If you’ve ever had a pet, you know.
You know how reassuring their presence can be. You know how calming it can be when they seek you out and nuzzle your hand for a pat. You know how good it feels when, in this big, uncertain world, you can give them good food and water and know they are happy and cared for. You know that sometimes having a pet can make all the difference.
I can tell you that these things are true across all income levels. I’ve met people who make difficult choices for themselves in order to keep their pets at their sides. I’ve seen pets seek out and offer reassurance to their owners even in challenging situations.
Thanks to the actions of some neighbors who began donating pet food in memory of Tuly, a neighborhood dog, Patchwork offers pet owners a small measure of assistance as they do their best to care for their furry friends. For many years now, our food pantry has had a supply of dog and cat food available. All anyone needs to do to get some is ask.
Patchwork purchases most of the pet food we distribute using funds given to us for our Neighborhood Hospitality. Over the course of a year, the cost adds up, but we know people are very grateful for this small service.
Last month, we received a very kind donation from someone in honor of Portia, a friend’s beloved yellow lab who had recently died. The donation was to be used to purchase pet food for Patchwork to distribute. Upon hearing about the donation, Portia’s owner added her own donation toward pet food in Portia’s memory.
Again, it’s something that I think any pet owner can understand.
