ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—
As thousands of St. Louisans lose their homes, and thousands more lose their jobs, people are struggling to afford their pets. A new charity is doing all it can to keep people and their pets together. Saturday, they gave away 600 pounds of free dog and cat food. Another giveaway is planned for August. "This is great. I can't tell you how wonderful this is," said Gary Hrabovsky, as he filled out paperwork at the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry giveaway at Pets in the City in Soulard.Hrabovsky dearly loves his cat Leo. He just doesn't have the money to feed him. "I worry I might have to give him away," he said. "I can barely afford to feed myself, but I want to tell you this animal gives me love, sleeps right by my legs at night; I'm afraid to move because I'm afraid I'm gonna disturb him."
Hrabovsky arrived at the giveaway just in the nick of time. He was able to get a bag of food for Leo. Pet Food Pantry Co-Founders Kylie Shafferkoetter and Sandy Lynn thought they'd have enough food to last three hours. But in just one hour, it was all gone.
"It proves a lot of people are in need, we're very happy we're able to be here to help. But we need a lot more donations, that's for sure," said Lynn.
"It makes us feel so good to see the sense of relief people have that you know they don't have to worry about one more thing for a little while. They have their electric bill, rent, everything else, and they don't have to worry about whether they can feed their family pet. We're really happy about that."
The next Bi-State Pet Food Pantry giveaway is August 7 at Pet Supplies Plus, 15311 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO. It will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or as long as supplies last.
The website bistatepetfoodpantry.org lists locations where people can drop off donations for the pantry.
