topic Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong in Community Chat

Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

Moonlady — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 20:56:35 GMT

I saw a reminder posted at a pet shop about it, and was happy to see that it's still a success.

There was a feature in our paper a while ago about the Meals on Wheels program for the elderly/poor. Apparently, they have meetings to touch base with drivers and other personnel, and some mentioned that they'd seen the styrofoam containers on the floor, suggesting that some clients had been sharing food with their pets.

I was impressed with how they chose to handle it. Instead of wagging their fingers about how the food is meant for them and not their pets (we know that it is, but we also know that a lot of the elderly would probably feed their pets before themselves), they took up a collection among themselves, and went shopping. They delivered cat and dog food to those that needed it, then contacted local pet shops. The response was overwhelming, with even small, independent shops agreeing to donate food on a regular basis. Once that was done, MOW notified the recipients that the program was available. They even deliver bird food, if necessary.

Since then, I've seen a number of agencies advertising, such as AniMeals, and also have noticed that there are some pet pantries popping up elsewhere. Locally, I often see reminders that, along with "people food," pet food and supplies are also appreciated.

Many people are isolated enough, without having to worry about how they'll feed their pets. If you can, don't forget to donate to these agencies!

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

mgm2 — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 20:58:27 GMT

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

Topaz Gem — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 21:04:33 GMT

What a wonderful program. Pets provide so much company to an elderly person and it's tragic when they have to give up their pets when they need them the most. That's one less thing they have to worry about now.

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

I like celery — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:29:33 GMT

Thanks for this post! I saw an article from a couple of months ago:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/meals-on-wheels-helps-feed-pets-of-seniors-disabled/

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

hsawaknow — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:31:39 GMT

What a great program!

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

olivia1123 — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 23:12:05 GMT

That is quite inspirational. Thank you for posting it.

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

MrsSweetieBear — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 23:45:09 GMT

Tears and Cheers

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

cabbi — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 23:55:05 GMT

Never heard of this but make a lot of sense. Will ask if done here.

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

Pickwickpapers — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 00:56:33 GMT

What a nice program.......it is heartwarming to know that there are such kind people in our world.........I am hoping when I retire in a few years I will be able to volunteer myself several days a week.......

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

Catitude — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 00:58:39 GMT

On 2/21/2014 MrsSweetieBear said:
Tears and Cheers

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

pommom — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:00:56 GMT

YES, YES, YES!!!

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

RainyDayGal — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:03:03 GMT

This is wonderful. This is something I would love to be part of - delivering food for pets.

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

guatmum — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:08:45 GMT

This is such a wonderful thing! Many (including me) believe that the true measure of a country is how it treats its most vulnerable. The elderly and animals definitely fit into that category. Hooray for those that contribute to this! Not only are they feeding those beautiful creatures but they are also feeding the souls of their elderly owners!

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

kittymomNC — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:40:29 GMT

That's the best idea I've heard in a long time. I might do some investigating to see if something like this is needed in my city and what might have to be done to get it started.

Re: Meals On Wheels For Pets Is Still Going Strong

NoelSeven — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 04:53:24 GMT

Thanks for sharing this good news!

When the AIDS crisis came to public attention in San Francisco, it became painfully obvious that patients needed their pets, sometimes it was the only love they received. But the patients were too sick to shop or clean littler boxes or walk dogs.

So a volunteer program started to do exactly those things for patients and their beloved pets. It still goes on today, along with project Open Hand which fed the sick and let them know others cared about them.

Open Hand:

http://www.openhand.org/