CARIBOU, Maine — Volunteers recently loaded a shipment of pet food and cat litter for the Halfway Home Pet Rescue Free Pet Food Pantry.
The total purchase for the food pantry totaled more than $1,600 and supplied both the Caribou and Fort Fairfield Police Departments, with one truckload earmarked for the Caribou Police Department for distribution to feed pets of families having financial struggles due to COVID-19.
The lot also included a food supply for cats at the HHPR, with the remaining fourth load headed for the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels Program in Presque Isle.
“Hopefully, this public service will enable families to keep their beloved pet instead of surrendering the pet to a humane shelter during the pandemic,” Norma Milton, HHPR executive director, said.
The supplies are purchased locally to provide support to local businesses. Financial support for this emergency family program is provided by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation Animal Welfare Grants with many food gifts provided by individual families who are able to share and help their neighbors.
Both dry and canned cat and dog food as well as cat litter is distributed.