Senior citizens in the Hopewell Valley who are interested in having their pets spayed or neutered at no cost can contact Animal Alliance, a local animal welfare organization, to arrange for a free spay or neuter for their pet. Partial funding for this program comes from a grant received from Hopewell Harvest Fair for 2008.
Volunteer drivers from Animal Alliance provide round-trip, door to door transportation for the pets and are returned to their owners the same day to recover at home.

The program started in conjunction with F.I.S.H., the local Meals on Wheels and transport organization that aids local senior citizens. Besides the obvious benefit of reducing the local pet overpopulation problem, unattractive behaviors of unaltered animals, such as male urine spraying, are eliminated or reduced through spay/neuter. This makes it easier for senior citizens to keep their beloved pets in their homes, thereby enhancing the quality of life for humans and pets alike. The program is limited to the first 20 applicants.

Additionally, Animal Alliance delivers free or reduced cost pet food & supplies to elderly residents of the Hopewell Valley if they cannot afford to purchase it, or have difficulty carrying it. In many cases, the pet food and supplies are donated outright or sold to Animal Alliance at a steep discount by a local pet supply store, Dogs and Cats Rule, located in Pennington in the Hopewell Crossing Shopping Center.

Store owners Joann and George Parente are happy to give back to the community in which their business is located, and are strong supporters of Animal Alliance’s pet adoption program, headquartered at their store. “We are pleased to support the senior citizen pet food delivery program. We know how important the human-animal bond is, and are more than happy to do our part to help keep pets in their homes,” say the Parentes. Pet food delivery is needs-based, and requires an intake meeting with Animal Alliance to assess the requirements of the household.

“Pet ownership is one of the most meaningful relationships in the lives of many people,” says Anne Trinkle, president of Animal Alliance. She says, “It is well known that animals offer companionship and boundless love and that is critically important to all humans, regardless of age. Animal Alliance is honored to assist the senior citizens of Hopewell and Pennington in responsible pet ownership, and thanks to the grant from Hopewell Harvest, we will be able to help many more local residents in 2008.”

“Animal Alliance." she adds, also facilitates the adoption of cats and dogs over the age of 8 years to senior citizens that are interested in the more relaxed pace of an older pet. Recognizing that some seniors have limited access to transportation, Animal Alliance will bring a pet for adoption for a home visit, rather than the prospective adopter having to go to an adoption day.”

Animal Alliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, is a volunteer organization that rescues animals in immediate danger of euthanasia from several animal shelters. Animal Alliance places animals removed from the shelters into foster homes where they are rehabilitated, spayed/neutered, restored to health, and readied for a speedy adoption to carefully chosen adoptive families. Animal Alliance finds euthanasia to be an unacceptable fate for adoptable animals, and strives to educate the public about the surplus of adoptable animals in shelters, the critical importance of spay/neuter, and responsible pet ownership. Call 609-818-1952 for more information.

The Hopewell Harvest Fair is a wonderful event, bringing together residents, businesses, and community organizations for a day of old fashioned fun and entertainment. The impact of the fair lasts all year long as the money raised from the fair is donated to local groups who provide important services to the community. Since 1987 the fair has donated over $136,000 to more than 50 non-profits. To volunteer for the fair or participate as a vendor, e-mail: Hopewell_Harvest_Fair@comcast.net

F.I.S.H. has been the "Meals on Wheels" and transportation provider for the Hopewell Valley since the early 1970s. It is a network of volunteers from all walks of life - all quietly providing a warm meal, a ride to a doctor appointment, and a friendly smile. Call 609-737-9123 to learn more about volunteering as a driver, transportation options, or about receiving Meals on Wheels deliveries.

Dogs and Cats Rule has been a popular destination for pet lovers at the Hopewell Crossing Shopping Center since 2005. The original store, in Newtown, PA, opened in 2001. Dogs and Cats Rule is a family-run business based on family values and qualities to fulfill the needs of pets and their people. With the philosophy that “Pets deserve the most natural, safe and well-made products that are available,” Dogs & Cats Rule is a leader in natural foods and pet supplies in the Hopewell Valley.