Cat food, dog food, kitty litter, you name it, food and sundries for critters in the Friendly City were quickly being snapped up as word got out that there was help for those in a difficult situation when it came to feeding their beloved animals.
That was before the era of COVID-19.
Since the pandemic officially began a little over a year ago, demand has only increased. That means pet food bank volunteer and organizer Natalie Clysdale has found herself making up to seven drop-offs a day and with that much food going out the door, their stock of donations has naturally dwindled. So the hope is a bit of help from the community will keep things moving in a positive direction.
“With COVID, I find that more people have been trying to access it, with financial situations and things like that,” said Clysdale, who runs the program as husband and Moose Jaw Pet Food Bank founder Clayton Clysdale-Finnell — he of the legendary 1,000 good deeds campaign — works out of town. “It’s been a little more strained just with everything that’s going on, there was a time where it was getting really busy because there was such demand.”
That’s all fine and dandy for the local non-profit, though, especially if it keeps folks from having to make the hardest of choices.
“Even with everything that’s going on, people shouldn’t have to re-home their animals,” Clysdale said. “Can you imagine having a 12-year-old cat that you’ve had all its life and you have to give it away because you can’t afford its food? That would be just awful and that’s the kind of thing we’re trying to help people with.”
Those in need of assistance can receive donations six times a year, and can reach out to Clysdale at (306) 513-8957 or through their Facebook page at Moose Jaw pet food bank for more information. Drop-offs take place with maximum care, with Clysdale being sure to sanitize all items as well as minimizing contact on delivery.
It’s much the same for donations, which due to the pandemic are pick-up only and also follow the same sanitization procedures to keep everyone safe.
“We’re low on donations right now, so if anyone wants to help that way, they can just give me a call or they can message my page and we’ll reach out to them there,” Clysdale said.
For more information and updates on the Moose Jaw Pet Food Bank, be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page.
