• By Kelly Nash
• Posted Friday, December 4, 2009

URGENT: PET FOOD NEEDED!

The AniMeals program of Forsyth County Department of Animal Control, inspired by a similar program offered by Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, offers pet food donated to the Forsyth County Animal Shelter as free pet food for the dogs and cats of low-income, elderly or disabled pet owners throughout Forsyth County. The goal of the AniMeals program is to help keep people and their companion pets together by removing logistical and financial obstacles to ensure that clients will always be able to provide nutritious meals for their beloved pets.

Donations are needed as our supply is insufficient to meet the needs of our community. The shelves are bare and WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. With the economic situation we are facing as a country the number of families we service grows every day. We have over 55 families that benefit from this program with many new applicants waiting for assistance. For many homebound individuals, a dog or cat is more than a pet; it can provide friendship, joy, and a reason for living. Studies show that animal ownership also lowers illness levels and mortality rates.

Donations are now being accepted at these locations:

- Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 5570 Sturmer Park Circle, W-S
- Oreck Clean Home Center, 1025 Hanes Mall Blvd, W-S
- Pets Supplies Plus, 2812 Reynolda Road, W-S

• AniMeals is intended as a program for routing donated pet food to low income households on a temporary basis.
• Recipients are expected to obtain pet licenses or make other arrangements within a reasonable time period, usually 3 – 6 months.
• The program is intended to be seasonal, October – March, with volunteers seeking donations and coordinating with Meals on Wheels during this period.
• Donations, as available the rest of year, will dictate if any assistance is possible.
• Recipients require supervisor/coordinator approval if donations requested for over a three month period. Extensions may be granted for in special circumstances.
• Forsyth County can make no guarantees as to the quality of the food. Applicants take full responsibility for evaluating the quantity and quality feeding aspect as pet owners.