Riverside (CA) Humane Society Pet Adoption Center to Aid Homebound Pet Owners with Chuck Waggin' Pet Meals Program

Online, November 19, 2009 (Newswire.com) - The Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center (RHSPAC) has launched, a program that provides free meals for the dogs and cats of homebound elderly and disabled people in the Riverside area. Presently, RHSPAC is working exclusively with Meals on Wheels in Riverside which has a system in place to screen applicants, enroll clients, and deliver meals.

"We have volunteers here who also volunteer with Meals on Wheels, so it came to our attention that some elderly people are sacrificing their well-being by giving their food to their pets," explains Denise Perry, RHSPAC executive director. "While we have been trying for some time to help the Meals on Wheels program by giving them pet food when we have a surplus, we decided to do more by establishing Chuck Waggin' Pet Meals. This way, we're helping both pets and their people receive proper, nutritious food on a consistent basis."

"What's more, by providing food for their pets, we're enabling these people to keep their beloved companions and not be faced with the difficult decision of having to relinquish them to already over-crowded animal shelters because they can't afford to feed them," Perry adds.

Chuck Waggin' Pet Meals is volunteer-driven. RHSPAC volunteer Leean Bitterolf, who delivers for Meals on Wheels, is the program's coordinator. She's assisted by a team of volunteers who receive donated cat and dog food at the Pet Adoption Center, as well as pick up donations in the community. They sort and package the food into two-week supplies for each pet in the program and deliver it twice a month to Meals on Wheels staging areas. Meals on Wheels volunteers then deliver the pet food along with the people meals to their clients.

Pet Food Donations Sought
RHSPAC invites individuals and businesses to help feed the animals by donating cat and dog food. The food that's needed includes any brand of dry cat and dog food, mini or small cans of cat food, small and regular-size cans of dog food, and wet dog food in pouches. Only unopened bags and cans in good condition and that have not expired can be accepted.

Donations may be dropped off at the Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center, 6165 Industrial Ave. in Riverside, 10-5, 7 days a week. Anyone who has a large quantity to donate but is unable to bring it to the center, may call 951-688-4340 x307 to arrange for a pick up.

The Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center is a non-profit public benefit charitable organization serving communities in Riverside County and beyond. As the largest no-kill pet rescue organization in Riverside County, RHSPAC accepts owner turn-ins of cats and dogs and transfers from area animal-control agencies. Prior to adoption, each animal is either spayed or neutered, vaccinated, evaluated for behavior issues, and microchipped. Each animal is also monitored for physical, emotional and mental health, and receives ongoing socialization. For more information, visit www.petsadoption.org or call 951-688-4340.