In the heart of Spokane, Washington, a local animal shelter is working tirelessly to ensure that pets and their families have access to the essential resources they need to thrive. As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more individuals are finding themselves in difficult financial situations, forced to make tough choices between feeding themselves or their beloved animal companions. This is where SpokAnimal, a dedicated non-profit organization, steps in to provide a lifeline for those in need.

Feeding Furry Families: SpokAnimal's Vital Role in the Community

Overwhelming Demand for Pet Food Assistance

The demand for pet food assistance at SpokAnimal has reached unprecedented levels, with the organization's executive director, Dori Peck, reporting that they see between 30 and 40 people at their door every single day, all in need of support. This staggering statistic is a testament to the growing economic challenges faced by families in the Spokane area, as they struggle to make ends meet and provide for their four-legged family members.Peck explains that the situation has only worsened in recent months, with inflation taking a significant toll on household budgets. "The need is non-stop," she says. "We've given away 71,000 pounds of food this year, which is a significant increase from the 60,000 pounds we provided for the entire year in 2021."

Bridging the Gap: KREM Cares and the "Stock the Shelves" Initiative

In response to this growing crisis, KREM Cares, a local media organization, has partnered with SpokAnimal to launch the "Stock the Shelves" initiative. This collaborative effort aims to collect and distribute much-needed pet food and supplies to the shelter, ensuring that they have the resources to support the community's furry friends and their families.Through the "Stock the Shelves" event, community members are encouraged to donate bags and cans of both dog and cat food, as well as litter, to the SpokAnimal shelter. These donations will be used to stock the shelter's pet food pantry, which serves as a vital lifeline for those in need.

A Glimpse Inside the Pet Food Pantry

Peck provided KREM 2 with a behind-the-scenes look at the shelter's pet food pantry, where the donated supplies are stored and distributed. The shelves were stocked with an impressive array of pet food, a testament to the generosity of the Spokane community. However, Peck notes that the pantry's contents can fluctuate dramatically, depending on the day."This is pretty average," Peck says, gesturing to the well-stocked shelves. "Sometimes there's nothing in here at all." This unpredictability underscores the ongoing need for consistent donations to ensure that the pantry remains fully stocked and able to meet the growing demand.

Keeping Pets and Their Families Together

The impact of the "Stock the Shelves" initiative extends beyond just providing food for pets. It also plays a crucial role in keeping families and their animal companions together, even in the face of financial hardship.Anthony Horn, a peer support counselor with Revive, witnessed firsthand the importance of this support. He recounted the story of Scott, a homeless individual who relies on his dog, Paws, for companionship and comfort. In order for Scott to access shelter services, Paws needs to be up-to-date on his vaccinations, a cost that can be prohibitive for those experiencing homelessness."Yeah, it's like either feed yourself or feed your animals," Horn said. "A lot of people will put their own needs aside for the animals. Being homeless, you suffer from a handful of things where all you have is that companion."Through the pet food pantry and other support services provided by SpokAnimal, individuals like Scott and Paws can remain together, ensuring that the bond between pet and owner is not severed due to financial hardship.

A Lifeline for Pets and Their Families

As the economic challenges facing Spokane's residents continue to mount, the role of SpokAnimal and initiatives like "Stock the Shelves" become increasingly vital. By providing a steady supply of pet food and other essential resources, the shelter is not only supporting the well-being of animals but also preserving the cherished relationships between pets and their families.Dori Peck, the executive director of SpokAnimal, emphasizes the importance of this work, stating, "The need is non-stop. We see 30-40 people every day. They just can't make ends meet is what it is." Through the generosity of the Spokane community and the tireless efforts of organizations like KREM Cares and SpokAnimal, these families and their beloved pets can find the support they need to weather the storm and maintain the bond that brings them comfort and joy.