News
Feeding the Hungry Pets of Vermont
June 05, 2009, 8:52AM MT
By Judith Muse
Northfield woman maintains ongoing food drive for needy companion animals
Northfield woman maintains ongoing food drive for needy companion animals
Difficult economic conditions present challenge for some folks to provide food for companion cats, dogs, and other animals. With people losing jobs and the elderly trying to make ends meet on a fixed income, some may wonder where their own next meal will come from as well as their pets’.
Paula Sambel who lives in Northfield, Vermont just had to do something to help. Paula grew up on a farm in Vermont. Through the years, her family had several house cats and barn cats. When Paula left home, she traveled often and thus could not have a cat though she would have loved to include one in her life.
One day at a yard sale, Paula saw an orange male tabby kitten who stole her heart. She left without him but thought about him constantly and soon returned to get him. Since that "love at first sight" moment with Sporty, she has always had a companion cat.
About 15 years ago, Paula became acutely aware of the plight of homeless animals -- especially cats. She started her own rescue program. She began by feeding stray cats whom she slowly and patiently coaxed into her garage. Paula then searched for forever homes for them. Since that time Paula has advertised on Northfield's local television channel when she has a cat ready for adoption. If necessary, Paula takes the strays to the vet for shots and spaying/neutering before placiing them for adoption.
Recently Paula wondered how she could make a difference for companion animals whose families find themselves struggling not only to make ends meet but to provide food for their animal friends.
Paula created a program for Northfield-area businesses where people could donate cat and dog food. When that did not yield quite enough, she bought extra pet food herself and kept in her realty office for distribution to those in need of help feeding their companion animals. Clients visiting Paula’s office in Sambel's Realty often bring pet food donations.
In an April 23, 2009 Northfield News article, Paula said, "I love him (her current companion, Little Baby) more than anything in the world. He keeps me going because when I look at him, I think that every cat should have a home like he has and that's why I do what I do."
What you can do:
Donate pet food to your local food shelf and animal shelter/rescue.
Posted by Judy Muse, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Photo of Paula and Little Baby with permission of Paula Sambel