Humane Ohio Food Bank Keeps Pets In Need Fed
Hanging out with yellow Labrador Matti and dachshund-Pomeranian mix Rosie is good therapy for 9-year-old Andy Breidenbach, who has a mild form of Asperger's syndrome.
"A dog loves you unconditionally," said Andy's father Chip. "This is very therapeutic for him." But when the Maumee man was laid off from his railroad job, cash for dog food became scarce. So he turned to Humane Ohio, a Toledo non-profit organization that operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and pet food bank.
Chip, his wife Cari and their children, who include Andy's brothers, 6-year-old John and 3-year-old Daniel, had collected pet food for the organization through Church of St. Andrew. "We collected over 1,500 pounds of food," said Chip, noting that, at the time, he didn't think he'd be having to get food from the group.
Both of his dogs have been spayed and received shots at a lower cost through Humane Ohio, and he's also received food for the dogs. "With money being tight, it's an extreme blessing to get pet food -- it's one less thing to worry about," Chip said.
The Humane Ohio Pet Food Bank makes pet food available to pet owners in need and to people caring for free-roaming cats, said Jill Borkowski, marketing manager. "This program helps make sure that pets and stray cats in our community do not go hungry, it helps pet parents keep their pets even in tough ̃nancial times, and it helps ensure that people do not have to share their own meal with their pets and go hungry themselves," she said.
The program started in 2009. Almost 65,000 pounds of pet food were donated in 2010 and more than that through November 2011, serving 200 households per month. Humane Ohio has also spayed or neutered more than 11,000 animals so far this year.
Humane Ohio relies on donations, and is currently in need of dog and cat food, wet or dry. Pet food donations can be dropped off at Humane Ohio, 3131 Tremainsville Rd. in Toledo, between Alexis and Laskey. Hours are weekdays from 7:30 am. to 3:30 p.m. or in pet food collection bins located in businesses throughout Lucas, Wood and Monroe counties.
For information, visit humaneohio.org.