Many folks are struggling economically, and while they might find relief from charities, their pets are often left out of the equation. Can we imagine a world where veterinary care is provided so that families don’t have to resort to leaving their beloved pets at already overcrowded shelters? In Nashville, there’s now a model for what that looks like, thanks to Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley and a new visionary non-profit.
The Country music star, his wife, and newly launched The Companion Project recently opened a vet clinic to help Nashville families care for their pets.
“Here at The Store we know how important it is to take care of your family’s needs, and that includes our furry family members too. We also know that taking care of your pets can get expensive, so to be able to provide these free services to our customers was truly incredible!” share The Store.
Images via Facebook/The Store
Free Vet Clinic at the Paisley’s ‘The Store’
Four years ago, Brad and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley opened ‘The Store’ in Nashville to help families in the most dignified and compassionate way. But what happens to those families’ pets if they don’t also receive help? That’s why they were thrilled when The Companion Project, a new non-profit, partnered with them to solve that problem.
“You realize when you make a store like this, that’s gonna provide groceries and food that any family that’s in desperate to feed their kids, probably the pets are gonna suffer… priority one is feeding the family, but the pet’s part of the family,” Brad Paisley told News Channel 5 Nashville. “It’s an amazing way of keeping with our motto of dignity and normalcy for people,” he continued.
“We love our customers and appreciate being able to help their furry companions! ❤️❤️🦮🐈,” shared Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Over 100 Pets Received a Free Veterinary Checkup
At their first official clinic, over 100 dogs and cats arrived to get free in-depth exams by veterinarians. Many received life-saving care, including vaccinations, heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives.
Dr. Molly Brinkmann, co-founder of the Companion Project, checks a patient at the free vet clinic. FOLLOW HER on social media to see her HILARIOUS impressions of dogs and cats!
Others got microchips so they could be reunited with their families if they were ever lost.
And thanks to sponsors, pets left with treats, food, and medications, too! It was a heartwarming and emotional day for everyone, and “the cute factor” was “huge!” Kimberly said.
“There was SO MUCH LOVE and kindness in that room! It was magic. 😭😭,” shared Kimberly. “We are beyond grateful to all of the veterinarians and vet techs who showed up, both locally and from as far away as New Jersey and Indiana. They worked hard all day, serving over 100 animals.”
Video via Instagram/kimberlywilliamspaisley with bradpaisley
Preserving the Human-Animal Bond in Hard Times
The Companion Project is hoping to take their efforts nationwide to help families preserve the human-animal bond, which they believe, strengthens the fabric of society. For now, their website indicates they are operating in Tennessee and Texas.
“The human-animal bond is so important for pets and their people. We had this vision to help people who are already receiving help from organizations that are for people,” said Dr. Molly Brinkmann.
“And so, the human-animal bond is so important, especially for people who are going through a hard time in life, and so we want to preserve that for them,” Dr. Molly said.
Dr. Molly with Vet Tech Ashley Koll, VP of The Companion Project.
We love seeing what they’ve done in Nashville. And they could partner with an organization near you that becomes a sponsor of a free wellness clinic.
See more on their website, and Instagram. Dr. Molly is on Instagram and TikTok.
Video via Instagram/drmollysays
As we know, shelters are seeing large numbers of families turning over or abandoning furry family members. And that unfortunately also applies to Nashville.
“It’s deceiving when you drive around here how much need there is,” Brad Paisley said.
The Paisley’s side ventures, like a holiday Toy Store, along with the veterinary clinic, go even further to help create a stronger sense of community and solidarity.
