Meals on Wheels - for Pets

Compiled by Staff Writers

Every weekday morning, volunteers begin to arrive at a Columbus, Ohio, school to collect hot meals to deliver to homebound or disabled people. These same volunteers now deliver something else with these hot meals - pet food.

Called AniMeals, this program provides free pet food for dogs and cats of the homebound elderly or disabled people.

PAWS (People Helping Animals - Animals Helping People) Columbus sponsors AniMeals in partnership with the community action agency, Enrichment Services Program, Inc. and their Home Delivery Meals service. Donated dry dog food is packaged in zip-lock plastic bags in daily amounts for convenience and to guarantee freshness.

AniMeals helps keep people and their companion pets together by removing logistical and financial obstacles so that ESP clients will always be able to provide nutritious meals for their beloved pets.

For many homebound individuals, a dog is more than a pet; it can provide friendship, joy, and a reason for living. Studies show that animal ownership also lowers illness levels and mortality rates. By helping pets, these programs are helping their owners as well.

 Right at Home is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in-home care and assistance services.