Today I was wrapping a box our clinic uses to collect dog and cat food for a local animal shelter, Castaway Treasures. As I was doing this, I began thinking about needy pets and realized that there is a population of needy pets who don't get much press: those pets owned by families struggling to make ends meet. While shelter animals will always need a lot of support from our community, pets whose families have hit hard times also merit our thoughts and our donations. While struggling families want to keep their beloved pets, they often have to face the harsh reality that they simply cannot afford it. They want to make sure their pet is well cared for, well-fed, comfortable and happy. When they can no longer provide all this, they either surrender their pet to a shelter or rehome their pet. Families losing pets to tough economic times is a loss for us all. Not only does it increase the population at already full shelters, but it also divides families. The ties between animals and their humans are always worth preserving, for they run deep and strong.
What many people do not realize is that community food banks that collect human food for families in need also collect pet food. As you gather items to donate to your community food bank, please include dog and cat food along with your other donations. This will enable families who have hit hard times to continue to feed their four-legged family members, and keep their entire family together.
Happy Holidays! Thank you for your generosity. Check back next week for more.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing your thoughts with us. I found myself thinking of the current economic crisis and your statement made me realize how our furry loved ones are indeed feeling the results of todays recession. Local shelters are overwhelmed with homeless animals due to families unable to financially afford adoption. Recently I came across a story from a Social Worker about two children who witnessed their family having to make the heart breaking decision to relinquish their beloved dog because they could no loner afford to feed it. Now these two children worry if they will be surrendered due to Mommy and Daddy running out of money to feed them.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to think about these two children and the loss of their dog and their inner fears for their own surroundings. Your right Dr. Lueth, we are all made aware of the shelter situations, however, we rarely hear about the stories of families struggling to make ends meet and searching for ways to feed their animals. I will pass this message into the community and ask people to remember our four legged friends when donating.