By Cheryl A. Cuddahy
Staff members Caelyn Colello and Michelle Kelley, with clinic pets Pogo and Amy, show off the collection of food for the annual Pet Holiday Drive at Central Animal Hospital in Leominster. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE / ASHLEY GREEN
LEOMINSTER - Sometimes the difference between a pet staying with its family and ending up at a shelter is a bag or can of food. So this year the folks at Central Animal Hospital have taken a new approach to to pet food drive, which they have been doing for five years now.
"We have always done an annual holiday food drive and have donated what we received to local shelters and food banks," said Michelle
Kelley, head receptionist at Central Animal Hospital.
This year, however, the hospital will distribute the donations directly.
"We will be accepting donations at our hospital, located at 1285 Central St., Leominster, any day and time that we are open - now until
Friday, Dec.16," she explained. "On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. until noon, in the back of our building, we will be open for families in Leominster and surrounding communities to come in and get food they need for their pets."
In addition to trying to use this opportunity to give back to the community, Central Animal Hospital will also offer the incentive of a gift basket raffle for those who donate. Winners will receive a free office visit for either a cat or dog.
"We know that there are people struggling in their day-to-day life. Some of these people cannot afford to buy their pets food so instead they give their pets food for them and go hungry," Kelley said. "We hope to avoid this during the holiday season and jump on the generosity of people during this time of year.
Advertisement
Cindy Moss, head technician, and Kelley came up with this year's pet food drive to help their clients and the community whom they deal with on a daily basis. In the past, they have donated to local churches, Ginny's Food Pantry and other animal organizations.
However, this year they are staying close to home.
"We get calls daily of people with financial constraints who want to do what is best for their fur babies, but are having trouble making ends meet day today," Kelley said. "We know that quite a few of them will put their pet's needs before their own or sadly have to give them up. "We want to spread the word and collect as much food as we can and help the most people we can. We are truly hoping for a decent turnout of not only donations but also those in need coming to collect the food."
So how can you help?
Central Animal Hospital is looking for the community to donate dog food and cat food - any brand is fine - dry or canned, or a mixture of both, along with dog treats and cat treats to be dropped off at the hospital now until Dec. 16.
"This, to us, is just as important as helping humans because to 99 percent of pet owners, these pets are their children," Kelley said. "They are family just as much as a mother, father, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, etc. And these family members love unconditionally.
"Pets only care that you love them and pet them and spend time with them," she added. "And that is so important to so many people. And after a bad day when you don't want to deal with any other human beings, the love of a pet is sometimes all that you need."
"So, if this is the case, how can helping the pets in need not benefit the humans who are also in need?" Kelley said. "If by supplying people with dog or cat food allows them to keep their pet and have less worry, even just one person, then we have achieved the goal we have set for ourselves."
For more information, or to donate, please drop by or call the Central Animal Hospital at 978-5370239. Mark Marquis, 'The Most Peaceful Night of the Year'
LEOMINSTER - "The Most Peaceful Night of the Year," a night of music with Mark Marquis and friends, will once again celebrate the season at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, at the Unitarian Church, located at 15 West St. Tickets are $10 and are on sale at Salvi's Barber Shop, Monument Square Music Studio, City Music and Wavelengths Music, or by calling 978-534-4635.
Proceeds will be donated to a charity. Snow date is Dec. 11.
Got a column subject or item for Community Conversations? Email ccuddahy@ sentinelandenterprise. com. Read her blog at blogs sentinelandenterprise. com/communityconversations.
