Amid the COVID-19 Crisis Helen Woodward Animal Center Partners with Operation Greyhound to Help Former Tijuana Race Dogs…
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2020) – Immediately after thousands of local businesses were forced to close their doors due to COVID-19 regulations, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s AniMeals Relief Fund stepped up to begin a “drive-through” pet food distribution to ensure laid off San Diegans could still feed their pets. Now, another not-so-local closure has revealed an even more pressing need. With the recent closure of the Tijuana Caliente Greyhound Racetrack, Operation Greyhound is coming to the rescue of dozens of former race dogs in need of food and care. Helen Woodward Animal Center is honored to assist their mission by providing 300 pounds of food thanks to a partnership with Blue Buffalo. Operation Greyhound arrived to pick up the quality dog food today.
Since the start of Helen Woodward’s AniMeals Relief program on March 23, more than 900 families have been provided pet-food for their pets. With demand only increasing as San Diegans face rising financial insecurities, Helen Woodward Animal Center has announced that AniMeals Relief food distributions will continue through the month of April and has partnered with Feeding San Diego to provide both pet food and human food to local pet owners.
“This crisis shouldn’t affect our animals,” stated Center President and CEO Mike Arms. “These beautiful creatures don’t understand the situation and continue to provide us love, comfort and joy. We want to make sure they are taken care of and get to remain with their families.”
However, a concerning call to Helen Woodward Animal Center Director of Outreach Services Christen Hanley on Tuesday morning revealed the way COVID-19 is affecting more than domestic pets.
“We were told that the Tijuana racetrack had just closed and that kennel managers onsite were worried about feeding the dogs in their care and needed help,” explained Hanley. “San Diego’s Operation Greyhound and other groups went straight to work to bring back dogs being retired early due to the closure and to organize transportation for an unexpected number of retirees to greyhound rescue groups nationwide, but they worried that kennels would find themselves short of kibble at a time when supplies are difficult for them to obtain.”
Helen Woodward Animal Center made immediate arrangements to get 300 pounds of Blue Buffalo dog food to Operation Greyhound. A representative from the organization picked up the food today at noon.
“We are so happy to help in this way,” continued Hanley. “We love the work they do and our Center lives by the belief that when it comes to animal rescue, we all need to work together.”
The AniMeals Relief Fund, in partnership with Feeding San Diego, will continue to assist San Diegans throughout the month of April. Pet owners who have recently lost their job due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation, can request to receive a two-week-supply of pet and human food. Recipients who have already picked up food during the first week of distributions, can request another pick up for two more weeks of supplies. Food pick-ups are by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and can be requested at www.animalcenter.org/animealsrelief.
The Center appreciates the ongoing support from businesses and individuals who have contributed to the AniMeals Relief fund. Donations are still needed to ensure the high demand is met and can be made at www.animalcenter.org/animealsrelief.