is providing much-needed care during the pandemic.
It's led by our KNX Hero of the Week, who's healing hearts one animal at a time.
The Little Angels Project is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded by veterinarian technician Darlene Hernandez-Geekie. "I own a veterinary hospital, Veterinary Angels Medical Center. And, through the years of working in veterinary medicine, I've done a lot of rescue work," says Darlene. "I really felt like there was a great need, but it was difficult to take on that need. So, I just decided that community problems need to be solved by the community, and it was time to have a non-profit."
"[This way] we can always say yes, and not have to say no."
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Darlene says there's been a great need for disaster relief for animals of all sizes, due to the number of recent wildfires. But the pandemic has brought a new stress when it comes to care.
"Millions of people have lost their jobs. And, because of that, they can't afford their veterinary care," explains Darlene. "It causes them to relinquish animals, and it creates a situation where they have to make a decision for their pet, that isn't very good for that animal."
"So, we come in and we help establish pet care," says Darlene.
Team members take in new cases nearly every day. Darlene says they offer things like shelter, surgery, and special medicine. Some animals just need affection.
And, it’s not isolated to just dogs and cats. The Little Angels Project has cared for rabbits, pigs, and turtles. Even alpaca.
No animal is turned away.
"We help people with all animals! We always say fur, feathers, scales - we see them all!" says Darlene. "All animals matter to us."
It’s been a tough year for a lot of folks in Southern California. Pets are often part of the family, and Darlene says helping those is need is something she's been pulled to do.
"I'm just trying to do my part, and I just love what I do!"
Founder of Little Angels Project in Agoura Hills, Darlene Hernandez-Geekie is our KNX Hero of the Week!
KNX Heroes is presented by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes.
Get more information about The Little Angels Project at https://littleangelsproject.org/
You can also nominate your own KNX Hero of the Week at https://knx1070.radio.com/nominate
