This article was written by Emma Fried-Cassorla, Director of Communications and Programs at The Council for Aging of Central Oregon. Photos taken by Kendall B. Schiff Photography.
The Council on Aging of Central Oregon has created a program to nourish the furry friends of qualified Meals-on-Wheels participants in Bend, La Pine and Sisters. The program is aptly named Pet Pals. With Stacy Eidler is at the helm.
“Some of our clients are homebound, so it’s tough for them to go out and shop for pet food- and get to appointments for veterinary care. Others are struggling to pay bills and take care of themselves.
The Pet Pals program helps fill these needs so our Meals on Wheels recipients can relax and enjoy the companionship of their furry and feathered friends,” said Eidler.
Pet Pals offers two services:
- Volunteers deliver pet food and supplies monthly.
- The program also provides financial assistance with basic veterinary care through FIXBend, a program of the Rawley Project, and Companion Pet Clinic in Bend and Wickiup Animal Hospital in La Pine.
The reviews are pawsitively glowing.
Janet Stone’s cat Bob went in for a wellness check and seems excited about life again. “I feel blessed by this program,” said Stone.
After her cat’s dental procedure, Jeanette Jania exclaimed, “I’m grateful for this help – my kitty Teko is now eating better than he has in a long time.”
To date, 89 pets belonging to 52 Meals on Wheels clients have undergone wellness exams, vaccinations, nail trims, microchips, dental procedures, and even the removal of a tumor, which the Council on Aging has fully covered.
There are currently 55 pets in the program ranging from dogs and kittens to a cockatiel.
Community partnerships are key
We couldn’t do this all on our own.
Community partnerships have been a big help. Furry Friends in Sisters provides pet food and supplies, and our Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver to our Sisters participants.
The Humane Society of Central Oregon has shared knowledge and resources and the Hope Foundation is in our corner for emergency needs.
For this, we’re furrever grateful!
Pet Pals Volunteers are needed!
As the program expands, CoA is looking for more volunteers across the tri-county. CoA is also accepting monetary donations as well as physical donations. These include:
- New leashes
- Collars
- Harnesses
- Cat litter
- Litter boxes
- Purina cat chow complete
- Fancy Feast canned cat food
- Purina One canned dog food
- Cesar wet dog food
- Treats for cats and dogs.
Donations are accepted at http://www.councilonaging.org/donate, through CoA’s Amazon Wish List, or can be dropped off at CoA offices at 500 Greenwood Avenue in Bend.
Individuals interested in volunteering for any of the Council on Aging programs can apply online.
Author: Ely Twiggs
Ely's love for the outdoors and having first hand experience of the shortness of life was the impetus for her move from Australia into an RV to travel the US. When she got to Bend, she knew this was the place. After creating The Dog in Us, a multi-channel platform about exploring National Parks with Dogs, she wanted to bring dog-approved resources to a local community she loves. Enter The Dog Guide Bend, a resource made for the Bend Dog Community. Ely is the guardian of two rescue dogs, Alaska and Smoky Joe, and they are the center of her universe. Ely and her husband Tom run a mobile RV repair business called Meet You There RV Repair & Inspection.
How can I find out about a place like this in Clackamas ,or? If I could get the funding to have a house to do this That would Be Amazing!! As Me ,& My Life Partner Loves Animals & it would make us so Happy to Help them! However thou we can pay a mortgage we can’t afford the down payments & All that if you could you just direct me that would Be My/ our Dream!!!