Dear Annie: Donât forget the pets when donating to food banks

Dear Annie: I would like to add to the letter about continuing giving past the holidays. I have a good friend who volunteers at our local food bank.

A few years ago, she told me a story about an older gentleman who came in looking for food for his cat. All she had were some pouches of tuna, which she gave him. The story stuck with me.

I know how important pets are, especially to the elderly, and I imagined there are people who would go hungry in order to feed their pets.

So since then, every month, I donate small bags of dog and cat food to the food bank. I would like to encourage others to check with their local food bank and see if there is a need for pet food. And perhaps it would also ease the burden on our shelters, as if people have access to food for their pets, they wouldn’t have to make the heartbreaking choice of surrendering their beloved pets. — Think About the Pets

Dear Pets: Thank you for your letter. You bring up such an important point, which is that taking care of our own four-legged pets, and helping all pet owners do the same, is a wonderful gift to be given year-round.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].