Filling Big P.A.W.S.

Andy Dean Photography

Colorado is a state filled with pet lovers.  According to Forbes Magazine, Colorado Springs ranks in the Top 20 communities of pet owners and a walk through any Colorado Farmer’s Market provides plenty of anecdotal confirmation!  Another bit of interesting trivia, according to a pet calculator provided by the American Veterinarian Medicine Association there are approximately 1.3 million pets in Colorado. When one looks at this data under the lens of a recently released AARP Foundation report that found 8.8 million Americans 50 and older are at risk of hunger, including 4.9 million 50- to 59-year-olds, one can see a correlation between a pet owner’s food insecurity and issues with attaining their pet supplies.

 

That is where the non-profit organization Pets are Wonderful Support, P.A.W.S., www.PAWSColorado.org saw a need and decided to fill it.  P.A.W.S. seeks to provide for the companion animals of older adults, people with disabilities and those facing life-challenging illnesses. In 2012, AARP collaborated with the GLBT Center and 15 metro-PetSmart locations to collect over 15,000 pounds of food during a four week period, allowing P.A.W.S. to expand the number of clients served.

 

In 2013, the pet food and supply drive is running from October 5 through November 2. During this time items including cat food, cat litter and dog food and supplies for the furry friends of people who need help providing for their pets will be collected.  “AARP has long been involved in providing assistance for people facing food insecurity.  This pet food drives allows us to add another layer in helping serve a vulnerable population,” stated Jeremiah Mora, AARP Colorado Community Outreach Director and one of the event organizers.  “Hopefully, as clients see that their pets’ needs are met, they won’t go without their medications or meals,” he continued.

 

Collection bins will be at various locations across the Denver metro area. To find your closest location please visit www.PAWSColorado.org.  Together we can help sustain the very important human animal bond!  For more information please call 303-693-1587 or visit www.PAWSColorado.org.*  For those outside the Denver-metro area, please check with your local animal shelter for donation information.

 

*Please note any information you provide to the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy

Photo courtesy of IStockPhoto.com/feverpitched