CAC adds Pet Food Shelf to community assets

In some cases, a pet is the closest relationship a person has to any living being.

Local dog trainer Shahar Fearing knows how close that pet-person relationship can be as the owner of Four Winds Connections, a dog training service based in Northfield. Fearing is the owner of Four Winds Dog Training and a part of the leadership circle of a new non profit called Four Winds Connections.

Fearing has also encountered how difficult it is for some pet owners to afford pet food and veterinary procedures. That’s why she came up with the idea of offering affordable pet care to all Northfield area residents.

To launch the new service, Four Winds Connections established a partnership with Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield. This collaboration last month launched a new Pet Food Shelf initiative aimed at providing essential supplies to low-income families and their beloved pets.

Recognizing the importance of pets as cherished family members, Four Winds Connections and CAC have joined together to address the growing need for pet food assistance. Through this collaborative effort, pet owners facing economic challenges will receive support in ensuring the well-being of their animal companions.

Already, this innovative program has made a significant impact by supplying thousands of pounds of pet food and supplies to those facing financial hardships, said Kate Buckmeier, food access program coordinator for the CAC.

Buckmeier said she was proud to introduce this vital initiative. In just a short time, she said she’s heard a lot of positive comments from pet owners who have received pet food from Northfield’s Food Shelf.

“We are so fortunate to be partnering with Four Winds Connections,” said Buckmeier. “Our participants have been surprised and delighted to learn we offer pet food and are so, so grateful. We hear a lot of ‘my dog (or cat) will be so happy.’”

Pets are family

“Pet food is a constant request in our food shelves, and we are thrilled to partner with Four Winds Connections in working to meet this need,” said Michael Pursell, CAC Food Shelf director. “Pet food is expensive, and just because a family is going through a hard time doesn’t mean their pets are any less worthy or important. This initiative is going to make a real difference in the lives of many of our participants.”

Fearing said the success of the new program wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Countryside Animal Hospital and Community Resource Bank, who have volunteered to be drop-off locations for donations, adding convenience to community members who contribute to the cause.

“In my professional life as a dog trainer, I witness time and time again how caring for a pet often develops into one of the safest and most comforting relationships people have in their lives,” said Fearing. “The bond between a person and a beloved animal is like no other, and the benefits of sharing our lives with pets are monumental. By providing access to pet food and supplies, we aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by families who care for pets and make pet ownership and its benefits more accessible to all in our community.”

The initiative has also received ongoing donations of pet food from The Bond Between, a testament to the generosity and the power of collaborations between community organizations. Furthermore, thanks to a donation from Lil BUB’s Big Fund, the program can now purchase bulk litter to supplement its offerings, providing additional support to pet owners.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Bond Between and Lil BUB’s Big Fund for their continuous support and generosity,” added Fearing. “Their contributions have been instrumental in expanding our reach and enhancing the services we provide to pet owners in our community.”

While the initiative has made a significant impact, it has yet to reach its goal to meet the demand in Northfield and the desire to continue to grow the initiative to reach neighboring communities. Sustained support is essential to ensure long-term success.

Four Winds Connections and the CAC Food Shelf is calling on individuals and local businesses to consider becoming supporters and sponsors of the program.

“With the support of our community, we can ensure that this vital resource remains available to those who need it most, both now and in the years to come,” said Fearing.

The Pet Food Shelf initiative welcomes donations of dog and cat food (including open bags), cat litter, empty cat litter boxes, and new and gently used pet equipment and toys. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of families and their pets.