STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHELE MILLER
Ask any animal lover and they’re likely to tell you that given a choice, pets make the better companions, especially when it comes to doling out unconditional love.
For seniors living alone, a beloved pet can be a lifeline and source of comfort. A reason to get up and move. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Maybe even form connections with neighbors and animal lovers they might meet along the way.
In a time of pandemic when human interaction is a cause for concern, pets can help stem feelings of loneliness and isolation.
But for the elderly living on a fixed income, the cost of caring for a pet can be prohibitive. Sometimes that leads to some hard choices and sacrifices no one should have to make.
Do I feed myself, or skip lunch and feed my pet?
Do I fill this prescription, or buy a bag of dog food?
That, in part, was the genesis of Cindy’s Pets, a local non-profit that delivers over 2,000 pounds of pet food each month to senior pet-owners enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program.
The organization was founded in Dec. 2010, in memory of Cindy Allgood, who had an affinity for friends of the furry sort.
“She loved pets,” said Allgood’s sister, Melissa Nurrenbrock. “Especially cats.”
Nurrenbrock, who serves as director of Genesis Schools, had heard about seniors who were forgoing meals in order to feed their pets. She happened upon a solution and a way to honor her sister after reading a story about a program in another state that delivered pet food in conjunction with Meals on Wheels.
“I thought, ‘Gosh that’s a great idea’,” she said. “It just clicked.”
After reaching out to Diane Cunningham and Gabriel Papadopoulos at Pasco County Senior Services, Cindy’s Pets was set in motion.
They were enthusiastic, “ready to go,” Nurrenbrock said.
While Cunningham and Papdopoulos formulated a questionnaire to identify potential needs with those enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program, Nurrenbrock recruited volunteers to pack and deliver food, hosted fundraising meetings, and coordinated routes with input from Meals on Wheels delivery drivers.
“It’s very satisfying to help people who are just crazy about their pets,” said Janie Greene, who makes a monthly food run to Dade City with her husband, Lee.
Volunteers Janie Green and Sue Howard
The first run in December 2010 went well, with a few hiccups, Nurrenbrock said.
“We all got lost. Numbers were transposed,” she said with a laugh, “But we made it.”
Presently Cindy’s Pets sees to the needs of 300 pets a month, with drivers delivering along 6 routes in west and east Pasco.
“It’s very satisfying to help people who are just crazy about their pets,” said Janie Greene, who makes a monthly food run to Dade City with her husband, Lee.
The entire operation is run by volunteers and funded by donations. Funds raised are used for food purchases and to pay rent on one of two storage units the organization utilizes, the other being donated by North Trinity Self-Storage. Money is also set aside for neutering and spaying costs, Nurrenbrock said, noting that volunteers transport pets to and from the veterinarians, some who offer discounts.
“No one is paid. Not even gas money,” she said, adding that several local businesses have adopted Cindy’s Pets. (Click here for list of sponsors).
“We have people who shop. People who take donations and sort it all out. People who just drop by to donate bags of food,” she said.
On the second Thursday of the month, volunteer “packers” gather to prepare and label bags for delivery and attend a general meeting. The following week, food is picked up and delivered by Cindy’s Pets drivers who call clients in advance to let them know they are coming.
Often the pets don’t need a heads up, said Nurrenbrock.
“The pets know we are coming. The minute the car pulls up they are there waiting for us,” she said. “We take all sorts of treats to them and make sure they have good stuff.”
The operation, she said “is efficient, but simple.”
While the pets are getting their victuals, Cindy’s Pets also provides a tangible, personal connection with the outside world for their owners.
“Sometimes we are not the only person these seniors see, but aside from Meals on Wheels, we might be the only ones who come to their house,” Nurrenbrock said.
Volunteer drivers have arrived at just the right time, she said. One driver arrived to find a client on the floor after having fallen. Another was able to call an ambulance for another senior who was in physical distress.
“All the seniors have our (telephone) numbers,” Nurrenbrock said. “Some of them pass away and it’s sad because we’ve been knowing them all these years. The animals are getting older, too. They frequently can’t eat the dry food. So we make sure they have the wet food.”
In recent years the annual Strawberry Festival has become the organization’s premiere fundraising event. Held in March at the height of strawberry season, the event features strawberry shortcake topped with dollops of whipped cream, fresh strawberries and sundries, vendors, rescue groups and lots of dogs.
There, canines of all sorts shine in their own way with fun contests such as “Best Tail Wagger, “Best Smoocher,” “Best Look-Alike” and of course, “Best Tricks.”
The last event was held in Sims Park just prior to pandemic restrictions being put in place and featured about 60 dogs strutting across the amphitheater stage for the “Best in Show” contest.
“Of course everybody enters best of show,” Nurrenbrock said. “It was just so cute with all the owners on stage trying to make their dogs behave. “
Best of all – “A lot of pets get adopted that day, too.”
FAST FACTS:
- Founded December 2010
- Delivers approximately 2,000 pounds of pet food monthly to feed 300 pets in west and east Pasco County.
- Relies on donations from individuals and local businesses and fundraising efforts to purchase food each month.
- Primary fundraiser is the annual Strawberry Festival, held in March.
TO HELP
DONATION DROP OFF LOCATIONS: Genesis School, 8100 Mitchell Ranch Road, New Port Richey and Longleaf Learning Center, 3035 Alachua Place, New Port Richey.
VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are needed. Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the North Trinity Self-Storage at 4134 Little Road, New Port Richey.
For information, contact cindys.pets@aol.com, or e-mail nina_genesis.school@verizon.net or call 727-372-9333
WEBSITE: https://www.cindyspets.org/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Cindyspets/
