Dog News

Dog Owner Pays Kindness Forward by Starting Pet Food Pantry

by Melanie

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1.5.13 Pet Food
Betsy Alt and Callie

Betsy Alt’s dog Callie desperately needed surgery on her leg last year, but Betsy didn’t have enough money for the procedure to repair torn ligaments.  So she went on a social media campaign that ended up raising about $4,000.  Touched by the generosity of strangers, Betsy decided to give back to the community.

“I think what surprised me is that people I didn’t know at all were willing to help and get involved.  Now some of them are getting involved with this organization as well,” she said.

Betsy’s organization is called Callie Cares, Inc., and collects donations of pet food.  She’s only had to make two distributions so far, but others will soon come calling.  Over 200 pounds of pet food, as well as a couple hundred dollars, have already been donated.

Meredith Eastwood donates regularly because she knows there are animals in need.

“So many people are surrendering their pets in this type of economy and we really need to think about the pets,” said Meredith.  “They can’t handle a lot of the funding for the Humane Society and various shelters are lessening at this time.  I would suppose a lot of people surrendering their pets would really like to keep them.”

Betsy and her crew hope help animals, one bag of food at a time.

“It’s just her passion. She is so passionate about her pet and that’s what really brought me into this,” says Angela America, a volunteer for Callie Cares. “I really hope this takes off and that we do provide a need for this community.”

Callie Cares has a Facebook page and can be reached at:  https://www.facebook.com/CallieCaresInc