Effingham County resident Lisa Scarbrough has noticed an increase in social media posts about families struggling to afford pet food. The director/owner of Coastal Pet Rescue will not sit down. He jumped at the chance to make sure no livestock in the county went without food.
CPR and Two Black Dogs Foundation are partnering with the Effingham County Animal Shelter to help feed the hungry pets of Effingham County residents who are enduring tough financial times.
CPR is a non-profit dedicated to animal rescue for abused and neglected cats and dogs in and around Savannah. Two Black Dogs Foundation provides affordable spay and neuter programs.
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“Both organizations approached me within a day of each other,” said Animal Shelter Director Lorna Shelton. “They said, ‘We need to help people who have fallen on hard times.’ Since they didn’t have a stationary place to do this, they asked if we would join them as the ‘go to’ place if they supplied food.”
The Pet Pantry, 307 Ga. will open. Hwy 119 in Springfield, on February 5. Hours of operation are 1-3 pm Monday-Friday. “If people need help with pet food, we’ll have some applications for them to fill out,” Shelton said. “They have to provide proof of residency in Effingham County.”
Shelton asks that people who want to donate bring dry dog and cat food, preferably Pedigree and Meow Mix.
“We don’t take responsibility to take care of your pets,” Shelton said. “We want to help you through the tough spots until you can think of something else.”
Pets can provide an emotional connection for families, which is all the more reason to make sure families struggling financially have a furry friend to help them get through life’s daily grind.
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“For many people, pets can help with mental health challenges,” Scarbrough said. “Financial issues are a huge stressor and something that weighs heavily on people. I’ve read more than enough articles to know that when people pet their pet, it lowers their blood pressure. It forces it calms you down. They don’t ask for much and are a source of comfort.”
Scarbrough said it’s important for potential pet owners to weigh the cost of what it takes to make sure their four-legged friends are well cared for.
“You have to give a lot for your pets,” Scarbrough said. “They have as much responsibility as taking care of a person. We can’t fix our pet-to-owner population, so people have to think about what they can reasonably afford and how they can do it.”
People who participate in the pet pantry are strongly encouraged to neuter or spay their pets. Two Black Dogs Foundation can help with the cost.
To Donate >>
Donations cannot be dropped off at the Effingham County Animal Shelter. Food can be sent to either Coastal Pet Rescue, 7430 Thomas Ave. in Savannah, or Two Black Dogs Foundation on Oak Drive in Bloomingdale.
To Foster or Adopt >>
The animal shelter can be reached at 912-754-2109. Adoption hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm and Monday and Thursday from 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. He can be reached at [email protected].
