Pet food pantry now open

By Karli Keene

Lake Humane Society’s pet food pantry is now open to Lake County residents in need. The LHS will provide dog and cat food every two weeks. Food for other types of pets may be available upon request. The food provided has been purchased through grant funding and bulk discount buying programs through large pet food companies.

Auggie’s Pet Food Pantry is named after a special boxer mix who came to the LHS through an investigation in 2017. Close to death when found, Auggie, in the care of the LHS, fought his way back to life. The pet food pantry honors Auggie for his resilience when faced with adversity. Auggie is now happy and healthy with his furever family.

“Studies have shown that pets can relieve stress, reduce feelings of loneliness and help boost a person’s overall emotional health and well-being. We never want someone to feel they have to surrender their pet because they cannot afford to feed them,” says Lori Caszatt, Director of Marketing and Community Partnerships at Lake Humane Society.

“Due to Covid-19, many people have lost their jobs, are being evicted from their homes and are struggling to make ends meet. Auggie’s Pet Food Pantry is a way we feel we can help support the community and all of Lake County.”

“In the future, we will be opening a wellness clinic for pets of low-income individuals. This will help ensure that pets all across Lake County have their vaccines, an annual exam and medications, so they are healthy and live a long, happy life.”

The pantry, located in the Lake Humane Society Annex at 7564 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, is open the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 1-3 p.m. Appointments are not necessary. A current driver’s license, mortgage/rent statement or utility bill are required to show residency. There are no income requirements. For more information, or to donate, please visit LakeHumane.org. Lake Humane Society is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit organization and operates solely on donations.