Low-income senior citizens who receive assistance from Meal on Wheels are often faced with a choice between feeding themselves or the four-legged friends that keep them company and enhance their health and wellbeing. Meals on Wheels of Fairfield County developed a program called Food 4 Paws so they no longer have to do that.

It’s a pet support program that provides pet food, vet care, grooming, flea and tick treatments and emergency boarding services so seniors and their pets can stay healthy and together.

The program is funded entirely by donations, and Diley Ridge Medical Center is pitching in. On Saturday, April 29, staff members will be collecting dry or soft pet foods in the medical center parking lot to donate to the program. You can stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to drop off food items or make a donation. To learn more, contact Samantha Schmitz at 614-838-7976 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..