Devaughn James Injury Lawyers Donates $500 to Pet Assistance Network

Devaughn James Injury Lawyers presented a $500 check to the Pet Assistance Network of Topeka (PANT) to support local pet owners facing hardship, WIBW reported.

The donation serves as the law firm’s “Pay It Forward” recipient for the week. Founding partner Richard James handed the contribution to PANT representatives to assist with animal care and boarding services.

For many individuals in Topeka, a sudden medical crisis or the instability of chronic homelessness creates a forced choice between personal survival and the well-being of a pet. PANT works to bridge that gap by providing temporary support to ensure families remain connected to their animals during difficult transitions.

The funds are specifically earmarked for the care and boarding of animals owned by people experiencing homelessness. This support is particularly vital for those entering the Topeka Rescue Mission as they attempt to stabilize their living situations and improve their circumstances.

Rita Schinkle, a representative for PANT, explained that the financial assistance allows the organization to provide a critical safety net for these animals.

“This will allow us to take those animals, we will board them for up to 90 days,” Schinkle explained. “That way they [homeless individuals or ill patients] have something to work towards and be able to get their animal back after those 90 days.”

By offering up to three months of boarding, the network provides a window of stability for both the human and the animal, preventing the permanent separation that often occurs when housing is lost.

“On behalf of Devaughn James Injury Lawyers, we’re honored to recognize this week’s pay it forward recipient, the Pet Assistance Network of Topeka,” James said. “We love what you’re doing to help pet owners in need. And we’re excited to give you a check for $500.”

While the donation helps cover immediate costs, PANT struggles to maintain visibility and operational capacity. Schinkle noted that the organization’s name is not as widely recognized as they would like, which impacts their ability to recruit the resources necessary for expansion.

A primary goal for the group is to increase its roster of foster care volunteers. Expanding the volunteer base would fundamentally change how the organization manages its resources and animal placements.

If PANT can secure more foster homes, the organization would not necessarily have to rely as heavily on its own funds to pay for boarding. Instead, animals could be placed in more domestic environments.

“More volunteers would allow PANT to place more animals in foster care,” Schinkle said, noting that this would allow animals to “be in a loving place.”

Schinkle thanked the law firm for the contribution, stating, “This is a great contribution to go towards animal care.”