About Us

A Triangle-area project highlighted nationally by the Wall Street Journal is gaining ground in its efforts to triple last year's success.

The local effort is a part of a program sponsored by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). The third annual local Presents 4 Pets campaign organized by the Pet Foster Network and Triangle Area Professional Pet Sitters (TAPPS) is underway from October 23rd through November 7th.  More than sixty local businesses have announced their support for the local Presents 4 Pets campaign.  Presents 4 Pets collects donated items for animals waiting to be adopted from foster homes and shelters.

Raleigh businessman Jerry Wentz, owner of Homesitters of Raleigh and Cary inaugurated the project locally in 2007.  Wentz, working with NAPPS volunteers, created the event when he saw the need arise in his own community.  Wentz invited Nancy Stevens, owner of Ark Angels Pet Care and President of TAPPS to join the effort.  Nancy then recruited Kim Croom, Director of the Pet Foster Network and Angel Wasserman of Paws In Training to complete the team. 

Now the program runs nationally in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States’ National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.  The 30 pet rescue organizations that are served by the Pet Foster Network have been invited to be the recipients of these donations. Participating rescue organizations have submitted their “wish lists” and now the public is encouraged to donate these items during the collection time frame.

Economic times that are hard for people, are doubly hard for animals that need homes.  Too often people will simply drive to a neighborhood and put their dog out and drive away or dump them at a shelter. The foster programs that rescue these animals and prepare them for adoption need a little help from a lot of people.
Presents 4 Pets Coordinators
Collections 2008

Back Row: Gourmutts Baker (L), Nancy Stevens (R)
Front Row: Kim Croom (L), Ginger (C), Jerry Wentz (R)

The Presents 4 Pets campaign is supported by local businesses and charities to ease the financial strain on foster organizations and shelters as well as increase the awareness of the valuable role they serve in the community.