POMEROY—The Banfield Charitable Trust, based in Portland, Oregon, recently awarded a grant of $4,916 to the Meigs County Humane Society.

“That grant is making it possible for many Meigs County families to continue to care for their family pets even during these economically stressful times,” said Vicky Baer, secretary-treasurer of the local Humane Society.

The Banfield Charitable Trust Fund called “Pet Advocacy Grants” makes it possible for local human societies, like the one in Meigs County, to continue their programs to help pets and their families stay together. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations to support their pet food pantries and food distribution programs.

“The grant means that the Meigs County Humane Society will now be able to assist owners of cats, dogs, and horses, who because of the economic downturn, have had difficulty getting food for their animals,” said Baer. “We are now in a position to allocate funds through purchase orders to distribute food directly to owners who can show proof of low income, such as a food stamp or Medicaid card, Social Security Disability, or unemployment verification. It allows the our Humane Society to, in addition to continuing spay/neuter assistance, to helping owners keep their animals well fed, healthy, and happy.”

She went on to explain that the Banfield Charitable Trust, recognizing how struggling owners face daily dilemmas finding ways to feed themselves and their pets, organizes pet food drives and funds other grants to animal welfare organizations.

Baer said one of the first recipients of the pet food grant was a Middleport woman, who, after the recent death of her husband, is now living on one social security check and, at the same time, supporting several dogs and numerous cats, many of which were left near her house.

“It was gratifying to be able help this kind-hearted woman,” she said adding that the Banfield Trust has made a major difference in her quality of life and in the lives of the animals to whom she has generously given a home.” Other recipients of the pet food grant are families served by the Meals On Wheels Program in Meigs County.

“With foreclosures and unemployment on the rise, families have to make difficult and often painful choices. Yet help is at hand to aid these families now. The Humane Society and the Banfield Trust want to alleviate owners’ stress and help keep these dependent dogs and cats with their owners,” said Baer.

The Meigs County Humane Society, which relies on income from the Meigs County Humane Society Thrift Shoppe in Middleport, as well as membership dues to finance its programs, can help with spay/neuter assistance and emergency veterinary care and now assist with securing emergency food for families in need.

“We are asking county residents to support our thrift shop and become members of the Society, and in this way, assist us in making lives better for the county’s animals,” she concluded.

Residents who need emergency food for cats, dogs, and horses can call 992-6060 and leave a message with a call back number.