Meals on Wheels for pets too

BY PAUL MCKIBBEN PMCKIBBEN@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM
It's not just senior citizens who get food from the Meals on Wheels program administered by Senior Services of Northern Kentucky.
Seniors' pets can also receive meals under a program called Animeals on Wheels that's supported by donations. The food is typically dry dog or cat food. Seniors were saving part of their meal for their pet, according to Donna Oehler, SSNK's vice president of institutional advancement.
Oehler said there's no funding for the program, but it's been in place for several years.
Currently the program is in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties. Oehler would like to extend it to Grant, Gallatin, Carroll, Pendleton and Owen counties and expand the program for those who can pay for the service but maybe do not have the physical strength.
"We want people to be able to keep their pets. ... And for older women, sometimes, it's a security issue as well," Oehler said.
SSNK will also take donations of pet supplies such a cat litter, bird seed, pet beds and cat boxes. SSNK's phone number is 491-0522.
"We're providing good nutrition for a cat and dog owner as well for their pets," Oehler said.
Driver Charlie Phillips, who has a Covington route, said when he gives one of his clients pet food there is "a happy reaction because most of them just have very little to spend on extra things."
Information is available online about the program at www.seniorservicesnky.org/Animeals.htm.