Animal shelter introduces ‘Ani-meals’

By MELISSA STOVER / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Martha Pepper, left, of Meals on Wheels and Humane Society shelter director Beth Farmer load some food for the new Ani-meals program which provides food for client’s pets as well. (Photo provided)

With the number of dogs and cats at the animal shelter frequently on the rise, shelter officials are continually trying to think up new ideas to save the animals they have and decrease the number of incoming pets.

A new program has been designed with the hope of keeping more furry companions in homes instead of dropped off at the shelter.

Anyone receiving the services of Meals on Wheels, who has a pet, can now request the services of Ani-meals. When the client receives one of their regular meals, a week’s supply of food for their pet will also be brought.

“It’s really been a big help to these clients not having to worry about how they will feed their pet,” said Martha Pepper of Meals on Wheels. Many of the clients receiving Meals on Wheels are elderly and their pet is an important part of their lives, according to Pepper.

The food for Ani-meals has been donated by the animal shelter, but the shelter is also requesting additional support. You can donate canned dog or cat food, or individually wrapped servings like Gainesburger brand dog food, directly to the animal shelter. Please specify that it is for Ani-meals.

With almost 5,000 dogs and cats euthanized last year at the shelter, officials stress the importance of spaying and neutering your pet. The spay stations held over the summer saw approximately 250 animals spayed or neutered.

“It gives us hope that the number of animals we have to put down will start to decrease soon,” said animal shelter manager Beth Farmer.

Animal shelter officials are hoping for a good response to the grant they received which will allow them to help people on public assistance or with low income get their pet spayed or neutered. For more information, or to see if you qualify, please call 473-5720.

If you are looking for a pet, the shelter has a wide variety in need of homes. All animals can be seen at the animal shelter which is located on Collie Lane by the fairgrounds.