Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital Holding Pet Food Drive

Submitted release

To assure that families struggling with financial difficulties can keep their pets, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital is coordinating a community pet food drive on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its office located at 136 Salmon Brook Street in Granby.

“Unfortunately, sometimes an individual or family’s financial problems means they have to give up a cherished family pet simply because they can’t afford to feed them,” said Dr. Anna Wolfe, one of the veterinarians at the hospital. “But the Connecticut Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry serves two critical purposes – it allows families already dealing with other hardships the opportunity to keep their loved ones, which certainly brings everyone great comfort during the holidays, and it also keeps that dog or cat out of the shelter where it would likely end up if the owner had to relinquish them.”

Last year alone, the Connecticut Humane Society’s pet food pantry (located at its Newington, Conn., shelter) distributed over five tons of dry pet food and more than 6,000 cans of pet food to residents from throughout Greater Hartford. The pantry, which is supported solely through contributions, provides free pet food for 200 families in need each month.

In addition to organizing the community collection, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital intends to match food donations made during the event. The food drive will accept any brand of unopened dry or canned pet food or treats, as well as cash donations to benefit the pantry.

“During this holiday season, our thoughts go to those in need,” said Wolfe, the organizer of the food drive. “So we’re hoping everyone will pick up an extra bag of dog food or a few extra cans of pet food and come by on the 21st to drop it off – what a great way to help both our ‘four-legged’ friends and their human companions.”

Donations are what allow the Humane Society to fulfill this critical work, according to Alicia Wright, public relations director for the Connecticut Humane Society.

“Community support makes the work of our food pantry possible,” Wright said. “Gifts of pet food make an amazing difference in the lives of families in financial need.”

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital has been committed to serving the community and providing exceptional care for animals of all types since its opening in 1953, Wolfe said. The eight veterinarians on staff bring decades of experience and expertise, and provide a complete range of veterinary services.

The hospital also offers evening and weekend office calls, emergency care, boarding and grooming.

For additional information about the food drive or the hospital’s services, call Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital at (860) 653-7238, online at www.salmonbrookvets.com or on Facebook.