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What we wouldn't do for the love of an animal Man walks the world... but what happens when he can't walk?
In fact, Patrick had been walking the world over for Panda -- collecting cans and bottles and using the return deposit monies to purchase food for his furry friend. Unfortunately, as Patrick's multiple sclerosis keep advancing, walking was becoming harder and harder. Patrick faced some hard decisions. How could he afford to keep feeding his cat? Four years ago, Patrick had seen a photo of Panda on HSHV's website-- and felt love at first sight. As Patrick is homebound, he asked for a ride to HSHV so that he could meet Panda. The friend obliged. Panda, an older black cat who'd been waiting longer than most at HSHV, was starting to feel down on his luck until meeting Patrick -- and now, both were grateful to find each other. They soon formed a forever friendship, and the thought of being separated now was heartbreaking. "The animal-human bond goes a long way to staving off loneliness and providing companionship to those who are homebound," says Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Executive Director Alison Foreman. "Sadly, the economic hardship some of our participants face makes feeding a pet impossible, and they face surrendering a beloved pet and friend to a shelter for lack of resources." Thankfully, Patrick found out about Bountiful Bowls. In a partnership with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, HSHV's Bountiful Bowls program delivers pet food assistance to those who need it. Patrick winces, saying without this help, he would not have been able to keep Panda, his constant companion. And now he smiles, because thankfully, that's no longer a worry. |
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Patrick King was willing to walk the world over for his cat, Panda.