For the month of October, the Stuart Animal Hospital will be collecting pet food which will be donated to the Pet Fund of the Council on Aging of Martin County to assist the cats and dogs of low-income seniors. Anyone bringing in new, unopened pet food will receive 10% off their next visit to the veterinarian's office.
"My mother-in-law receives Meals on Wheels so I know how important that program is to seniors," said Dr. Robert Katz. "I know that without assistance with pet food, many older people would share their Meals on Wheels meal with their beloved pet."
Shani Snyder, Office Administrator at Stuart Animal Hospital, recently noticed an article in the Stuart News regarding a large pet food donation to the Council on Aging of Martin County. Shani started thinking about ways she could help the Pet Fund of the Council. She spoke with Dr. Katz, who was also enthusiastic about the project and realizes that many seniors live alone and their only companionship throughout the day is their beloved pet
.
"This is just our way to help seniors," noted Shani, whose goal is not just to meet, but to
top, the donation of pet food recently made to the Council.
In fact, a challenge is being issued by Stuart Animal Hospital to other veterinarian's offices to join the campaign to collect pet food for the Council on Aging. By accepting this challenge, you are enriching and enhancing the lives of seniors who could otherwise not afford the food for their loving pet. Hill's Pet Nutrition has already come through with a $50.00 donation of pet food.
Donations can be dropped off at the Stuart Animal Hospital, located at 3003 South Federal Highway, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. You can also call them at (772) 287-2242.
For more information about the Pet Fund or the Council on Aging of Martin County, contact Bonnie Ares Royster at (772) 223-7831.
"This is a wonderful thing that Dr. Katz and the Stuart Animal Hospital are doing," said Shirley Steeves, Council on Aging Assistant Nutrition Services Manager, "The seniors really appreciate the pet food and for some of them it is the only way they can afford to keep a dog or cat for companionship."