OkcPets Magazine September 2020

September/October 2020 • OKC Pets 25 Seniors & Pets PET FOOD PANTRY OF OKC For those of us with animal companions, it is hard to imagine not being able to care for them. During times of financial hardship, many Oklahomans are finding it difficult to make ends meet, and some are having to choose between their own needs and those of their pets. Pet Food Pantry of OKC believes our seniors, veterans and the homeless population should not have to choose between their own food and medical needs and food for their beloved pets. The people we serve love their pets and are facing these hard decisions every day. Pet Food Pantry of OKC is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of pets and their people by providing pet food and supplies to low-income seniors, the homeless, veterans and domestic violence shelters. Our goal is to keep pets with their families and out of the streets or shelters and prevent people from going hungry in order to meet their pets’ needs. With your support, we provide free pet food and supplies for Oklahomans in need. The pantry gives out more than 11,000 pounds of pet food a month, plus treats and supplies. We deliver monthly to households that qualify. We also have drop-off locations for the homeless population and deliver to domestic violence shelters, where residents can sometimes keep their pets with them. We have seen the impact a small bag of food can have to animal lovers in need. Warehouse manager Norm Chaichankanchang says, “We were at an event in El Reno, giving out food, sweaters, collars and things like that, and one person said, ‘It feels like Christmas!’” Pet owners want to provide as best they can for their animals even at the cost of their own needs. Providing food for their animals allows them to take better care of their own needs while keeping a beloved companion at their side. Candace Beaty, the pantry’s executive director, adds, “To us, it’s such a small service, but to them, it’s so much more.” Pet Food Pantry depends on your help to meet the needs of fellow Oklahomans. Although pet food donations are gratefully accepted, monetary donations go even further to provide food and supplies through our partnership with suppliers. Just $25 a month can sponsor a pet with pet food, flea/tick prevention and supplies that help pet parents afford their own food and medical supplies, but we also happily accept bagged food, supplies and other donations. For more information, or to donate, apply or volunteer, visit petfoodpantryokc.org; email info@petfoodpantryokc.org; or visit us on Facebook @petfoodpantryokc.