TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Some families will face tough decisions at the grocery store soon, choosing between meals for themselves or their pets.
Animal rescues are hoping to stand in the gap, but first, they need community support.
“As we all know, the need is growing and growing and growing,” said Steve Kiessling, director of Toledo Animal Rescue.
When families are faced with economic hardship, Kiessling knows the impact on pets well.
“We don’t want people to make a choice from feeding themselves or feeding their pets; we want them to be able to feed both of them, their family and the animals in their home,” Kiessling said.
With SNAP facing a pause in funding, animal shelters and organizations like Toledo Animal Rescue are putting out a call for help before it’s too late.
“If they don’t stay in their home, they come to places like us and all the organizations in the area are full, so they can’t get the animal in; they can’t feed their animals, so the next option is they leave them outside to fend for themselves,” Kiessling said.
Toledo Animal Rescue has a food pantry for cats and dogs.
“Mostly dry cat food and dry dog food,” is the need, Kiessling said.
The organization needs help stocking its shelves to support pet owners in the community.
“As people are generous in the community and want to give back to our organization, especially this time of year when we’re really gearing up for the holidays, we’re now asking people, we have a wish list, and we’re asking them, don’t buy anything off of our wishlist,” Kiessling said. “If you want to support us, bring us dry cat food and dog food for the people in the community.”
Toledo Animal Rescue currently has more than two dozen dogs and cats.
There’s a desire that there’s a solution to the pending food crisis.
“I honestly hope and pray that the people who are supposed to be making decisions make the decision to help,” Kiessling said.
Donations can be made to Toledo Animal Rescue by calling and scheduling a time. More information is available at toledoanimalrescue.org.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-10-30 23:20:00
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