Since Oasis opened in Oshawa, we have tried to provide the necessities of life for pets that have found themselves in undesirable circumstances. You could say it’s why we exist.

Some of these services vary and include finding homes for abandoned pets, setting up a network of foster homes for interim care as well as other services.

Oasis Animal Food Bank

We have also set up an Animal Food Bank to help people who have found themselves in financially distressed circumstances.

At Oasis we believe it’s a noble endeavour, but we know it is An Absolute Necessity.

Unfortunately, this view is not held by all in our community.

How sad that an individual who purports to be a proponent of animal welfare would encourage the population at large NOT to support an animal food bank that is serving the neediest of the needy in the community.

As a matter of record, and even if Oasis Animal Rescue was not mentioned specifically, she generally disagrees with Animal Food Banks which, by extension, reflects on us as well!

This troubling opinion is expressed on her Facebook page where she says:

“While I can understand and appreciate the idea of Animal Foods Banks, it really does more harm than help. How can I say this? Unlike our digestive systems, animals are very different. Oh you do get some that can eat just about anything; however, more often than not changing their diet creates digestional[sic] and intestional[sic] upset which causes vomiting and diharea[sic] in our beloved little friends.“

This idea is sadly mistaken.

Common sense denotes that a change in diet for an animal who has been fed regularly and, might I add, daily on a specific brand of commercial food could potentially experience diarrhoea or minor gastrointestinal upsets unless the switch is gradual.

Not so, however, for animals that go days without eating and then consume what can be purchased at the most inexpensive and convenient outlet possible.

I would think starving is far more harmful to an animal’s overall well being than a change in diet.

She goes on to say:

“Helping those with pets once and awhile is a nice thing to do, everyone hits a bump in the road now and then; however, keep in mind pets are not a right but a privelage[sic] and if you can not afford to take the beloved for regular check ups and provide daily food then perhaps you sould[sic] pass on the purchase of that cute little furry critter.“

This is a totally ludicrous statement.

The vast majority of people did not buy a pet during a crisis. The pet was a member of the family long before there even was a crisis!

People lose jobs, get sick and encounter financial problems every day. This segment of our society struggles day to day to feed themselves and their pets.

It would appear, as well from this statement, that seniors, disabled individuals, students, the unemployed and financially and emotionally challenged members of our community have no right to own an animal/pet.

These folks are, in fact, often more respectful of and devoted to their pets than the average owner. The desire they show to insure proper care for their pets is as compassionate and responsible as those who are financially secure.

If the care and well-being of animals is the goal, why spout-off about pets being a privilege and not a right, especially in the face of a crisis which could happen to anyone of us!

The fact that folks reach out to an animal food bank on occasion is to be applauded, not condemned.

No one, I repeat, NO ONE, accumulates multiple animals in the knowledge that an animal food bank will supply their daily nutritional requirements.

In closing her post she states:

“I would ask that you please don’t fall into the trap of Animal Food Banks, while the idea is very noble, I am terrified of the concept and how many animals will actually suffer rather than being helped.“

You can take part in the discussion on her Facebook page here…

We have a Food Bank For Animals because we care and want to make nutritious food available to all that are in need! Don’t be confused by the opinions of some individuals that can only be termed as misguided to say the least!

If you are in need, visit Oasis! Talk to our staff and volunteers. Learn who our customers are and why they utilize our services.

Educate yourself on the true workings of an animal food bank.

Our doors are open to everyone, even the people which do not share our views.

Janet Smith