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.
Last weekend the Heigl Foundation teamed up with Nuzzles and Co. for a special spay/neuter and vaccination clinic at the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation in Ibapah, Utah.
The JDHF sponsored event took place over two days on September 29-30, and thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers from our partner Nuzzles and Co. a total of 82 animals were sterilized and 95 pets received vaccinations. A food pantry and animal supply giveaway was also held for the local community. (more…)