The Shanti Project in San Francisco is merging with Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS). The two groups are longtime community partners, according to a Shanti press release; they will keep the Shanti name, and PAWS will become one of the Shanti programs.

Based on a system of peer support, the Shanti Project helps people with living with life-threatening illnesses such as breast cancer and HIV/AIDS. “Shanti” is a Sanskrit word that means “tranquility” or “inner peace.”

PAWS is a human services group that helps people living with disabilities and illness take care of their pets.

“People who rely on Shanti for human support often receive daily compassion from their pets,” said Scott Jacobs, board chair for PAWS, in the press release. “All safety net service organizations need to give thought to long-term sustainability and how most effectively to provide services to the community. Shanti and PAWS have wonderful mission compatibility and we are thrilled with the merger.”

The merger will become official October 14, when Shanti celebrates its 41st anniversary benefit dinner, Compassion Is Universal.