People are not the only ones impacted by COVID-19. Reports are beginning to surface detailing the impact the virus is having on pets. When economic pressures come, lack of finances often causes people to struggle with providing for their pets. Some pets eventually end up at shelters because their owners are no longer able to provide for them.

Enter the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Service and the Lenoir County SPCA. These agencies are teaming together to set up a food distribution program to lightened the load for Lenoir County pet owners and their pets.

While some studies have shown people can sometimes transmit COVID-19 to companion animals, instances of human to animal transmission are low. However, pets often become silent victims when tragedy strikes. Veterinarian Chad Dobb, DVM, said pets can often sense and even take on the anxiety of their owners.

“Pets pick up subliminal messages and they are going to pick up on anxiety and stress,” Dr. Dodd said in an interview with the British news agency SWNS. “Anytime when there are changes in our daily routine, it’s going to disrupt our pets.”

While we may not be able to do much to shield our pets from perceiving and reacting to our anxiety, no family pet should have to go hungry. Tammy Kelly, director of the Lenoir County Extension Office, is spearheading a drive meet the good needs of pets.

“I wish I could say ‘No Empty Bowl’ was my idea, but I saw it on a Raleigh news station. It made me think about all of the pets we house during hurricanes and how many of those [pet owners] may or may not have the resources or the transportation to provide for themselves, let alone their pets,” Kelly said. 

“I reached out to the Wake group, the Lenoir County SPCA, and some pet lovers – and off it went! We think there is a need, and we are willing to deliver food if needed. Anything left over from the project will be donated to the SPCA,” Kelly added.

The project seeks to aid any Lenoir County pet owner who was employed in an industry that has been struggling or has shut down during the pandemic. Bars, restaurants, and salons are just a few examples of impacted business. Any member of this group of pet owners worried about having food for pets can come by the Lenoir County Livestock Arena, located at 1791 Highway 11/55 in Kinston.

The Livestock Arena will be the distribution center for food and supplies. Each Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. pet owners who meet the criteria can stop by to pick up needed items. Distributions will continue only while supplies last. Those unable to pick up food because of lack of transportation should fill out a form, and food will be delivered to them. In order to qualify for delivery service, please go to the link and compete the form. The link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_sBWBfEnVVt37owU53Ju05QBPu4lWDwpzmu__Yp2o5A/viewform?edit_requested=true. 

For the “No Bowl Empty” project to work, area residents need to step up to fill the bowls by providing food and supplies. If you would like to donate pet food or supplies, such as kitty litter, the Lenoir County Extension Service and the Lenoir County SPCA will be accepting food and/or monetary donations at the Lenoir County Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The Lenoir County Farmers Market is located at 100 N. Herritage Street in Kinston.

The first donations were collected at the Farmers Market on Saturday, April 25. Three more donation Saturdays are scheduled: May 2, May 9, and May 16. Others may be added.

You can also make donations during the week at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can give food or supplies. You can also give cash or by check made payable to the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Service. Call 252-527-2191 for more information.  

The bottom line is simple: “No Empty Bowl” will only work if compassionate people are willing to donate to make sure pet owners in need have the resources necessary to keep their pets at home – and out of the local SPCA shelter.

Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com