Sometimes people astound me – in a good way.
Last week in Pet Valu, I heard a remarkable thing. I went in to empty the Caring Pet Cupboard donation bin. The store lady said, “people brought all that in. Oh, those cans are from here. A lady who feeds wild cats in Fingal dropped them in.” I asked more.
An elderly lady and her husband have fed wild cats for years. They also get them vetted and fixed. And every time she comes to Pet Valu for food for them, she buys an extra couple of tins for our donation box. “Better help these kitties too,” she says.
How wonderful is that! This lady and her husband look after homeless unwanted cats – not just feeding them, but keeping them well and keeping them from reproducing. And she believes she can do still more, so does.
A few days later, I went to Tabby’s Treasures to pick up donated food. Pat had called, saying her storeroom was full, could I please come and take some. Along with cat kibble, there was a large cardboard box overflowing with bags of dog kibble. Fifteen bags, three brands, all unopened. She pointed to them, saying they all came from the same person. I asked who, thinking maybe a store that had excess stock.
“I don’t know her name,” Pat said, “her neighbour clips coupons so she took them and bought all this food for us.” Sure enough, the price stickers were still on them. I know that coupons save you money, but you can only use one per package. So this lady still laid out quite a bit of money to buy this food.
To the wild cat couple and the dog food lady and her coupon-clipping neighbour, thank you. Your help and your thoughtfulness means so much – in both the food you give and the evidence of caring about others that you demonstrate.
As of May 31st, we have received in our donation bins 2,123 lbs of dog and cat kibble, 254 cans and 24 packages of 
treats. Plus rabbit, parrot and ferret food, collars, bowls, dog coats, puppy training pads, kitty litter and pan liners. We received 935 lbs of dog kibble from Darford and will be receiving a large donation of cat kibble from Royal Canin. There’s also been a lot of food that I haven’t counted taken to Tabby’s Treasures and to the Caring Cupboard itself. If you are having to decide between feeding yourself and feeding your pet, please go to the Caring Cupboard or Tabby’s Treasures in St. Thomas or the Corner Cupboard in Aylmer. You don’t have to be on social assistance, you just have to need some help with providing for your pet. If you need special diet food for a pet with ailments, please contact us directly. We get such food and want it to go to pets who specifically need it.
June 15th, 2011 - 8:17 am
I’m impressed by the generous & compassionate nature of St. Thomas & area residents. When people in need are able to get food for their pets, they don’t have to chose between feeding themselves & feeding their non human family members. A big thank you to those at the St. Thomas Dog Owners Assn., the Caring Cupboard Food Bank & everyone who’s making this happen.
June 15th, 2011 - 1:57 pm
Yes, it is impressive. If this has kept even one pet out of the pound or from being dumped because of lack of money, it’s worth it. And not just for the animal and people directly affected, it saves the city and rescue groups spending resources on animals that already have homes. We’re now trying to get a list of people who need specialty food for senior pets and specific ailments. Right now, I’ve got Prescription Diet cans of dog food – k/d and j/d (kidney and arthritis/joint) and Royal Canin gastro-intestinal. If anyone needs them, please let me know.