After three years in Red Bank, 4 Paws Pantry has moved into space at the Humane Educational Society on North Highland Park Avenue.
4 Paws Pantry is a local non-profit that strives to keep pets in their homes.
Officials said, "Sometimes due to a job loss, loss of income or other financial hardship, families are forced to make tough choices when it comes to spending money.
In many cases, the difficult decision to give up their family pet is made, and the pet is turned over to an already-overcrowded shelter with stretched resources. The impact to both the family and pet is devastating; families are heartbroken over the loss of a family member and the pets don't understand why they're no longer with their family. 4 Paws Pantry offers temporary food assistance to those facing this difficult decision, thus allowing the families to keep their beloved pets."
Humane Educational Society Director Bob Citrullo invited 4 Paws Pantry to share space with the organization after learning that 4 Paws Pantry was at risk of closing its doors. 4 Paws Pantry founder, Betty Crawford, wanted to continue to offer this service to the community but needed to raise $10,000 a year just to cover rent and utilities at their former location in Red Bank. The two organizations have been working together ever since to reach common goals and make the community a better place for people and pets, it was stated.
Mr. Citrullo said, "The Humane Educational Society has undergone significant renovations to make room for 4 Paws Pantry in hopes of making an even bigger impact for people and animals in the community. Since moving into the new office at the Humane Educational Society, 4 Paws Pantry has been able to serve almost 10 times the number of meals served in the last year in their Red Bank location. In 2014, 4 Paws Pantry served 80,300 meals to community members in need. In 2016 after 2 years of sharing space with the Humane Educational Society, 4 Paws Pantry has significantly raised the number of people and pets in our community to which they provide service. In 2016 that number rose to 738,030 meals served in Hamilton County.
"Both organizations are thrilled with the results of their combined efforts. 4 Paws Pantry helps keep pets in their home reserving much needed space and resources for stray and homeless animals in the shelter. As a result both organizations are able to offer more services and assistance to people and pets in need. 4 Paws Pantry operates out of the shelter at 212 North Highland Park Ave. three days a week. Those needing assistance can find the list of requirements and apply via the 4 Paws Pantry website at
http://www.4pawspantrytn.org/how-to-get-help/ or by phone at
423- 475-6342. Individuals can pick up food
on Tuesday,
Wednesday, and
Thursday from 11-3 at 212 North Highland Park Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404."