As of Aug. 16, the Española Valley Humane Society is offering free dog and cat food to families in need. The “Helping Paws” program will be staffed by volunteers and run entirely on public donations.
The project began when Chimayó mother and daughter Carol and PJ Timmerman contacted the shelter last month wanting to start a pet food pantry with their tax refunds. PJ Timmerman said she found it heartbreaking that families might have to make a decision between feeding their children and feeding their pets.
The only criteria to become a recipient is that all pets in the household must be spayed or neutered prior to food pickup. There are a variety of programs offered through the Society that provide low-cost surgeries for Helping Paws participants.
With the help of the Timmermans, the shelter has raised enough to keep Helping Paws providing pet food to Rio Arriba County residents for 90 days. The Shelter hopes to raise enough cash and food donations to guarantee a supply for a minimum of one year.
Donations of new or gently used doghouses will also be accepted.
The Society is an open-door shelter that cares for over 4,300 animals each year. For more information, call 753-8662.