While collecting 2,000 pounds of pet food for charity may sound like a daunting goal, Katelyn Santucci is more than halfway there, thanks in part to Needham School Resource Officer Joe Brienze and Needham residents.
During these difficult financial times when people are struggling with everyday living expenses, she was inspired to help families in need by easing the additional cost of feeding their pets. She created Full Bowls for the Holidays, a “community‑powered pet food drive and distribution to keep dogs and cats with their families through the holidays,” according to Santucci.
As the owner of Life’s a Pooch, a Medfield-based business, Santucci reached out to area clients, friends, businesses and others, including Brienze, to help collect pet food donations.
“I have been blown away by how many donations we’ve gotten,” said Santucci, especially given how many charities ask for help at this time of year. “It’s been across multiple towns with people stepping up.”
Brienze, who handles the Needham Police Department’s community resource dog Rocket, created a drop-off location for pet food donations inside the NPD lobby at 88 Chestnut St. and has been impressed by the town’s generosity.
“It was awesome to see” how full the donation boxes are, he said. Santucci drives to Needham to pick up the food every few days.
Often overlooked need
According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center, it is a difficult financial time for pet owners.
“The economy has been in flux, and grocery prices have increased, which creates great food insecurity for families, including pets,” said Alyssa Krieger, director of MSPCA-Angell’s Community Outreach program on the nonprofit’s website. “We know that when people struggle, their pets do too.”
Hearing on social media about current “heartbreaking situations” of people forced to give up their pets due to financial constraints, Santucci was reminded of owners going through similar crises during Covid.
“We wanted to make sure we were doing our part to close a gap,” she said.
The fates of cats and dogs often fall through the cracks when families are struggling financially.
“They are [pets] almost always put on the backburner,” said Brienze. “You can tell people are definitely tightening their wallets. … [Pet food is] a tough cost for a lot of people right now.”
Ultimately, said Brienze, “We would rather animals stay with their owners.”
The final distribution day is Dec. 21 from 1-3 p.m. at the West Street Veterinary Clinic, 45 West St. #2, Medfield, which partnered with Santucci to help store and give out the pet food.
If there is leftover food it will not go to waste, said Santucci. Overflow donations will go to local pet shelters for cats and dogs, including:
- Schultz’s Guest House
- Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
- Medfield Animal Shelter
- Forever Home Rescue New England
The MSPCA also lists food pantries that offer assistance for pets.
More information about the pet food drive is available at Life’s a Pooch’s Full Bowls for the Holidays.
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