RIVER FALLS – Among Friends Dementia Social Respite Program donated more than 400 packages of dog and cat food to the River Falls Food Pantry in July. Thanks to the generosity of local veterinarian Dr.

Richard Jones-Withhuhn, Among Friends participants and volunteers received and then divided hundreds of pounds of pet food into smaller packages for distribution to families and companion animals in need.

This service project has a variety of benefits, first of all to area families and their pets. One of the top reasons pets are surrendered to animal shelters is the cost associated with owning a pet. Having a few days of pet food available from the food pantry can help keep a beloved cat or dog at home with their family.

But this service project also benefits Among Friends participants, who loved doing it. The project offered a chance for participants to socialize with others while engaged in a purposeful activity. Moving the pet food from bins to bags, sealing and labeling the bags, and placing them in the appropriate places gave participants a sense of control and purpose, independence, and orderliness. And Among Friends participants take pride in helping others in the community.

Among Friends Dementia Respite Care Program provides respite care for individuals with dementia and their caregivers every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in River Falls. Contact Among Friends at 715-293-2561 for more information if your loved one experiencing dementia would like to join us.

Submitted by Jane Harred