By Janet McAfee
There is always something new and exciting at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to benefit our furry friends. Managed and operated by a non-profit organization, Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, this shelter has the flexibility to develop creative ways to promote their animals for adoption. Now the “Friends” have developed a pet food bank program for low income pet owners that helps them keep their animals rather than relinquish them to a shelter.
The Friends Pet Project Food Bank opened in January, 2015. Operated by the Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, the food bank collects pet food donations for low-income and in-need folks who are struggling to feed themselves and their beloved pets. Friends President Stephen Boyd explains, “Often times, illness and other life challenges force pet owners to choose between feeding themselves, feeding their pets, or turning their pet into the shelter because they can no longer afford to care for them. Friends Pet Project hopes to end the need for those heart wrenching decisions.” In its first month, the program fed 137 dogs and 78 cats.
The new food bank is the “pet” project of Joey Reiter, board member of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Reiter modeled the food bank after one at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego. The decision was made to distribute pet food to three social service agencies already feeding people, and those organizations have established a means test (income level) for their recipients. Bodhi Tree provides pet assistance to people in hospice. The Mizell Senior Center provides meals for low income seniors, and now Fluffy and Fido also get a meal.
The Aids Assistance Program is another agency that provides pet food to low income clients who also receive their food vouchers. Pictured here are Joey Reiter and Mark Anton distributing pet food to AAP clients.
Currently, the pet food bank program is not open for public distribution. The focus is helping the most needy, and that includes folks who are housebound due to age or disability. While many Coachella Valley neighborhoods are home to wealthy retirees, pockets of low income housing are tucked away on side streets. Distributors of the pet food have heard more than once, “I would rather go without a meal myself then let my dog go hungry!”
Reiter is pleased with their progress so far, and envisions this program will expand to include other organizations. She reports, “What surprised me the most is the extent that we need this type of service in this community. I discovered that many of our residents are low income and their animals are their only family. Their pets keep them going, and some of them would go without if the choice came down to feeding themselves or feeding their pets.” We think it’s important that they not have to make that choice. Studies confirm that having a pet in the home improves one emotional and physical health, and even helps one to live longer.
Join the “Friends” on Monday, March 9, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at The Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs for a fun evening that benefits the pet food bank. This fundraiser features local blues band, Gand Band. A donation of $65 or $120 per couple includes entertainment, delicious appetizers and cocktails. Join the fun, and meet some fellow animal lovers.
Drop off pet food donations at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Avenue in Palm Springs. All types of dog and cat food are welcome, except for open bags and products made in China. For additional information contact petfoodbank@psanimalshelter.org or call (760) 832-6261. This program is making a difference in people’s lives, and keeping our animals out of shelters.
Jmcafee7@verizon.net
