The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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November 27, 2009

Pet food drive to kick off Tuesday

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

An Enid businesswoman will begin a pet food drive Tuesday for the Enid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help pet owners hit hardest by the economy.

Kyla Culbert, owner of Bark Avenue Pet Taxi and Sitter Service, said pet food given to The Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive will go to the Enid SPCA, which helps pet owners get their pets the food they need.

Donations will be taken from Tuesday to Dec. 15 and can be dropped off at boxes in 12 businesses across Enid.

Culbert said she got the idea from Pet Sitters International, which she joined in September when she opened her business.

“The basic idea came from PSI, and it was just something I wanted to get involved with,” she said. “I just thought it would be a good idea. I just wanted to help out and do what my little part could be.”

Enid SPCA shelter director Vicki Fox said the donations will be used strictly for those having trouble making ends meet to feed their pets and will not feed animals at the shelter.

She said for four or five years the shelter has been assisting those who otherwise would not be able to feed their pets.

“There has definitely been an increase in food assistance this past year,” Fox said. “I get calls from people all the time who are out of work and they can’t afford to feed their families, let alone their pets.”

Pet food collected through the drive will allow those who are struggling financially or who are on fixed incomes to keep their pets.

“We don’t want pet owners to have to choose between taking care of their pets or taking care of their family,” Culbert said. “If we can help out, that would be a good thing.”

“We need to remember that pets are family, too, and this is one way to try and keep the family together,” Fox said.

She said the Enid SPCA assists 10 to 15 people a week with pet food who would otherwise have to surrender their pets.

“We feel like there’s enough animals being euthanized as it is,” Fox said.

Those obtaining assistance from the SPCA must register with the shelter and have a genuine financial need for assistance.

Culbert was assisted by area businesses, such as Atwoods Ranch and Home, Eagle Marketing, Emrick’s Van and Storage, Evans Pharmacy and the UPS Store. She said boxes were donated, as well as gift wrap for the boxes and signs displaying information about the drive.

Drop-off locations are: C L Meyer Salon, 2411 Heritage Trail; Finer Physiques, 2127 W. Willow; The Groom Closet, 2005 W. Chestnut; JB Liquor, 420 S. Cleveland; Jumbo Food East, 221 S. 30th, Jumbo Food West, 2311 W. Willow; Oakwood Bowl, 4709 W. Owen K. Garriott; The Pet Salon, 626 N. Van Buren; Pet Sense, 3410 W. Owen K. Garriott; Shear Inspirations, 2509 N. Van Buren; Studio 22 Salon, 217 N. Independence; and Sugar Rush, inside Oakwood Mall.

Bark Avenue Pet Taxi and Sitter Service offers transit for routine trips to the vet or the pet salon and in-home care for pets.

For further information about The Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive or to make a special donation contact Culbert at Petsitter@bark aveenid.com.

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