Businesses Giving Back
Meals on Wheels West to Feed Pets Too
By Kari Remkus
Meals on Wheels West (MMOW) of Santa Monica, California is an organization dedicated to nourishing and enriching the lives of homebound seniors. Recently, MOWW announced the launch of a new partnership with Miss Lilly’s Pet Food Program—the two organizations will be working together to ensure that the pets of needy seniors receive proper meals and care.
MOWW President/CEO Rosemary Regalbuto understands the vital role pets play in the health and wellbeing of aging adults. “Our new pet care program ensures that beloved pets are well nourished, and eliminates the temptation for clients to share their Meals On Wheels West deliveries with their pets,” she said. “This way everyone is well nourished. It is my understanding that seniors who have pets live 5% longer and enjoy a higher quality of life.”
Bebe Flynn, founder of Miss Lilly’s Trading Company, saw an opportunity to help while volunteering for MOWW. During her volunteer experience, Flynn learned that 80% of seniors receiving support from MOWW could not afford pet food, and were sacrificing their own food in order to provide for their animals. The funding to supply food and veterinary care for pets with special diets and medical needs will be provided through designated sales of her company’s cookies.
Lilly’s Trading Company is not the only business reaching out to help pets in need: Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies will be providing bulk food to MOWW on an ongoing basis, Gamma Plastics will be providing plastic containers to hold the donated bulk pet food, and First Care Animal Health will be providing mobile medical care to clients’ pets, including shots and flea medication. We applaud their efforts, which will surely do much to benefit the health and happiness of homebound seniors and their animal companions in Santa Monica.
Related:
PSCPets/AHS Partner Up To Help Stressed Dogs
Tagged Business Giving Back, Charity, Meals on Wheels West, needy pets, Seniors
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