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Hard times hit dogs and cats, too

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 13, 2011 - The economic downturn has been brutal for many businesses and residents. However, one group adversely affected by St. Louis' monetary malaise remains largely overlooked by the general public: our pets.

Dogs, cats and birds may well cry foul as unemployment continues and our economy remains stalled. That's because down-and-out people who sincerely have their pets best interests at heart face the wrenching decision of taking them to a shelter because they have to pay other bills and cut costs at home. When this happens, the pets suffer. Because pets become part of our family, selling or abandoning them in many cases is like casting out a sister, brother, son or daughter.

Becky Krueger, director of education & public relations of the Animal Protective Association of Missouri has advice for pet lovers facing economic crisis. "The APA offers low cost basic veterinary care, such as vaccinations and flea and tick prevention, at our clinic. If people are unable to keep their pets, the APA is available to take the animal and try to find him or her a new home," said Krueger. "We are an open-admission shelter and take in every animal brought to us, regardless of the pet's age, breed, health or temperament. However, we would love to be able to keep pets in their homes so if there is anything we can do to help the pet owners get through this difficult time, we will do it!"

Fortunately, pet owners facing financial adversity also have the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry to help them get by. Sandy Lynn and Kylie Shafferkoetter established the pantry in March 2010 as a 501c3 nonprofit operating initially out of their basements. Their goal was simple: help people in our community feed their pets when they hit financial difficulties, and make sure pet owners are not forced to surrender their animal friends to a shelter or abandon them on the street.

With more than 52,000 animals being taken to shelters in 2009, the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry team had their work cut out for them. In their first month of operation, they distributed 300 pounds of free pet food. More than a year and a half later, they are giving out enough food to save 450 animals a month, serving approximately 100 local families with more than 7,000 pounds of food, tasty treats and litter.

As their efforts continue, they find they are serving an increasingly diverse group of pet owners, from senior citizens on a fixed income who just got hit with paying for more medication to younger couples suddenly facing a job layoff.

No matter the circumstances, the organization is on a mission to ease the minds of pet owners by helping the cash-strapped keep their animals in their homes where they are loved. Still, it is a scary time for all involved. Shafferkoetter has positive advice for those enduring this stressful situation: "Take a deep breath and realize there are resources out there."

The work of the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry becomes more crucial as the agency serves additional recipients each month. This has compelled them to distribute even more food while expanding their programming and services.

In addition to providing food, Bi-State Pet Food Pantry helps clients by offering pet care options. They assist those in need with finding veterinarians who accept payment plans, provide updates on free or low-cost vaccinations, deliver education about spaying and neutering, and share affordable home remedies for flea and tick care.

This grassroots organization relies on its tenacious volunteers, many of whom receive donations themselves. Currently, about 40 volunteers show up every month to pick up and distribute food. Since the pantry has no corporate underwriting or sponsorship, many volunteers also assist with fundraising.

Paul Kelley is pet food recipient. "I am on limited income with Social Security and I have two large dogs I rescued from bad homes," he said. "One is a Great Dane/Lab mix, the other is a Great Dane/Boxer mix. As these are two large dogs, feeding them is hard to do at times. Without the St. Louis Bi-State Pet Food Pantry, feeding them would not be possible."

Kelley believes one good turn deserves another: "I volunteer for whatever they need, bagging food, working on pass-out days and so forth.

"I get to work the line as the people come in. I get to meet all the people that receive help. I hear their stories about needs and it makes me feel good about to be part of the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry."

Sandy Lynn is grateful for volunteers like Paul Kelley. "We couldn't do this without them, that's for sure," she said. "It's a community effort."

Shafferkoetter agrees. "The community has been amazing," she said. "We've had local businesses help us by agreeing to be donation drop-off locations as well as holding food drives or donating food themselves. Many people continue to donate money, food and time. Without the support of the community, we would not be open."

Lynn is optimistic about the future as she looks back at what her agency already has accomplished. "We have been steadily growing since our first distribution in June 2010," she said. "We have had many people come to us who have never had to ask for help before. There have been a lot of people who have been laid off, a few who are close to losing their homes, and others who are just having a hard time making ends meet because they are underemployed."

However, the success and expansion of the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry comes with a price. In addition to seeking additional financing, the pantry needs more space. The increased demand for services means the pantry must look for a permanent home base with plenty of storage space from which to operate. It currently receives space from another nonprofit, Animal House (2801 Clark Ave. in midtown St. Louis), but that organization is also expanding.

"We've outgrown our space and are asking the community for leads on any free to cheap options in the city," said Shafferkoetter.

In a short time, the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry has been recognized as a vital resource for St. Louis' pet-loving populace. In early November, the agency received a 2011 St. Louis "Kick-Ass Award" for their efforts.

Increased awareness from local media and citizens has ensured that the pantry will be able to continue pursuing its mission of keeping pets and people together. That is what the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry is all about.

Those wishing to make donations, volunteer or seek assistance in feeding and keeping their pets should visit Bi-State's website www.bistatepetfoodpantry.org or call 314-596-2128.

Rob Levy is a freelance writer.