Tri-Lakes Humane Society adds outdoor pet food pantry

SARANAC LAKE | A new food pantry for pets was placed on the porch at Tri-Lakes Humane Society. Shelter manager Lena Bombard said the rustic cabinet with shelving in place was a project coordinated and built by Deb Naybor, Paul Smith's College professor of Environmental Studies and Sustainability. "Deb finished the food pantry and brought it over on Saturday," Bombard said a few days after installation. A handcut sign over the door names the pet food shelf "Another Chance (heart) Pet-Pantry" paying homage to a beloved dog that belonged to one of Naybor's students. "For years people have been coming here for free pet food," Bombard said of the project's inception. "We had the opportunity last year with a Paul Smith's College community service project when a group of students built dog houses for people and signs for the trails in back. We had mentioned building a food pantry box for our front porch." Naybor delivered the cupboard ready-supplied with totes, shelving and space organized by type of animal. Bombard said pet owners struggling with high costs of living sometimes contemplate whether they can afford to feed their pets each month. "This project helps keep pets in homes," she said. "We've already had people out there and have resupplied it a few times. "We've offered free pet food to those in need for forever," she added. "But this makes it easier for people to come and help themselves. The people food pantries sometimes do have small bags of pet food on their shelves, but it's reached the point where they often don't have space." Tri-Lakes Humane Society is a well-supported organization, Bombard said. And they provide outreach for a large region across four counties with 11 towns under contract for animal control. "But we would help anybody, really," Bombard said. "If anybody needs pet food, it's just there. Dog food, cat food, all dry food because of the cold. If there's a specific need for small animal supplies, we try to provide that, too. People have come in and we've helped pet parents with rabbits, guinea pigs and even a bearded dragon." 'A FULL BOWL' The outreach effort is without condition, as the pet pantry mission says, "because everyone deserves a full bowl." Besides food, the supply cupboard also has some treats, toys, bowls, leashes, collars, jackets and other pet supplies. Designated animal control officer for many locales, Bombard said she carries most of these items in her car when she goes out on a call. "There have been times I've gone out in the community on a call and find some unmet need. I'll turn around and bring them food if they don't drive." There are a couple ways to help if people want to donate food or items for the pet food pantry. If the shelves are full, donations can be left on the Tri-Lakes Humane Society's front or back porch, and staff will store it inside until they restock. "We accept new or gently used pet supply items, but not any opened bags of food. If it's something that's going to freeze, we ask that they bring it to us when we're here," Bombard said. EXPANSION AHEAD The storage space inside is adequate, but Tri-Lakes Humane Society is in planning stages for expansion, hoping to break ground on a 30-foot addition in the spring. Bombard said the timeline is not set yet. The shelter won a $500,000 state grant from the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund that requires 10 percent matching funds, which they've met. Northwoods Engineering was retained as project manager, though the state has to approve the final design. The expansion project includes plumbing upgrades, installation of sound dampening systems, replacement of ventilation and damaged floors, cat porch improvements and kennel additions. Bombard said they will add two more take-in rooms. The new space will be built in compliance with New York's new Companion Animal Care Standards Act, which goes into effect at the end of this year. Funding for the Companion Animal Capital projects will continue. Gov. Kathy Hochul's Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget includes an additional $5 million for the program. DONATIONS WELCOME The Tri-Lakes Humane Society is a New York State Registered Shelter/Rescue Organization #RR036. To support the pet food pantry or their ongoing operations, visit the website: trilakeshumanesociety.com (Make sure it is not the website with a hyphenated Tri-Lakes, which is a humane society with the same name located in Missouri.) There is a donate button on the website along with Chewy and Amazon wish lists. The shelter is located at 255 George Lapan Memorial Highway in Saranac Lake with staff on site 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility opens to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and on Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. To mail donations: Tri-Lakes Humane Society, P.O. Box 1111 Saranac Lake 12983 To contact the shelter via email: team@trilakeshumanesociety.com Or call with questions: 518-891-0017

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Tri-Lakes Humane Society adds outdoor pet food pantry

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