Brandy and Val

If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him and never say it’s not quite as good has his mother’s

….ADOPT A DOG.

If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour for as long and wherever you want,

….. ADOPT A DOG.

If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn’t care about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies

….. ADOPT A DOG.

If you want someone who is content to get on your bed just to warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores,

……ADOPT A DOG.

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn’t care if you’re pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally, perpetually,

….ADOPT A DOG.

BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks oall over you, runs around all night and only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his or her happiness,

….ADOPT A CAT.

The Holiday Season has always been a time of giving and good cheer.  This year, with such uncertain economic times and with so many out of work, it makes it even more important for those who are able to chip in a little more  to do so and help others who are in need.  Family pets are often given up when money is tight since the added expense for feeding and caring for a pet’s health becomes too burdensome.  But, since having a pet has been shown to contribute to our own sound emotional health and well-being, it makes perfect sense to make every effort to keep these animals as part of the family, especially in times of great stress.

As a result, animal shelters, animal welfare agencies, the pet-store mega-chain, Petco, church groups and others are are establishing pet food banks to assist such families and individuals confronting this situation.  And, they are are stepping up to the plate big time!   In Berlin, Germany, a soup kitchen called Animal Board has even been established to cater to the dogs of the homeless and unemployed.

In the United States, the agencies getting on board are growing rapidly by the day.   At present, there is no national network coordinating pet food assistance programs.  However, many cities and towns are now offering pet food assistance programs and volunteers are always welcome!   For those in need or for those wishing to lend a hand, SaveOurPetsFoodbank.org lists several locations and organizations in about 2 dozen states that offer pet food assistance programs.  The Rescue BankSM in Houston is that city’s first food bank for dogs and for some reason(!) the blog FamilyWorks Seattle includes pet food bank info for New York and Oregon.  A special “GIVING” section in the November 12 edition of the New York Times devoted an article to this issue, titled: “A Patchwork of Food Assistance for Pets.” Individuals and pet-food distributors alike are contributing to help make things happen.  Happy people, Happy Pets, Happy Holidays!