Westlake Meals on Wheels receives grant to aid pets

Izzy is a Malipoo belonging to Westlake Meals on Wheels recipient Kim, and received food, treats and toys through the grant. 

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If you are a pet owner, you understand how important pets are to our families. For many senior citizens, they are a great source of companionship and support, especially during this past year of extreme isolation. Westlake Meals on Wheels received a grant from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities to assist their recipients with pet food, treats and supplies. 

Like many Americans affected by the pandemic, some seniors have had to make difficult financial decisions, including choosing to feed their pets before themselves, or sharing their food with their pets. This grant allowed Westlake Meals on Wheels to help with that financial burden.

Many of the recipients have expressed gratitude for the assistance, stressing how important their animals are in their daily lives. Fred, who lives alone, has three dogs, all APL rescues. He phoned to let us know “the girls, Sadie, Foxy and Roxy, all love all their treats!” Claire lost her husband of 25 years last year, and rescued her cat, Simon, from Berea Animal Rescue. Simon talks to Claire all day, and according to her daughter, they saved each other. Jeanne has two cats: Tiger, 22 years old but still acts like a kitten, and Helena, 2 years old. She said the food and litter assistance came along at the perfect time. Kim is recovering from a surgery and her Malipoo, Izzy, is her constant companion. 

“We are so pleased that we can offer this assistance to our recipients, as we consider them to be part of our family,” said Executive Director Marie Patten-Blatter. “Our mission of caring for them extends beyond the meals we provide,” said Patten-Blatter. Westlake Meals on Wheels serves the communities of Bay Village, Westlake, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township and Olmsted Falls, and operates with the assistance of over 150 community volunteers. 

Patten-Blatter is hopeful that the program can continue, and is exploring ways to keep it funded for the future.  If you would like to donate pet supplies or a monetary donation, please forward to Westlake Meals on Wheels, 2239 Dover Center Rd., Westlake, OH 44145, or phone 440-871-2551.