More than 175 bags and cans of cat and dog food were distributed to those in need at the first ever Pet Food Bank held Aug. 12. The project was made possible through a partnership between the Patrick Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Patrick County Community Food Bank.
“The majority of bags we put in gallon Ziploc bags because most of the bags we had, they were like 30 to 40-pound bags, which of course we couldn’t do that. So, we repacked them into one-gallon sizes,” PAWS Vice-president Lynn Chipkin said.
The idea for the pet food bank is to help the community feed and hopefully keep their pets as the costs of animal food has drastically increased, she said.
“A lot of people are surrendering their animals to the pound because of the cost of food, cost of veterinary care, everything,” Chipkin said, adding the Patrick County Animal Shelter “is always crowded, and so we’re trying to partner with the shelter to help people keep their pets.
“We just want people to be able to keep their pets,” Chipkin said, adding that PAWS hopes to continue with the pet food pantry, but its ability to do so will depend on the generosity of county residents and their ability to help those in need.
Those wishing to donate to the pet food pantry or spay/neuter fund, may send monetary donations to Patrick Animal Welfare Society, Inc., P.O. Box 743, Stuart, VA 24171.
