LIHUE — An anonymous donor has vowed to match up to $10,000 in contributions through October to a pet food assistance program operated by the Kauai Humane Society. “Please help KHS continue this lifesaving program that helps keep Kauai families
LIHUE — An anonymous donor has vowed to match up to $10,000 in contributions through October to a pet food assistance program operated by the Kauai Humane Society.
“Please help KHS continue this lifesaving program that helps keep Kauai families and their companion animals together,” said Laura Lee, KHS development director. “Everyone deserves to keep the unconditional love of their family pet.”
Funds will go to Gomez’s Gallery, which provides free pet food to families unable to purchase food for their dogs and cats because of their financial situation. Since the program began, KHS has assisted over 420 Kauai families with 800 pets.
The offer to match gifts basically doubles each donation.
Lee said KHS often hears stories of people on island struggling financially and either go without eating themselves in order to feed their pets or relinquish those pets to the shelter. Gomez’s Galley helps keep families together.
“Kauai Humane Society understands that financial difficulties often mean making a list of priorities,” she said. “Frequently, animals become low on that list.”
One of Gomez’s Galley’s recipients, Lori, has three dogs that she took in when a friend could no longer afford to keep the pets. With the demands of family and pets, she sometimes turns to Gomez’ Galley.
“Without the help of Gomez’s Galley, I’m not sure I could keep my pets at home,” she said.
The dogs sleep with Kayalei and bring joy to the family.
“Can you imagine the anguish of having to tell your children that they have to give up their four-legged family member because you can no longer afford to feed them?” Lee said.
Pet food is distributed once a month in conjunction with the food pantries at St. Catherine’s Church in Kapaa, St. William Church in Hanalei and at the KHS Shelter in Puhi. In addition to the food donated, Gomez’ Galley Pet Food Program purchases over $2,000 in pet food each month for the three locations.
In-kind donations, such as dry and canned cat and dog food, and financial contributions, are needed to expand the service to the west side of Kauai.
“By contributing to Gomez’s Galley, you can help keep animals in the homes where they’re loved and cherished,” Lee said.
Food donations can be dropped off at the shelter. For monetary donations, contact Lee, 632-0610 x108 or laura@kauaihumane.org.
