She has never been one to run with the pack--that is, unless it happens to be a canine crew. "But let me tell you,� says Courtney Thorne-Smith, the Melrose Place star, with a smile, "these guys can be such publicity hounds."
For the actress, it's just another dog-day afternoon at PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), a nonprofit, organization that helps people living with HIV/AIDS to keep and care for their pets. "Far too many of these people have already lost their jobs, friends, money and dignity,� says Thorne-Smith, 26, a longtime animal activist and owner of two dogs. "It's heartbreaking to know that because of the toll the disease takes on their health and finances, many AIDS patients have to give up their pets at a time when they need them the most. Anyone who has ever loved a pet can appreciate the service PAWS provides.� Thorne-Smith -works as a volunteer and spokeswoman, helping to raise both money and public awareness. The largest of 27 similar groups nationwide, PAWS/L.A. currently helps 8oo clients care for their 1,200 animals by providing pet-care services, such as walking, grooming and feeding, as well as assistance with food , supplies and veterinary bills. In addition, PAWS finds foster homes for clients' pets when the need arises.
"Today, people with AIDS are living longer, and our goal is to do what we can to improve the quality of their lives," says PAWS/L.A. director and founder Nadia Sutton. She adds that a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has underscored the importance of her organization's work by demonstrating the psychological benefits pets bring to AIDS patients. But with an average of 35 new clients a month, Sutton says that meeting their needs is an uphill fight-funds foster homes are in chronic short supply.
"People shouldn't feel overwhelmed or intimidated about getting involved," says Thorne-Smith, who hosted the group's annual fund-raiser in early October. "Believe me, once you do, it will feel so right and you will get so much back, you'll wonder why it took so long to get started." �Judy Ellis
