GR seniors' pets receive goodies

For the second year in a row, Green River seniors’ pets will receive free food, treats and toys.

During the Care for Critters program this May, Golden Hour Senior Center employees encouraged visitors to help seniors take care of their pets by donating pet food, treats, toys or money for vaccinations.

GHSC activities coordinator Megan Brown said prior to this, seniors who were in need of some pet assistance were encouraged to fill out an application form with information about what their pet needed.

“Some of them just wanted one bag of dog food,” Brown said.

If an applicant met the requirements, their pet’s information was then put on a bone-shaped card and placed on the bulletin board. Once on the bulletin board, other seniors would take them, purchase the items listed and bring it back to Brown.

A lot of seniors wanted to help out, but didn’t want to take one of the cards. Those seniors gave money donations, she said.

A total of six cats and 12 dogs were on the board; and all of them were helped. Brown said about $400 was donated. This amount didn’t include the money raised for the movie-themed raffle basket. Last year, enough money was raised for one resident to purchase heart medicine for her dog for six months. Brown was hoping they would raise enough money to cover that dog’s entire year of medication.

“They often put their pet’s needs in front of their own needs,” Brown said.

Because some seniors are like this, it is even more important for a program such as this one to exist.

“They are all very generous and they want to help out as much as they can,” Brown said. “

As for the dog and cat food, these pet owners will not need to worry about feeding their furry friends for a little while since more than 220 pounds of cat and dog food were donated.

The rest of the donations, which included seven bags of pet food, will be given to the Green River Food Bank.

Brown said The Groomers are donating nail clippings and teeth cleanings for these senior’s pets who need them. She said they have also partnered with Castle Rock Veterinary Clinic to provide the vaccinations which will be paid for through donations.

“We appreciate how giving people are even if they don’t have much to give,” she said.