The Bide Awhile animal shelter in Dartmouth is asking for the public’s help in restocking their shelves.
The shelter runs a “Pet Pantry” program which provides dog and cat food to pet owners in emergency situations. As of Wednesday, the pantry is bare.
“It’s food that people would donate to us and if people are in need of food in an emergency situation for their animals. If they run short and they just can’t afford to go get some dog food or cat food, they call us and we have the food, we can supply it,” said Darrold Gould, executive director at the shelter.
Gould said they’ve had a lot of food going out in the past few weeks, but none coming in. He says that’s a problem for the people who turn to them in times of need.
“You have to have some place you can reach out and get food in emergency situations. It could be a cheque didn’t come in in time or something unforeseen. And you cant have the animal starving,” said Gould.
“People have to have the ability to reach out and get help in some places. So, this is a program we initiated a few years ago and that’s what it’s here to do.”
The shelter is looking for unopened dog and cat food. Any donations can be dropped off at their Dartmouth location — 67 Neptune Crescent.
Gould said they’ve also provided food to volunteers involved in the feral cat communities in the past. While they do have enough food at the animals in their shelter, they want to replenish the pantry in order to help more animals in need.
“This is an extra program. We saw there was a need. It’s no different than our low-cost spay-neuter program for people who can’t afford to spay or neuter their animals. It all goes hand in hand as a way to help people who don’t have the advantage of doing it themselves.”
To learn more about the “Pet Pantry” program or to make a monetary donations, visit their website.
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