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The Dog Days of Summer

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August 30, 2016

We’ve just finished the dog days of summer.  I used to think that the dog days of summer referred to the hottest days of summer when dogs would lie around panting through the heat.  The real meaning goes back to the Greeks observing a star in the dog constellation, which happened in July and August.

Now you’re wondering what this has to do with seniors.  The dog days of summer…not much, but dogs in general, more so.  Did you know that we deliver pet food to our Meals on Wheels recipients if they need it?

Several years back, our volunteers reported that that they were seeing the Meals on Wheels food trays at the back doors of clients’ homes, or on the kitchen floor.  Since there was a pet in the home, we knew they were sharing their food with their animals.  And since our meals are often the only complete meal our clients receive, we also knew that the client needed the entire meal we were providing.  Because we know that pets often ease the loneliness experienced by seniors, we started collecting pet food donations and assembling volunteers to deliver pet food to Meals on Wheels recipients.  And so our Pet Pals program began.  Today, the Pet Pals program delivers pet food, supplies, and pet care educational materials to our Meals on Wheels clients once a month.

The donation and delivery system are completely separate from the Meals on Wheels distribution system, with separate volunteers and donations.  Over the years, in addition to dog and cat food, we have also delivered fish, parrot, and even rabbit food!  We strive to meet the needs of our seniors’ pets no matter the type of pet.

If you’d like to make a donation or get involved with deliveries, please email us or call 803-252-7734.