Lion and Gracie eat heartily
The downturn in the economy has forced some dog owners to make the gut-wrenching decision to give up their dogs at local shelters, simply because they can’t afford dog food. In an effort to keep dogs with their families and ease the strain on pet food bills, a local group started a dog food bank.
Friends Involved in Dog Outreach, or FIDO, is a volunteer support group for Clackamas County Dog Services. In 2005, FIDO started its AniMeals program. Working with Meals on Wheels, and linked to 9 senior centers in the Portland Area, AniMeals brings pet food to Meals on Wheels participants.
“We just want to help dog owners keep dogs in their family,” says Chip Sammons, Vice President of FIDO. AniMeals was looking to reach more families, more hungry pets. The dog food bank was born.
Financially strapped dog owners may get one month’s supply of dog food for up to four dogs. FIDO asks that owners be prepared to show proof of residency, and they ask that all dogs be spayed or neutered. Owners whose dogs are not spayed or neutered will not be turned away, but they will be given information on low-case spay/neuter programs, microchipping, and rabies vaccine clinics.
People coming to get food from the dog food bank should bring their own containers to carry the food. Dogs should wait at home. Food is distributed on a first come/first served basis. The dog food bank is located next to the Clackamas County Dog Shelter in Oregon City: 2106 Kaen Road.
For more info:
To learn more about FIDO and the dog food bank program, click here.
For a map of the dog food bank location, click here.
To donate food to the dog food bank, call AniMeals director Linda Cloud at 971.678.6940. This number is for donations only.
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