"These are tough economic times we are in," said Patricia Bungert, a worker with Companion Animal Advocates (CAA), a non-profit volunteer animal advocacy group based in Hillsdale. "Imagine what happens to a person who needs food and owns a pet. It is tough for them."

She added, "That is where we come in."

According to Bungert, the Companion Animal Advocates have joined forces with the Center for Food Action in Mahwah. Since 2008, when people in need come in for food, the Center has asked about their pet needs as well. The CAA, as part of their Operation Feed-A-Pet program, provides those needs.

The folks at the CAA say part of what drives them is that pets are more than just pets –they're intergal members of the household. They're family. They also reduce stress, and in times like these, that can't hurt.

"For many people, this is a daily reality that often times results in animals being surrendered to shelters - devastating to both owner and pet," their website reads.
"No one should have to relinquish their pet because they cannot afford to feed it. We're committed to providing pet food–and relief–to pet owners through the Center for Food Action and the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity, Inc. so that neither they, nor their pets go hungry."

Thanks to the efforts of the CAA, monthly pet food deliveries to the Social Service Association of Ridgewood will be made. The SSAR also serves Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Waldwick and Wyckoff.

Presently, Bungert said the goal is for the CAA is to deliver a total of 50,000 pounds of food by the end of the year.

"When we first started," said Bungert, "we were group of 10 people that ranged in age from late 20s to early 80s, and we have really come a long way."

Thanks to the CAA's program, the members are able to maintain a high level of consistency delivering the same kind of food each month. This, in turn, impacts pets, who can now maintain good digestive health with a stable diet. However, Bungert said the job is far from over. "We have a lot of work to do and we need a lot of help to do it," she said.

"It is amazing that a town that is as affluent as Ridgewood needs us, but this economy has been tough on everyone and we are just happy we can help in this little way," said Bungert.

They're focusing on mobilizing the community for help. Bungert said donations and volunteers are always needed. "I have a small army of people who work with me now," Bungert remarked. Although the citizens of Ridgewood and a slew of oganizations have been extremely generous with their time and donations, "we still need more" to fill the needs of the community, she said.

"We are so grateful for their participation and help," she said. "But I would love to get new people out."

With the dog days of summer in full swing, the Companion Animal Advocates are helping those dogs have better days.

If you'd like to get in touch with the Companion Animal Advocates, check out their website.