To help support pet owners during the coronavirus pandemic, the Colorado Pet Pantry has donated 15 tons of pet food to For Pets’ Sake and the Ute Mountain Ute tribe.
A semitrailer stacked with 32 pallets of dog and cat food arrived Thursday at the Cortez Food Share warehouse.
“They donate the food, and we distribute it to those in need at no cost,” said For Pets’ Sake President Cheri Valle. “As a result of the COVID pandemic, even more people are struggling to feed their pets.”
Half the donated supply will be delivered to the Ute Mountain Ute tribe to help feed pets of families there struggling because of the economic crisis. Freight for the shipment was paid for by the Animal Assistance Foundation.
This is the second shipment of pet food donated to For Pets’ Sake from the Colorado Pet Pantry since the pandemic hit Colorado.
In late March, a 16-pallet donated supply was distributed to 110 families in Montezuma and Dolores counties, Valle said.
“At this time, when emotional support of pets is so critical, we don’t want anyone relinquishing or re-homing their pets because they can’t afford to feed them,” Valle said.
In times of hardship, no one should have to choose between feeding their pets or their family, she added.
“We take care of feeding the animals so they can focus on buying food for the family.”
For Pets’ Sake has served Montezuma and Dolores counties for 36 years and is an all-volunteer organization.
Its important programs continue during the coronavirus crisis, Valle said. Emergency veterinary assistance is available in cooperation with local veterinarians, and financial help is offered.
For Pets’ Sake also partners with the Cortez Animal Shelter to find foster homes.
Financial assistance is expected to resume soon for spay and neutering, thanks to grants from Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund. The Feral Cat Project will start up again to spay and neuter local feral cats.
To request assistance from For Pet’s Sake or to volunteer to help, call the message line at (970) 565-PETS (7387).
Donations may be made directly through the organization’s website at www.forpetssakehs.org. or mailed to For Pets’ Sake at Box 1705, Cortez, CO 81321.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com