LAS VEGAS — For many senior citizens, pets are more than just animals. They are loving, trusting companions that provide a sense of responsibility, independence and safety. Yet, some do not have the means or ability to provide food, medication and other supplies for their furry friends.
When members of American Medical Response in Las Vegas heard about the challenges senior citizens encounter while providing for their pets, they set up a pet food drive called “Feed the Paws Cause” and donated the nearly 1,500 pounds of dog and cat food to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.
As part of its Meals on Wheels program, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada feeds approximately 2,200 homebound seniors — more than one-third of which have pets.
“I could see dishes on the ground and asked if they liked the food,” Thomas Roberts, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, said. Roberts explained that when they would deliver the food and collect the previous day’s dishes, many of the seniors were giving their food to their pets.
According to Roberts, the taste was not the issue. Instead, they were sharing out of necessity.
For Scott White, AMR Regional Director of Operations and an owner of a white Labrador retriever, the story hit home.
“It was heartbreaking to learn about their struggle,” White said. “The Las Vegas community is our family, and we have an obligation to support our family members.”
White, along with his AMR and MedicWest family, organized the pet food drive.
“We all understand the impact pets have on our lives and we wanted to help alleviate some of that stress and offer the seniors a little peace of mind,” Annie Triplett, an AMR coordinator, said.
By the end of the six-week drive, nearly 850 employees from the two locations filled two ambulances with food.
When 10 AMR and MedicWest team members went to Catholic Charities in December to assist in preparing and serving food on-site as a part of their regular service, they delivered the goods.
“We serve some of the most vulnerable people in Las Vegas — it’s lifesaving work,” Roberts said.