Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Our pet food pantry is going to run out of food in three weeks. Help!

The Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD Pet Food Pantry serves cat colony caretakers, TNR trappers, rescues, and modest income pet owners. We currently have 60 household registered, 40 are active.

Each month, we distribute dry and canned food – typically 15 lbs of dry and 20 cans of wet plus occasionally some treats. We rely solely on donations.

Our caretakers are part of a Google Group where we discuss issues about stretching food, transportation, and peaceful coexistence with urban wildlife. This is where the magic happens – building community ties among people who can often be isolated. From these conversations we’ve coordinated ride sharing to reduce our carbon footprint. We’ve connected colony caretakers with experienced trappers to help TNR new cats. And – most importantly – we’ve built stronger ties and relationships.

Bringing food is often considered an important ritual to connect with people – we bring food to celebrate, to comfort, to grieve and to show that we care. Whether baked goods or a casserole, food can start a relationship, sometimes breaking down walls and fences.

For us, providing pet food serves a similar purpose – to connect neighbors doing very important work caring for animals, make sure they have the resources they need, and reduce the harm of isolation.

For the caretakers, providing food each day builds the trust necessary to keep the colony healthy. Cats who trust their feeder are easier to trap if necessary and monitor regularly.

Special request – three 32 gallon trash cans with locking lids, new or gently used (to keep critters out of the trash for some of our caretakers)

Our namesake, Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD, didn’t cook very much so he often showed up at events with a bucket of chicken and cookies from local grocery stores. But he showed up for his clients in need of pet food support in quiet and dignified ways. Many of his clients, mourning the loss of their beloved pet, would bring him their collars, leashes, and beds along with unused food, trusting that he would redirect it where needed. That spirit, that kindness permeates the pet food pantry.

We need donations of food now. A local Girl Scout is organizing a pet food drive for a silver star project. We’ve reached out to groups like 412 Food Rescue to redirect excess pet food. Our team has reached out to local labor unions both to bring pet owners into the pantry (being in a union doesn’t always mean big wages) and to invest in this project.

We are trying to build sustainable sources of pet food, but the very best resource is our neighbors.

If you can contribute, you will send these caretakers an important message about the valuable work they do.

Financial Donations and Wishlists

Bit.ly/GivePghCatFolx

Venmo @ PittsburghLGBTQ

Paypal.me/PittsburghLGBTQ

Wish List via Amazon bit.ly/TheRuffList

Wish List via Chewy

Checks payable to ‘Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities’ mailed to 1439 W. North Avenue Pittsburrgh, PA 15233

Donations Drop-Off Spots

*US Steel Workers lobby 60 Boulevard of the Allies

*1213 W North Avenue Manchester 15233 (some steps)

*1440 Faulsey Way Manchester 15233 (near Faulsey and Blake Way – this is my backyard)

Look for yellow cat folx signs and bins!

Suggested Items

Dry cat food – small and large bags, any brand. Purina and Rachael Ray are popular

Canned cat food – any brand or size. Partial quantities are fine.

Specialty foods – urinary tract, senior, etc

Special request – three 32 gallon trash cans with locking lids, new or gently used (to keep critters out of the trash for some of our caretakers)

Cat litter – any brand or size

Pet beds – in good gently used condition, any size or shape

We are very worried about March. We may have to cut distributions by 50% so everyone gets something, a cut that would really hurt the budgets of every household. With ‘kitten season’ coming, it is imperative that caretakers have trusting relationships with cats who must be TNR’d very soon.

We need 15 bags of food in the 15 lb or equivalent range to get through March. We also need 280 cans of wet food. We have enough dog food for March, but always welcome that as well.

Please organize a pet food drive – school project, neighborhood project, even workplace.

The trash cans would be a big help as spring approaches and hungry animals abound.

Thank you!