A Letter from Pet Partner Connections

Pictures provided by Pet Partner Connections

_{Hello Fellow Newsletter Readers!}

_{It’s Michael with Pet Partner Connections reaching out today to discuss what we do and share a bit about why Pet Partner Connections is important to our community.} 

_{Did you know organizations similar to Pet Partner Connections exist throughout the country? Animals lovers all over make it their mission to keep animals in their homes and support their humans.}

_{Pet Partner Connections was founded by animal lovers in Yates County with the goal of reducing animal surrenders due to financial hardship, physical limitations, and/or age. We do this by providing pet supplies (mostly food) and information to pet owners at their homes or through community organizations like The Living Well.}

_{We also educate the public on how to be a good pet caretaker, and promote healthy and mutually beneficial relationships between animals and their elderly, disabled or financially challenged caretakers. Through both informal conversations and more formal materials we are able to spread the word about diet and grooming, vaccinations, rabies clinics, and pest control.}

_{Our goal is to make sure humans never feel they have to give up their pets due to hardship.}

_{We have monthly distributions of pet food at The Living Well in Penn Yan, as well as the Dundee, Middlesex, and Rushville Food Pantries. We like to make sure humans and pets can get their food needs met in the same place!}

_{Since 2016, The Pet Food Pantry at The Living Well has been one of our core services. Each year we give away over 4,000 pounds of food to about 200 animals. The time spent with clients who visit the pantry is invaluable for sharing information about pet health and care. Through them we are able to connect with community members and their wonderful pets in need.}

_{Food is donated to Pet Partner Connections through collection bins and pet food drives at local churches and Keuka College (thank you, donors!). Since we can’t always raise all the funds we need through donations, we also sell pet related crafts. Look for us at your next local fair and treat yourself to an adorable animal trinket!}

_{Pet Partner Connections depends on community donations to provide food and funding for our activities since we are strictly a volunteer organization. To maintain our current distribution level, we need your help,}

_{If you love animals just like we do, please drop off cat or dog food at one of our area bins located at Keuka Coffee Roasters (Black Cat Bistro), Lyons Bank, Community Bank, and Knapp and Schlappi Hardware or consider donating to your local church’s Pet Food Sunday food drive. Food can be donated at any time to The Living Well or by contact Pet Partner Connections.}

_{We’re so glad to partner with an amazing community to ensure beloved pets can stay in their homes!} 

_{As one animal lover to another –  Thank You!}

_{Michael Bennett}

_{P.S. Check us out on Facebook to enjoy pictures of cute animals and stay up-to-date on our activities!}

Upcoming events:

• July 20: Paul’s Place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 10am

• July 20: Bereavement Support Group at The Well at 5pm

• July 26: Farm Days at Dundee United Methodist Church at 1pm

• July 27: The Well’s on WFLR Open Mic at 8:30am (check out last month’s spot)

• August 1: Butterfly Puzzles at the PY Baptist Church at 10am

• August 1: Nature Walk from the PY Baptist Church at 1pm

• August 11: Pet Partner Connections at The Well at 11:30am

• August 15: Splash Water Games at the Presbyterian Church at 1pm

• August 16: Cancer Care Group at The Well at 5pm

• August 24: Stepping Stones at the Community Garden at 9am

• August 29: Spotted Lantern Fly Puzzle at the Presbyterian Church at 10am

• August 29: Red, White & Blue Event at the Presbyterian Church at 1pm

• August 31: Plant Snap Peas at the Community Garden at 9am

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Paul’s Place - once a month commitment

• Dream Catchers - once a week commitment