Where to go when you need a “treat”

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

When Kim Pempin started the OKC Pet Food Pantry in June 2010, she had no idea how many people were struggling to feed their pets. She soon realized that many times these pet owners will receive human food only to give it to their hungry pet or choose to purchase pet food and forgo their own medical needs.

“No one should have to choose between their own food, medical bills or giving up their pet,” said Pempin. “We want to bridge the gap for them by providing them pet food on a monthly basis. Our goal is to make this an on-going service not just a few times per year.

“These people, particularly the elderly, don’t have the means to earn additional income. This is why we ask for funding to help support these people monthly – for the life of their pet.”

Pempin said that at the Pet Food Pantry, their goal is to identify and assist those low-income seniors/homeless/veterans who struggle to feed their pet.

“Our senior program uses route drivers to deliver pet food monthly to the senior’s home. Our homeless program delivers to various areas of the city twice per month. Lack of transportation and storage requires us to split the deliveries to the homeless vs. delivering once a month,” she added.

Their pantry currently provides pet food to 120 senior citizen/veteran homes (294 pets) and 100 homeless/veterans (300 pets). They deliver food, treat and supplies (whatever is donated) currently to Bethany, Britton, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Oklahoma City Metro, Warr Acres, and Yukon.

“We work with the Regional Food Bank, Homeless Alliance, Salvation Army, Ice Angels, Upward Transitions, OK Humane, Skyline Urban Ministry, Veterans Affairs, Norman Public Housing, Areawide Aging, Adult Protective Services, Hope Center, Jesus House, Senior Living Centers, veterinarians, etc. to help identify those needing help.

“We recently collaborated with OK Humane to reach those living in NE OKC to provide information on receiving vaccinations, spay/neuter (from OK Humane) and pet food and supplies from us. We also work closely with the OKC Animal Welfare Department. They provide temporary pet food to those who don’t fit our program. In turn if they have people who fit our program, they will send them to us.”

They add more love, kindness and service with a special approach to an inclusive, “care plan” for the pets and the whole family.

“We constantly monitor those receiving pet food. We do more than just deliver the food to their door, we check on them and their pets. If needed, we can provide them with additional resources to help meet their basic needs. The monthly delivery is another way of establishing a trusting relationship with them.”

Pempin said 95.5% of funding goes directly to support their program. They operate with just one part time employee. Everyone else helps out on a volunteer basis.

“All pets regardless of which program they are on, must be spayed/neutered. We will provide for up to four dogs/cats. For our senior program, they must be 65 with an income of not more than $19,000/per person or $21,000/household. The number of pounds delivered is based on the size and number of their pets,” Pempin said in conclusion.

Donations are gratefully accepted through the organization or at two A1 Pet Emporium locations in OKC and Edmond. For information about the Pet Food Pantry of OKC, visit www.petfoodpantryokc.org.

The Gayly – May 7, 2015 @ 10:30am.