I have an Idea: Food pantry for dogs courtesy of Chaz?

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#1
DC's thread got me thinking, because there were many people who expressed having a difficulty feeding their dogs at some point or another.

I know there have been many times, I either threw out food or took it to my shelter because I tried something new and the kids didnt like it. Other people have to be in the same situation.

What if we started a thread where people could tell us if they fell on hard times for a week and need something to tide them over, then people who maybe have something laying around could pass it along... or if 10 people sent a small baggy of food it would really help the person out... you may not notice a few scoops out of your bucket but it would really help others. Or like I said in that thread some people go to stores that give away free samples... if a couple of people picked them up and passed them along it could be useful to someone in the middle of nowhere who doesnt have these options.

Just an Idea... let me know what you think.
 

xpaeanx

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#2
I'd be willing to ship off a couple scoops of food to people....

and if I see samples, I'll pick them up... but I'll be honest, I'm not really going to go out my way to look for them.
 

MisssAshby

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#3
The only issue I can see is all the different types of food. That is going to be a GI nightmare waiting to happen.
 

CaliTerp07

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#4
I think it's a great idea....but the shipping on dog food would cost a heck of a lot. If there was a way around that, I'd be game.
 

Giny

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#5
I think it's a great idea too. I know it takes time for some dogs to get used to food, but when you just can't afford it, then it's better then nothing.

I think I might even have some cans of food that I can't give to my dogs due to Kassie's intolerance to chicken.
 

xpaeanx

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#6
I think it's a great idea....but the shipping on dog food would cost a heck of a lot. If there was a way around that, I'd be game.
The flat rate shipping boxes?

There's a small one that's about $5, and a decent sized one that's $10.

of course, it may be more economical to just send a few dollars to the person... unless a couple people got together in the same "area" and mailed together....
 

corgipower

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#7
As much as it sounds like a great idea, there are some practical issues -- dogs with specific dietary needs ~ allergies, pancreatic issues, metabolic problems, etc. Shipping anything bigger than a small baggie/smaple pack gets very expensive. Small baggies/sample packs aren't going to be enough for a big dog or multi-dog homes. By the time it arrives, I'll have bought food anyway.
 
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#8
The only issue I can see is all the different types of food. That is going to be a GI nightmare waiting to happen.
it may not be the best to change a dogs food too much but it is better then not eating.

I think it's a great idea....but the shipping on dog food would cost a heck of a lot. If there was a way around that, I'd be game.
you think the shipping it would be a lot on a few scoops of food? I wasnt thinking of that.
 

bubbatd

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#9
How about sending coupons we don't use ?? I can't use any for small dogs .....
 
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#10
How about sending coupons we don't use ?? I can't use any for small dogs .....
anything that helps... you could post coupons you have that you dont need too! Stick them in an envelope and all it costs you is the stamp... good idea!
 

Lolas Dad

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#11
I have a better idea. How about calling your local food bank and asking them if they accept dog food for people's pets. If they do not ask them if they would be willing to. Then donate to the food shelter if they are willing.
 

Gena

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#13
I've been thinking the same. Even when I was active before there were times when folks had issues from job loss/sudden bills etc. This was before the current state of the economy. I wonder if it would be more beneficial to set up a fund of sorts rather than mailing random baggies of food? Of course that is a nightmare in itself as money usually turns out to be a sticky subject.

Also, most shelters here would give you a bag of food if you came in and explained the situation to them. Maybe we could work up a list of ideas for when push has hit shove in the face for people to be aware of?
 

cricketsmygirl

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#15
^^This, there was a time when I was younger that we ran out of money and dog food and wouldn't have the money for more until a couple weeks later. I posted on the forum I went to back then (closed now...it became a ghost forum) and asked for some help. It hurt my pride but I swallowed it. (My dad always told me the bigger person will swallow their pride and ask for help rather it hurts or not) I was afraid to ask to because I wasn't sure how people would react but people sent me gift certificates for dog food, some people even sent small care packages with the certificates that had a small bag of treats or a dog food roll (the sample things, small dog food rolls) It was very helpful and we got through until we could get more food and even got a little training done. I miss a lot of people that were on that forum, wish there was a way to find them again.
 

Izzy's Valkyrie

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#16
Just for an idea of cost: I sent about 5 or 6 lbs of food in a flatrate box and it got there the next day (It was in the same state though) It was something like $5.11, not that bad. And, I could have put way more food in the box but I didn't know how big it was going to be. You can put up to 70lbs in any flatrate box within the continental US so you really save a lot on the shipping because weight isn't a factor.
 

Fran101

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#19
Gift certificates to popular pet stores (petco, petsmart, etc...) would also be convenient :)
 

Gena

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#20
Gift certificates to popular pet stores (petco, petsmart, etc...) would also be convenient :)
Heck, even Walmart or Target could get someone by in a pinch. I know they don't sell anything of "premium" quality, but the Purina One stuff isn't too bad. I know that I wouldn't have an issue sending just about anyone who asked (once or twice LOL!) some cash for dog food. I'm super trusting, but also believe that I get more out of giving than the person gets from my giving if that makes sense. Basically if I get scammed, so be it...*my* heart was in the right place.
 

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