Foundation helps families with pets

It was a very busy distribution day at the Furry Friends Foundation (FFF) office this past Thursday, December 1. Thirty-six families picked up their pet food orders along with lots of other pet supplies that lined the porch. Furry Friends Foundation is a volunteer-run 501(3)(c) nonprofit offering pet food, needed pet supplies, and free spay/neuter sponsorships to Sisters-area families in financial hardship.

During the holidays Santa Paws helps FFF as it joins forces with Sisters Kiwanis and Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD for the “Spirit of Giving” program. Families reach out through that application process for pet food, and lots of other goodies including dog coats, comfy dog beds, squeaky toys, leashes, collars, litter and lots more. Sisters Feed & Supply in Sisters displays our giving tree and pet food purchased there can be delivered to the Furry Friends office. Individuals can also shop the Furry Friends Foundation wish lists online at Chewy.com and on Amazon.

Furry Friends distributes more than two tons of pet food monthly. In addition, there are all kinds of pet supplies for both cats and dogs. “With the severe cold weather there have been a high demand for dog coats. Fortunately, the donation of hand-sewn fleece coats by Valerie Fercho-Tillery has helped meet that need. However, we can always use large and extra-large winter dog coats.”

There are currently two pet food drives being held at Sisters’ businesses: Washington Federal Bank and Fika Sisters Coffeehouse. Pet food and supplies can be dropped off at either location.

“There are always a few requests for food for pets other than cats and dogs during the holiday drive,” said FFF founder Kiki Dolson. “It’s fun to see those requests come in. So far this year we’ve fed one rabbit, several goldfish, and one turtle.

Dolson said, “We are particularly excited to announce our recent partnership with the Central Oregon Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels – Pet Pals program.

“Senior clients can now have their pet food delivered and not have to venture out on what can be cold and icy days. We already had a few clients we delivered to, but this means we can reach even more who could use our help.”

Important medical services for pets are also part of the program.

“One of our main focuses is our spay/neuter program,” Dolson said. “Furry Friends has a partnership with the Rawley Project’s FixBend program. FixBend’s low-cost spay/neuter clinics are held monthly at Companion Pet Clinic in Bend. “We already have 10 dogs and cats registered for surgeries at their December clinic. The total cost can add up quickly for multiple animals, with vaccinations also sponsored, so cash donations are so important to maintain this service.”

The blue-bag bottle and can fundraising drive is year-round and one of the main funding sources for FFF.

“There continues to be some confusion over our drop-off site,” Dolson noted. “People often tell me they bring us their bottles and cans and when I inquire where they drop them off, it is often at the trailer at the school administration building. That trailer is actually owned by Brightside Animal Center in Redmond, also a very good cause. If you want yours to be donated to Furry Friends, please leave them on The Nugget’s (right-hand) porch in the blue bins. If you’d like to volunteer to process bottles and cans, we always need more help there.”

In addition to new products, FFF also accepts gently used, clean pet supplies and broken bags of dog and cat food too. Donations can be dropped off at the Furry Friend’s office located at 412 E. Main Ave. (behind The Nugget’s office.) Cash donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 1175, Sisters, OR 97759 or individuals can donate online at www.furryfriendsfoundation.org. For more information on how to donate call 541-797-4023.