Calgary dogs and cats get their own 'petsgiving' this weekend

Rising priceshave made it hard for Jolenne Zeitnerto carefor her family's pets.

The Calgary resident, who has two dogs and a cat, said food for the animals costs too much right now.

"Dog food right now is extremely expensive, for just a little medium-sized bag we're finding anywhere from $15-30, and that's good for maybe a weekwith how big our animals are," Zeitner said.

That's on top of costs for cat food and her household's groceries, which have become higher because ofinflation.

"It's really hard to keep up with that, with the finances and everything going on right now," she said.

But things were a little easier this Thanksgiving.

Zeitner stumbled upon an event held byCalgary-based Parachutes for Pets.

That organization was giving away pet food and other supplies in the neighbourhood of Forest Lawn over the weekend.

While many charities and not-for-profits have free Thanksgiving meals or hampers for folks who need help,Jessica Doucette, tradeshow coordinator for Parachutes for Pets, believes that"pets are often forgotten" in those efforts.

Along with dog and cat food, her organization gave away pet treats, beds and accessories on Saturday to community residents "so that their pet can have a Thanksgiving as well."

"People are quite happy to be able to have a new bed for their pet or something that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford because they're buying just the necessities," said Doucette.

"It's making a really big difference allowing us to be able to reach out."

Parachutes for Pets' mission is tokeep people with their furry companions through programslike pet food banks and hampers, vaccine and wellness clinics and grooming assistance, primarily for low-income households.

Since January 2021, they'vedonated 13,766 pet food hampers.

Many of its events raise money to provide services to clients, but this one gave directly to the public, in part helped by a truck provided by Pet Valu.

"This is just absolutely lovely," Zeitner said," to be able to bring home food for [the pets]."