“My pets are like children and family to me.” That’s how Bette, a Colorado Pet Pantry client describes her tight-knit household: a senior yellow Lab named Hunter and a quirky cat named Odie.
Hunter serves as her emotional support animal, keeping her moving on a specialized three-wheel bike with a “shag-wagon” trailer for when his paws get tired. Odie acts as her “medical comforter.” During rough times, Bette often wakes up to find Odie resting by her face, purring softly with a gentle paw extended as if to check, “Mom, are you okay?”
But keeping this family healthy has become increasingly difficult. Living with severe spinal issues, Bette has found herself financially struggling to keep her head above bills. Without support, Bette would have faced heartbreaking compromises: reducing her animals’ daily meals and relying on human food just to get by.
“The Colorado Pet Pantry helps me feed quality food, stretching my pets’ food-dollar,” Bette shares. By reducing the burden of food costs, the pantry frees up crucial funds for Bette to handle daily groceries, fuel, and veterinary visits.
The security provided by this resource allows Bette, Hunter, and Odie to focus on what they do best: being a family. Every evening, the trio heads out together — Hunter walking alongside and Odie hitching a ride in his stroller.
Colorado Pet Pantry believes that financial hardship should never cost someone the comfort of a purring cat or the loyalty of an aging dog. Every donation ensures that senior pets get quality food and individuals stay connected to the animals that keep them whole.
