Furry Friends drive helps pets in need

Since its early beginnings in 1993, Sisters Furry Friends Food Drive has grown every year. Last Saturday Santa "Claws" paid a visit, making himself available for photo ops with favorite pets. And this year, feathers were added to the furry friends guest list, as several winged pets came to the event including a chicken and a goose.

The annual pet food drive is sponsored by The Nugget. Dry pet food and treat bags will be distributed before Christmas in conjunction with the Sisters Kiwanis Holiday Food Basket program to insure that those families who have pets will not be found lacking when it comes to holiday needs.

The number of animals whose lives are touched by this project is impressive.

"Last year's drive fed 297 animals, including 154 cats/kittens, 127 dogs/puppies, four birds, one senior horse, one ferret, six rabbits and four fish which translated into over 400 large bags of dry food. There were also 19 spay/neuter certificates for kitties through the Bend Spay & Neuter Project distributed," said Kiki Dolson, publisher of The Nugget.

Helping out with the photography during Saturday's photo op session was Conrad Weiler, who represented the Sisters Area Photography Club.

"This has really been interesting. There was a goose, and it got loose, so we had a goose on the loose. It got under a car, and it was a challenge to get it out," he said.

Santa had his own viewpoint regarding the menagerie that descended upon his lap: "The goose got a little excited and took off, but I have to say the the chicken was really well behaved."

The money that is raised through cash donations goes to supplement the dry food that is donated from various sources.

"American Nutrition just delivered five pallets of dry dog and cat Atta Boy food that really kick starts the program. We have received two boxes of chews and toys from Hartz, but more are needed. We really encourage cash donations so we can purchase where we need to fill in, mostly cat treats and dog cookies. There are always the few special needs animals and the occasional rabbit, dove and hamster," said Dolson.

Some $500 to add to the needed cash donations were raised through the photo with Santa project.

The event was held in conjunction with the Holiday Open House at the Sisters Art Works building (see related story, page 18).

"The money that is raised goes to Furry Friends, and we also give some to the Humane Society of Central Oregon and the photo club for all their help," said Erin Deggendorfer, who organized the event.

"I think it went really well. It was a lot of fun and a great turnout."

The need to help the animals is significant.

"As of December 1 we already had 180 animals registered. There seems to be a lot of small dogs this year, so we need small kibble for them. Sisters Feed keeps a list of food needed for the few pets besides cats and dogs.

"Right now they include a cockatiel, dove, parakeet, ferret and one senior horse," said Dolson.

Checks for donations may be made payable to "The Nugget Furry Friends Food Drive." Donations may be dropped off at The Nugget office, 442 E. Main Ave. or mailed to PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759.

Cash donations must be received by December 17 to purchase food; after that date they will be used for the spay/neuter certificates.