For much of the year, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation has been providing free pet food to help pet owners who have lost their jobs, had their hours cut, or been furloughed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Without this assistance, many individuals and families would not have been able to afford to keep their pets and may have had to relinquish them to shelters. This problematic situation is compounded by the fact that the shelter system simply can not cope with a huge influx of animal surrenders from members of the public who are no longer financially able to care for their pets.
As of December 27, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation will have donated 35,340 lbs of dry cat and dog food, 7,000 lbs of canned dog and cat food, and 22,546 lbs of cat litter, to people in communities that are facing economic hardship due to the health crisis. The food has been distributed in partnership with rescue organization Nuzzles & Co., whose staff have held a number of “Pop-Up Pantry” events at regular intervals throughout 2020.
“These dogs and cats are extremely important to families – our pantry staff hear stories from grateful pet owners as they drive up to receive pet food and cat litter. We will continue to help the community as long as we can!” said Cathy Green, Development Director for Nuzzles & Co.
If you would like to show you support for our vital work, and help ensure owners and pets stay together during this pandemic, you can make a donation here.
In September 2016, we received a grant application from the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) requesting funding for spay/neuter. Funding spay/neuter programs are part of the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation’s core mission. San Bernardino is an under served area east of Los Angeles County that has always been of interest to the JDHF and we have tried to support the area whenever the opportunity arises. (more…)