‘Ani-Meals’ program helps area seniors with companion animals

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 19, 2016) An anonymous donation of $1,000 was recently given to Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, earmarked for the nonprofit organization’s Ani-Meals program which provides pet food to MOWSS clients’ furry companions.

The donation was made in memory of Jim and Lisa Parrish of Rockwall, who died together in Arizona in October of 2013 while on a private plane trip.

“Lisa was actively involved in the Meals on Wheels program, and she and Jim were both pet lovers. They had two Great Danes of their own,” said Margie VerHagen, Executive Director of MOWSS of Rockwall County. “They volunteered and delivered meals to area seniors, and they believed in Ani-Meals because they saw how common it is for low-income seniors or people with disabilities to feed their dogs or cats instead of themselves.”

Louise and Jasmin BRN — Louise, a MOWSS client, loves receiving Ani-Meals for her pet named Jasmine.

VerHagen explained that the Ani-meals program is only possible through monetary contributions or donations of pet food from the community. It was created to address the situation of MOWSS clients sharing their home-delivered meals with pets when money is tight. Monthly supplements of pet food are delivered to MOWSS clients with companion animals.

“Ani-Meals is just one of the special services Meals on Wheels provides its clients,” VerHagen said. “It enables individuals to keep their companion animals, providing a special quality to their lives.”

Those interested in volunteering or donating to the Ani-Meals program should visit rockwallmealsonwheels.org or call (972) 771-9514.

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