More than 6,000 pounds of pet food distributed on OHS Community Resource Day.
#GivingTuesday is all about generosity, compassion and supporting organizations and programs that serve the community.
At the heart of Oregon Humane Society’s mission to create a More Humane Society is preserving the animal-human bond. Since the beginning of the pandemic, keeping that bond intact has required extra support for pet owners amid historic job losses and rising inflation.
On #GivingTuesday, Nov. 30, OHS hosted a free Community Resource Day to help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with trying to make ends meet. This is the fourth event that OHS has hosted since the onset of the pandemic, in addition to delivering tens of thousands of pounds of pet food around the state. Greater Good Charities has been a key partner in these efforts.
The gratitude from each client who came to the pet food bank was palpable. OHS staff and volunteers spoke with each person to find out more about their pets and then load up any needed supplies. In addition to pet food, collars, leashes, harnesses, treats and dog beds were also distributed.
There were stories of unemployment benefits ending, homes with multiple cats and dogs, neighbors helping neighbors, and caring for feral cats. Woven through each story was the emotional bond between person and pet.
Tiffany brought her new dog Mocha to the event and shared that she took the pup in after her elderly neighbor passed away. Even after only a few months, Tiffany and Mocha share a special bond. As an empty nester, Tiffany noted that “Mocha takes care of me — she is my emotional support.”
Lexi, a young shepherd, sat proudly in the back seat of the car while her owner told the story of how she’d rescued Lexi. The dog has spent more than three years confined to a small crate for 20 hours per day and bounced from home to home. After months of patience, kindness and gentle training, Lexi blossomed. Today, Lexi and her owner share an unbreakable bond. Lexi’s owner was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and often needs help getting up from a chair. Lexi intuitively knows to go to her person’s side and provide stability.
As heartwarming stories were shared and trunks were filled with much-needed pet supplies, the spirit of the holidays surrounded the Community Resource Day.
Approximately 6,500 pounds of pet food and supplies were distributed on #GivingTuesday — making it a true day of giving back.
