Press Releases

Friday, February 20, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Pet Food Bank Seeking Donations
Furry Friend Food Program Seeing Increased Need

MILWAUKEE – These days, people aren’t only worried about putting food on their own table, but in Fido’s dish, too. Providing food for your cat or dog may not seem like a budgetary burden, but for many people struggling with constricted budgets, it can present a difficult dilemma: skip basic needs or surrender the animal to a shelter.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) doesn’t want anyone to be trapped in this position, so they offer the Furry Friends Food Program to help guardians simply trying to keep their animals after a job loss or other financial struggle. For ten years, the program has provided food to qualifying families; today, Furry Friends has about 100 active participants.

The program has positively impacted many animal guardians affected by the poor economy and has helped keep animals well-fed and happy in their own homes.

“The Furry Friends food program has truly been a blessing to me and my family,” explained a new participant, Patricia Lewis of Milwaukee. “The program has supplied us with food and litter and makes it so much easier for us to be able to care for our cat’s other needs, like vet visits and shots. We have made a pledge to give to the Furry Friends food program as soon as we are able. Thank you.”

“This program has helped me so much,” said Kevi Wedesky of St. Francis, an animal guardian grateful for the program. “I am disabled and my animals mean the world to me. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have this help to care for my cats. I am home bound most of the time and my kitties are my source of comfort.”

The program, like the entire shelter, relies completely on donations. The Wisconsin Humane Society receives no government funding of any kind.

Those wishing to help the Furry Friends program can drop off canned or dry cat/kitten food, canned or dry dog/puppy food and cat litter at 4500 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee. Check wihumane.org or call 414-ANIMALS for shelter hours.

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