The new Paws Pantry has helped its first family - a husband and wife who lost their jobs this year, according to founder Cindy Hardwick. The couple have three kids, four dogs, two kittens and one cat. Thanks to the generosity of Jill from Pet Supplies Plus, the pantry supplied them with a month's worth of pet food.

Paws Pantry will provide necessary pet food to anyone who finds themselves financially unable to feed their pets - dogs, cats, fish, gerbils, whatever, Cindy says.

Those in need are encouraged to apply to the pantry, which is in the process of receiving non-profit status. "Don't give your animals up to a shelter or drop them off on the side of the road, please contact Paws Pantry," Cindy said. "I will contact you with the necessary paperwork to fill out in order to get the food that you need."

Anyone wishing to help, in turn, is asked to donate Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba dog food, although any food will help. The pantry also accepts any type of cat food, dry or wet, and any kind of cat litter. "Get your neighbors together, get a few of your work friends together, or just from the goodness of your own heart pick up some dog and cat food for Paws Pantry," Cindy said. "We can't make this happen without YOU!"

Already Paws Pantry has scheduled a fundraiser - a bus trip to Seneca Allegany Casino on Monday, January 18. Click here for details.

Paws Pantry can be reached at 440-298-1530 week days after 5 p.m. and weekends, or at cmhardwick@windstream.net or pawspantry@windstream.net.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com