DECATUR, Ill., Nov. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caring for families in need during the holidays also involves caring for their pets. Many families who struggle to make ends meet may not have enough money to feed their pets at what can be a financially stressful time of year. To help families in need, Decatur's Fairview Hospital for Animals, 1090 West South Side Drive, is holding its fourth annual pet food drive from November 28 to December 16. The pet hospital gives all donations to local Catholic charities; their food pantries handle distribution.
Dr. Robert Groesch, who runs Fairview Hospital for Animals along with his wife, Dr. Shelly Stevens, notes that the Catholic charities help thousands of families each year. Dr. Groesch says that their clients are generous with donations. "Last year we collected over 1,000 pounds of canned and packaged goods. We accept all brands and types of cat and dog food, including treats."In addition to contributions received from local residents and pet owners, Hill's Pet Nutrition is making a generous donation of 200lbs of pet food to partner with Fairview Hospital for Animals in this effort.Sometimes clients offer monetary donations. "That's helpful, too," Dr. Groesch says. "We use the funds to purchase pet food to supplement product donations."Dr. Stevens adds, "As veterinarians, we are aware of the difficult decisions struggling pet owners in our community face. Our hope is to help take the load off families in need and make it possible for them to keep their pets. Pets are important family members who do best in loving homes. We don't want them to end up in the local animal shelter for lack of food."The New York Times last February noted that, nationwide, pet food banks are becoming part of the "lifeline for people living paycheck to paycheck, if they are employed at all."Pet food pantry supporters cite research showing that pets "help lower stress and blood pressure, improve moods, and provide emotional comfort to their owners,” as reported by the Times.In addition to the pet food drive, Fairview Hospital for Animals reaches out to families in need by participating in the organization Pets for Patriots, which places adoptive pets with military families.Along with Decatur, Fairview Hospital for Animals serves Macon, Forsyth, Blue Mound, Mount Zion and Boody. It is a comprehensive clinic, offering services such as dental care, dermatology, lab work, laser therapy, radiology, surgery, wellness checkups and vaccinations.Fairview Hospital for Animals provides emergency vet care in addition to their expansive pet wellness, treatment and grooming services. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.For more information about their pet food drive, contact Fairview Hospital for Animals at (217) 428-7709. Appointments may be requested by contacting the pet hospital online at http://ift.tt/2fak4yS.Fairview Hospital for Animals, (217) 428-7709
