Manatee County pet food donation program for the needy a big success

Michon Pratt, certified veterinarian technician, checks out a stray dog that was brought to Manatee County Animal Services. Looking on is Bob Smith, Manatee County public safety director, who will oversee the department until a new chief if appointed.
GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald — Michon Pratt, certified veterinarian technician, checks out a stray dog that was brought to Manatee County Animal Services. Looking on is Bob Smith, Manatee County public safety director, who will oversee the department until a new chief if appointed. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald gjefferies@bradenton.com

As a new volunteer at the Manatee County Animal Services shelter in Palmetto, I was recently asked to support the MCAS's Pet Retention Food Program. This is a program that supplies pet food to owners who may not have enough funds each month to properly feed their pets. Having supplemental food ensures that beloved pets are not relinquished to the already full shelter.

I asked several businesses for floor space to set up donation barrels for pet food and in only four weeks, more than 800 pounds of pet food had been generously donated for this program. I want to thank all of the people who donated food. I couldn't believe that so much made its way into the barrels in such a short time.

I also want to thank all of the businesses who were so kind by donating locations for the food barrels and staff to support the effort. Their charity in time and space made it evident that they are true gems in our community.

Heartfelt thanks go to Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch; Harbor Community Bank in Bradenton, Palmetto, and Ellenton; and Bayshore Animal Hospital in south Bradenton. Each of these businesses provided space, attention, and staff time toward helping make this successful. Thank you so much.

Pam Freni

Bradenton

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee County pet food donation program for the needy a big success ."

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