Thank you Best Friends and Wellness for caring for So Cal pets during this crisis.

   During this COVID-19 crisis, Alley Cat Allies recognized the huge hardships families faced in providing for their pets.  The SGVAA and Alley Cat Allies are especially active within our community and we felt we could impact hundreds of families by providing a necessity that few had the luxury to afford.  So many families have been laid off or furloughed and haven't received a paycheck in many weeks.  Families in our low-income neighborhoods are particularly strong hit and Alley Cat Allies jumped in to provide funds to ease some of the anxiety that families are facing. Availability of pet food has been a particularly unexpected challenge and we know how important companionship and normalcy pets bring to our lives especially in these hectic times.  Our pets have shown to be even more vital and life-assuring during minimal or little contact with those outside our homes. For this reason, Alley Cat Allies has also posted on their website, alleycat.org, a state-by-state list of animal food banks to help caregivers throughout the country find food for the animals in their families. Stay tuned for future food bank dates.

Meet Buster and Miles. Their dad (owner) lives at the El Monte Veteran’s Villiage. The El Monte Veteran’s Village, is just one such place, where they have been especially affected by covid-19. These are units that house chronically homeless veterans in our area and provide them with social services, housing, volunteer opportunities, and medical services.  Alley Cat Allies helped SGVAA provide pet food for animals of veterans in need.   While most of their human food needs are covered there is difficulty finding any assistance with pets. In our experience, we find that homeless people’s animals are valued even more by their owners because of their loyalty, companionship and sociability. Pets also provide veterans established routines, promote self-care and develop a sense of purpose in their lives. SGVAA believes pet food drives are not only a fantastic idea, but also a community necessity during this covid-19 crisis, especially for low income households. Our food bank has been an excellent shelter diversion program as it allows owners to provide for pets when they may not have been able. We understand the importance of animal companionship during these difficult quarantine shelter-in-place orders. Friends like these deserve and received healthy nutritious foods purchased with a grant from Alley Cat Allies. Thanks Buster and Miles for keeping your human safe!