Numerous health studies show that elderly people who own animals live longer, happier, and more productive lives.

But what happens when senior citizens living on delivered food subsidies can’t afford to feed their beloved friends? With more than 400 meals delivered each day, the task of feeding Richland County’s elderly can be overwhelming. In addition to that, about 60 of those clients have animals whose needs they cannot afford to fill. Such unmet needs could have tipped the scales into the realm of the impossible.

The answer is Senior Resources Meals on Wheels Pets in Need program.

Annie Eveleigh, the organization’s director of development and public relations, said an ongoing initiative to collect and distribute pet food once a month to clients has been a daunting, yet rewarding, task.

Drop–off and monetary donations sent to the Banfield Pet Hospital, located inside PetSmart stores on Two Notch Road and Harbison Boulevard, have provided thousands of pounds of food for the Midlands area, but it’s never really enough.

“The two–month push generates enough food to last a few months, then we have another drive,” she said. “With what we raise, we also provide funds for flea and tick collars, and medical needs.”

Even with these generous donations, there are still 10 pets on the waiting list, and to Eveleigh, that’s not acceptable.

“For some of these seniors, pets are the only companions they have,” she said. Senior Resources is adding a new component to their Season of Suppers campaign by launching a new initiative: Pet Pals.

A $20 contribution each month will provide monthly care for a homebound senior’s pet. In addition to food, the pet will receive yearly health care. Anyone wanting more information about Pet Pals can call Rachal Hatton at 252- 7734, Ext. 231.

Throughout the rest of the month of December, donations of small, unopened cans or bags of cat or dog food may be made at either of the two local Banfield Pet Hospitals or at Senior Resources, 2817 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205, 9 am–4 pm or donate at www.seniorresourcesinc.org.