Central Oregon is lucky to have some incredible humans advocating for animals, and we were fortunate to get some time with Johannah Johnson-Weinberg – she’s the founder/President of Companion Animal Medical Project. This inspiring woman is making a huge difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness: by caring for their companion animals.
Please tell us a bit about yourself!
I have lived in Bend, OR for nearly 9 years. Before that I lived in Bellingham, WA where I graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I am also technically a Husky! I received a Certificate of Applied Animal Behavior from UW.
I have two wonderfully crazy dogs, Zuma is a Lab/German Shepard that at 10 years of age, just picked up a knack for bird hunting. She’s a natural! And Phillis, a scruffy terrier mix. We are guessing she is around 6, but unsure. She was a transfer from Maui Humane Society, and is the ultimate bed dog/couch slouch.
I love to snack on brie & cheese which lets be honest, just turns into my dinner. I ran the Bend Marathon it’s first year and maybe one day I will do another one! I played rugby in high school & college.
For me, the perfect dog is…the naughtier the better. I can’t resist a naughty dog! They will love me and I will make sure of it.
How was Companion Animal Medical Project (C.A.M.P) Born? What’s its mission and what work do you do?
I would say in a nutshell that the idea of C.A.M.P was born while I worked at our local humane society and spay and neuter clinic.
While at the shelter, I witnessed so many families having to surrender their companion/family pet for something (I felt) was completely preventable.
If, (1) the resource existed and (2) was accessible, could that family stay together? I left the nonprofit world for a bit and started working at a local pet food company, Bend Pet Express. During my initial interview with them, I mentioned an idea that I had, and one I wanted to work on while employed there. They said “OK!” Their encouragement and support really was what brought CAMP to fruition in February 2020 when we held our first clinic.
Companion Animal Medical Project’s mission is to help ease the burden of those experiencing homelessness or other financial hardships by providing veterinary care and supplies for their companion animal.
Many of those who are experiencing housing and/or financial insecurities often have to choose between providing basic needs for themselves or their companion. CAMP aims to remove barriers to veterinary care to support the human-animal bond and ensure that both the human and the pet have access to basic needs.
The members of C.A.M.P believe that in order to fully advocate for the animal, you must also show that grace and dignity to the person attached to it. Donations allow us to continue to serve our community’s unsheltered pets and people.
Run us through a typical day in your life
Monday to Friday I work full time at a nonprofit that works to connect individuals to existing resources within the community. W
While our services are quite broad, we help a lot with housing and removing barriers to affordable housing options. In between that – and well seven days a week – I also build/manage Companion Animal Medical Project. I have an awesome team of BOD members that work incredibly hard and are extremely supportive in our mission. We have big dreams for C.A.M.P. and we all work together to make sure we can support our community and the growing needs.
What are the biggest hurdles and misconceptions that you’ve noticed in working with the houseless community?
I think the biggest hurdle is just being a startup non-profit (and working full time). I hope to one day be able to just operate C.A.M.P. full time because I know how important our work is and I want to be able to give it 110% always.
The biggest misconception I have noticed is that unsheltered people “don’t care” which is proven incorrect with each clinic we hold, and each phone call/text/email we receive. I also believe that we are unable to fully be animal advocates if we ignore the other end of the leash.
When tragedy strikes an animal it also strikes the person. This is not a condition of being housed or unhoused. We all experience this pain when our animal is sick, injured, missing…I am constantly reminded that there are two beings left unsheltered, and both are equal and deserving.
What message do you most wish to get out there?
Mostly what I said above. When you see an animal sitting on the side of a turn out with its person, don’t just think “poor dog,” because there are two beings there. Both are deserving of love, respect and dignity. Advocate for the human-animal bond by advocating for both.
How can people help support your project?
We are unable to provide our services without monetary support. We are a small team of volunteers and services are needed. In order to be able to say “yes” to requests, we need the funding to do so. We never want to have to say no because we don’t have the resources to say otherwise. We are also looking for board members with experience in fundraising/marketing, development, financial, human welfare.
What’s on C.A.M.P’s wishlist this year?
Pet supplies
- Medium- Large dog collars
- Leashes
- Harnesses
- Cat food (wet & dry)
- Dog coats (M-XL)
Human supplies
- Tarps
- Hand/feet warmers
- Socks, Hats, Gloves
Clinic supplies
- Q-tips
- Easy Cheese
- Treats
- Lube
- Quick stop (for nail trims)
- Clipboards
- Towels
- Organizing supply tubs (3 row/stackable)
Author: Mandy Bradley
Mandy resides in Bend with her husband, daughter, two cats, and rescue dog. Her passion for animal advocacy started as a young girl, and has since then become a big part of her life. Whether it's exploring the great outdoors or curling up with a book, you can be sure there's an animal by her side.