I have an Idea: Food pantry for dogs courtesy of Chaz?

[JessLough]

Originally Posted by Gena

I know that I wouldn't have an issue sending just about anyone who asked (once or twice LOL!) some cash for dog food. I'm super trusting, but also believe that I get more out of giving than the person gets from my giving if that makes sense. Basically if I get scammed, so be it...*my* heart was in the right place.

^This. If somebody came on here and asked for it, and I was financially able to at the time, I would send some cash to them for dog food. I've been in the situation where we would not have money for a week or two and we had no more dog food, and I wish there was somebody willing to help out. Plus, honestly, if somebody was to come on the forum and scam me just to get a few bucks, they obviously need it for something. I mean, regardless I wouldn't be able to send a fortune, but in cases like that really, any little bit helps. Only time I would have an issue is when it's the same person asking over and over again, especially if it is in a short time frame. That is when the alarm bells would go off, and I'd have to step back from helping.

[yoko]

i think the gift card idea is a good idea. that way they can pick a food they know works for their pet and we know where it is being sent.

as for it taking a while to get there i think this is more for people who don't know when they will be able to get more food and not a 'oh well in about three days i can buy food' sort of situation.

[Zoom]

You can get pre-paid Visa gift cards, that way the person could get the food they needed. As we've seen with Breeze's dogs, just having "any food to feed" can cause more problems than solve, because of the side effects.

Or we could somehow set up an account?

The USPS flat rate boxes are a great way to go...the $5 ones will hold quite a bit and the larger ones even more so (obviously).

[yoko]

You can get pre-paid Visa gift cards, that way the person could get the food they needed. As we've seen with Breeze's dogs, just having "any food to feed" can cause more problems than solve, because of the side effects.

if we do a card for like petsmart/petco/any other petstore that is in most places we know that the money is atleast going to something pet related. if we use a visa card it can be used for anything.

[Saeleofu]

As much as it sounds like a great idea, there are some practical issues -- dogs with specific dietary needs ~ allergies, pancreatic issues, metabolic problems, etc.

I think anything is better than nothing. If you know your dog has specific needs, then you'd have to make that clear and hope for the best. As I said on the other thread, I regular have access to outdated prescription diets, so even those with special needs may get lucky. If you don't want to risk it, you don't have to participate, but don't stop others from using it they need it.


I was thinking more along the lines of local pick-up. I know we're all spread out, but I would be willing to do local pickup first, as I could give more food that way. Honestly, the flat rate boxes are a great idea, but I can't fir $5 worth of dog food into the small box. So the shipping is more than the food is even worth. If you want to help those that are farther away, I think something along the lines of gift cards would be better. Of course there's always the chance of abusing the system, but sometimes you have to take that chance.

If someone needs food, and I have an extra $10, instead of sending a flat rate box of food I'd rather go get a 50 pound bag of that Ol Yeller stuff from Dillons and give it to someone who needs it. Yes, it's crap, but some dogs can thrive on crap, and if it's all you got, it's still better than nothing.

By local pickup, I don't necessarily mean in the same city - I'd be willing to drive a bit, maybe meet in the middle (though if you're short on money you're probably short on gas, so as long as it was a reasonable distance I'd just as son drive the whole way to deliver it myself). I love to drive anyway since that's the only time I really get to listen to music lol


Maybe those willing to do local deliveries/pickups can post on a thread where they're located? Not an exact address, but maybe city or county. I know I'd at least be willing to drive to any of the adjacent counties, if not farther.

[Renee750il]

I think this is a great idea, and rather than try to come up with one way to do it, how about leaving it open to different methods, according to what will work the best in a given situation?

[jess2416]

also.. there are always GC's like to petcenter direct.. (I know I got one for Renee when she first had Tal...)

It was a bit of a hassel on THEIR part to get it fixed, but she got to pick what she wanted