Petbarn Foundation, Animal Rescue Cooperative: Coronavirus Act of Kindness pet care relief packages
COVID-19 hardship? The Act of Kindness initiative can provide struggling pet owners in the Hunter a month’s worth of food and essential items for their dogs and cats. READ one heroic Newcastle story.
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It was early one morning when Marty Reid started hearing strange noises. He woke to find his home in Kahibah completely ablaze.
Shocked, he went to the back door to investigate before a canister exploded right in-front of him.
He raced back to the bedroom where his partner Eleanor and his dog Hendrix were sleeping unaware.
He woke them and quickly guided them past a wall of rapidly spreading flames safety out the front door, as dark smoke engulfed the building.
It took fire crews just five minutes to get there but it was too late, the home was completely destroyed and all their belongings with it, damaged or filled with smoke.
While friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money, Eleanor also nominated Marty to receive an Act of Kindness, as thanks for saving her life and Hendrix’s life.
The Petbarn Foundation, together with the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC), have launched an initiative that encourages people to ‘re-fur’ a friend to receive an Act of Kindness pet care relief package.
“Amidst the pressures of COVID, which has taken its toll financially and mental health-wise, Marty and Hendrix lost their home to a terrifying house fire,” Eleanor Butcher said.
“Hendrix is just two years old and the most loving snugly typical blue staffy.
“That night of the fire he lost his bed, kennel, food, toys, treats and jacket - however these things can all be replaced in time.
“I wasn't after anything specific for them, just a token of kindness for Marty as he saved our lives and some comfort items for Hendrix who's still a bit confused that he left his home he's always known.”
The Act of Kindness initiative has been launched to support those experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 by providing a month’s worth of food to more than 3,000 pet parents to help them keep their pet dogs and cats healthy and happy.
“With many pet parents experiencing extreme pressure and uncertainty at the moment, it has never been more important to support our animal loving community,” George Wahby, Chief Executive Officer at Petbarn and Greencross Vets said.
“Pets have an extremely positive impact on a person’s mental health and wellbeing and are key companions to so many Australians.
“Act of Kindness is our way of supporting and protecting that special bond.”
Kelly Eaton, Project Manager at Animal Rescue Cooperative said: “Throughout COVID, we have been partnering with The Petbarn Foundation to help animal rescue centres receive much needed supplies, and now we are helping individuals who need a bit of extra support too.
“The idea of referring someone you know really helps drive that community spirit of pulling together and supporting one another through these uncertain times.”
Know a pet owner in the Hunter who you think should receive an Act of Kindness pet care relief package?
Or why not self nominate arcsupport.org.au/corona.
Each pet care relief package will be hand-delivered and includes a bag of premium pet food and other essential items including fleas, ticks and worm treatment, litter, a toy and a treat.