Furry Friends helps families in need

For well over two decades, Furry Friends has made sure that Sisters’ beloved animal companions are not forgotten during the holiday season. The organization is seeking cash donations to help with its mission of feeding, protecting, and providing medical services to families and pets.

Santa Paws is coming to Sisters for the holidays, distributing pet food to families in need through the Furry Friends Foundation’s (FFF) Annual Pet Food Drive, which runs through the end of the year. The drive is held in conjunction with the “Spirit of Giving” program that includes Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District gift drive and Sisters Kiwanis holiday meal program.

Currently aiding more than 125 families with pets monthly, Furry Friends distributes approximately two tons of pet food a month along with leashes, collars, harnesses, toys, chews, treats, beds, coats, kennels, cat litter, and all kinds of pet supplies for both cats and dogs.

“With the cold weather, we give out a lot of dog coats,” said Furry Friends founder Kiki Dolson. “I had a homeless person call very early Tuesday morning in desperate need of coats for his two dogs and dog food. We were so glad to be able to help.”

Distribution day is every Thursday after 12:30 p.m. Pet owners call, text, email, or message before the Thursday morning 9 a.m. deadline to schedule their no-contact pickup.

“One of our main focuses is spay and neuter, which has been costly the past few months with the temporary closing of Bend Spay & Neuter last September,” Dolson said. “Consequently, we really need cash donations to help with the increased costs of those surgeries, and also to purchase specialty foods for dogs with food allergies and other specifically requested items. There are always a few requests for pets other than cats and dogs during the holiday drive. This year we’ve fed parrots, rabbits, parakeets, a red-eared turtle, and one chameleon.”

In addition to new products, FFF accepts gently used, clean pet supplies and broken bags of dog and cat food. Donations can be dropped off at Furry Friends’ office located at 412 E. Main (behind The Nugget’s office.) Cash donations may be mailed to PO Box 1175, Sisters, OR, 97759 or individuals can donate online at http://www.furryfriendsfoundation.org.

“We are so grateful to WaFd Bank and Fika Sisters Coffeehouse for holding pet food drives this season,” Dolson said. “They are going on now so pet food may be taken to either location. There is also a giving tree set up for FFF at Sisters Feed and they will deliver for you. A big 10-paw salute to Sisters Middle School who just delivered all the goodies from their pet food drive.”

The FFF blue-bag bottle and can fundraising drive is year-round. Bags are available on the side porch of The Nugget office and drop-off is there in the blue bins.

“There seems to be some confusion over the bottle and can trailer parked by the school administration building,” Dolson said. “That is owned by Brightside Animal Center in Redmond, also a very good cause.”

Furry Friends Foundation is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) offering pet food, needed pet supplies, spay/neuter sponsorships, and limited veterinary services to families with pets in financial hardship. For more information visit the website or call 541-797-4023.