Maxed out on cats yet still committed to helping, the Humane Society of Sandusky County has received a significant grant to support their pet food bank. This initiative plays a crucial role in keeping pets with their families during hard times.

"Helping Pets Thrive in Tough Times with the Pet Food Bank"

Pet Food Bank Grant: A Game Changer

The Humane Society of Sandusky County has long had a pet food bank available, but this is the first time it has received grant funding. With a $5,600 grant from the Sandusky County Community Foundation, they are now able to make the food bank more well-known and purchase more pet food. It's not for the shelter's own pets but for people in the community who need help with their animals. This grant is a vital step in addressing the nationwide issue of pet overpopulation and affordability.During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a huge increase in pets, but now some are unwanted or people can't afford to keep them. The shelter is overloaded with 180 cats at the shelter and 266 more on the waitlist. The shortage of veterinarians and the high cost of pet care have made it difficult for some owners to provide for their pets. However, the pet food bank provides a lifeline, allowing people to keep their pets with them.

Cats and Their Personalities

At the shelter, there are nine cat rooms. Room No. 1 is for kittens, while the other cats are grouped by personality. Room No. 2 is a very chill room with a happy-go-lucky group. Each cat has a name, and if a cat doesn't have one when it's dropped off, the workers give it a name. Playing with the cats helps the workers understand their personalities. As the weather gets cold, it becomes even more challenging to care for the cats, but the staff remains dedicated.Julie Bliss, who has a desk at the front desk, buys cat treats with her own money. The cats love her, and it's a heartwarming sight to see them running like a Jumanji herd. The staff's efforts to connect with the cats on a personal level make a big difference in their well-being.

Hard Times and Pet Ownership

With the economy in a tough state, the shelter is seeing more owner surrenders than strays. It's a sad reality, but the staff is working hard to publicize the pet food bank and find ways to help. They are making flyers and taking them to homeless shelters, the police department, and other places where there may be animals in need.Bliss has faced challenges when telling people that the shelter is maxed out with cats. Cats can have three litters per year, with up to six kittens per litter, which adds to the overpopulation problem. But the pet food bank provides a solution by helping existing pet owners keep their pets.

Adoption and the Future

Ultimately, the goal is to have more cats adopted. The Humane Society always tries to take in the sick and injured, not just cats but also dogs and other pets. While they may not be well equipped for large dogs, they work hard to find ways to help with their adoptions. The pet food bank has an application process, and those in need should call ahead to get the form.The Humane Society of Sandusky County is located at 1315 N. River Road in Fremont and can be found online at www.humanesanduskyco.org and on Facebook. They are committed to helping pets and their families through these challenging times.