Calgary pet store supports Veterans and their furry companions

A Calgary pet food store is making sure everyone is being taken care of by hosting a pet food drive in support of the Veteran’s Association.

“Everyone thinks of these food banks for human foods, but they forget about the pet foods,” said Chris Malmberg, owner of Premium Pet Foods 18s.

“So many veterans have dogs and cats and those that are struggling to feed themselves, they’re also struggling to feed their pets.”

MOMMS Pet Foods has been doing pet food drives for a few years, as they want to give back to the community, especially when there’s a growing need for support.

“They’re not really getting much of an income,” said Darryl Anderola, a volunteer at Veteran’s Association Food Bank 36s.

“So it’s really expensive to be able to feed and house them, but they’re getting the satisfaction of that emotional therapy.”

Anderola who is a veteran says he understands just how important a pet can be for those who have served.

“The best companion I could ever ask for, when I don’t really wanna be around anybody or the anxieties are there, or I just need to sort of manifest my own thing,” said Anderola.

“And you still want a little bit of support, and just the energy coming from that dog.”

More than 7,000 lb was donated Saturday, and Malberg says they anticipate more support on the way, as Calgarians continue to donate.

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“They’ll come into our store today and I’ll ask them ‘where ya coming from?’ And people are from the northeast, northwest, out of YYC, and then just the immediate of Lake Bonavista, where our store is, has been a huge support,” said Malberg.

“Over the last week people have been dropping stuff off, so the support has been overwhelming. With veterans and pets, Calgary comes together.”

More Information about donating to the Veteran’s Association can be found on their website.