Relieving ‘food-insecurity’ & savoring good animal news

                                                         Catster pic

TV newscasts show long lines of cars and pedestrians waiting in line for help at foodbanks.  Volunteers stand outside supermarkets collecting food contributions for area charities.  Countless people are out of work, and in fearful numbers, they and their families are hungry. 

“Food insecurity”: an ominous and most unhappy term.  But in these days of Covid-19 and economic crisis, it’s a reality for innumerable people – and their pets.  When people must struggle to feed themselves, it’s a safe bet they’re also struggling to feed their family pets.

Catster online magazine reports that “The ASPCA recently released new data showing that more than 4.2 million pets in the U.S. are likely to enter poverty in the next six months because of COVID-19. . . . and the total number of animals living in poverty with their owners could rise to more than 24.4 million dogs, cats, horses and other animals -- a 21 percent increase in the number of animals living in poverty compared to pre-COVID estimates [in February 2020].”

In short, according to an ASPCA official, “The number of families who may be struggling to care for their pets is staggering.” 

       Alley Cat Allies pic

What to do?  First of all, if you are one of the many people experiencing food insecurity, don’t be embarrassed to look for help feeding your beloved pets.  This situation is real and it’s happening all over.  To find resources, the ASPCA advises starting by searching for food pantries (google “pet food pantry near me”).  Some local shelters run food banks and pantries, and veterinarians can also make suggestions. 

Check the aisles in pet stores like PetSmart and Petco for samples to stock up on.  Those stores may also have coupons you can use.  And/or, phone your favorite cat food vendor to ask about coupons and free samples. 

Pet-related “organizations are here to help,” the ASPCA says.  That’s what they’re all about.  (Readers: If you have more suggestions for food-insecure people and their pets, please share them by commenting here!) 

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-feed-your-cat-if-youre-food-insecure?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=Catster%20Ful%20List90%20Day%20Engaged%20and%2010%20Day%20New%20Signups&utm_campaign=CED20201030

White House dogs

There’s enough good animal news around to savor and lift our crisis-depressed spirits for a while.  So let’s “accentuate some positives.” 

Champ Biden

First of all, get ready to meet Champ and Major, who will move into the White House in January.  German Shepherd members of the Biden family, they’ll be the first dogs in residence since the Obama administration.  Champ’s the older one (12), while Major’s a young adult (2) and will be the first shelter dog to live there. 

Maybe Major’s special status will encourage more people to “adopt, not shop.”  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/08/us/politics/biden-dogs.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20201109&instance_id=23933&nl=the-morning&regi_id=20760274&segment_id=44007&te=1&user_id=a360dad7b26df61ea65737080d3deedd

And on the subject of adopting, November is “Adopt a senior cat month” – an idea that’s both wise and humane.  Typically, senior cats are already trained and they are who they are, so no wondering what a kitten may grow into.  Seniors are often more needy; they may have been abandoned or suffered the loss of previous owners.  And for lack of someone to adopt and love them, they may be threatened with euthanasia instead of being able to enjoy their “golden years.”  

Save-a-swan

                         NYT pic

Here’s a hypothetical animal-in-need problem for you: In the midst of a bike ride, you come upon a swan who is clearly ill and needs medical attention asap.  How can you possibly help her?   

As with the young woman in the story below, it’s an easy decision to help.  Then, with the swan (uncharacteristically docile) wrapped in her jacket, she traveled 23 miles by foot, car and subway to get her to help.  Holding on to her bicycle throughout the trip! 

“At the end of the day,” the swan was being cared for at an animal rehab center and the woman was happy to have spent the day enjoying nature – and saving a life.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/nyregion/swan-jamaica-bay-rescue.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20201112&instance_id=23996&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=20760274&segment_id=44281&user_id=a360dad7b26df61ea65737080d3deedd

Kitten rescue

New York’s subway ridership may be a bit thin these days, but it’s been swelled lately by the swan mentioned above and a rescued stray kitten being bottle-fed.  Here’s the Dodo story about a  man who saved the kitten, then matter-of-factly took care of her. 

Saluting people who become animal heroes! 

                                                                      Dodo pic

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With suggestions for food-insecure pet-owners or with other thoughts to share, please comment at  1moreonce.blogspot.com.