‘PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING BETWEEN FEEDING THEMSELVES OR THEIR PETS’
Mel Oldfield, 49, from Hawarden, Flintshire, north Wales, runs PET Foodbank Deeside
When my family and I decided to get a puppy in May 2021, it was something we’d considered for years. I was a part-time intensive care nurse, commuting to
London, and mum to Finley, then 11, and Willow, nine. Life was busy, but my husband Marc, then 50, was desperate for a dog and after years of begging, I finally relented.
It turned out to be the best decision we ever made. From the moment our golden labrador Ronnie hopped on to my lap, I was in love. I soon realised the profound impact animals could have on a person’s health and wellbeing. Ronnie was unconditionally loving, the kids adored him, and as he slotted into our family, it felt like he completed us.
I quickly became obsessed with dogs and loved reading success stories online about animals being rehomed. But this year, with the cost of living increasing so dramatically, I started to see stories about rescue shelters overflowing with animals. Some had been abandoned by the side of the road, others had been taken into charities by their owners, who simply couldn’t afford to keep them any longer.
With household bills increasing, pets were putting an additional strain on finances, and owners were having to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.
It was heartbreaking. No one should be forced to make that decision.
Ways to help
I couldn’t bear the thought of ever having to give Ronnie up – he truly was part of the family. I started thinking about ways in which I could help. I thought there must be pet food banks I could donate to, but the
nearest one was 50 miles away. So, in August 2022, I decided to launch my own. I spoke to people in the community and contacted the council – everyone thought it was a brilliant idea. My friend Linzi helped with the admin and a pub offered their outhouse as a premises for the foodbank.
The local Scout group came up with the name Pets Eat Today (PET) and Linzi and I started a Facebook page to spread the word. Businesses, wholesalers and individuals offered donations and within 48 hours of the page going live, we were receiving calls from people wanting help.
One lady admitted she was struggling so much
that she was planning to take her two cats to a rescue centre the following day – fortunately, we were able to supply her with enough food to keep her going.
Now, the food bank opens for an hour a day, twice a week. Our local councillor is helping us register as a charity. As it’s in an outhouse, I’ll have to wrap up warm in winter, but there won’t be any bills and it will be worth it to help anyone who is struggling. Pets shouldn’t be leaving people in poverty, and animals shouldn’t have to pay the price.
✱ For more information, visit facebook.com/ petfoodbankdeeside