Paws Pantry cares for local pets

The Granton Corps Paws Pantry is helping locals doing it tough to feed their beloved pets as prices rise.

BY MARTIN DONEGAN

There was a canine cacophony, not to mention a feline furore when Granton Salvation Army in Edinburgh, Scotland, hosted its first ‘pet blessing’ ceremony leading up to Christmas.

Chaplain Andrew Howe conducts the first pet blessing just prior to Christmas last year, as Lorraine Duncan looks on.

The ceremony followed on from The Salvation Army’s Paws Pantry pet foodbank, which takes place every fortnight at the Granton Corps, serving a large community in the north of the city.

Owners can also relax, pets permitting, in the community cafe - a warm and friendly space where people can meet for a chat, plus free tea, coffee and cake before taking advantage of the foodbank and the optional pet blessing afterwards.

“The Paws Pantry pet foodbank has been a huge success since it was launched in 2021,” said Lorraine Duncan, community program manager who runs the Granton Centre. “When times are tough it ensures people are not forced to give up their pets as costs increase. For many locals who attend, their animal is a friend, companion or much-loved family pet – the thought of giving that up is stressful and heartbreaking. If we can prevent that happening, then we have succeeded.

Pets are part of the family for so many people who come to Paws Pantry pet foodbank.

“Our wellness cafe and digital hub also provide a comprehensive range of support including digital skills, employability, mental health support, financial inclusion, and diet and nutrition.  

“We deliver support in seven other locations in Edinburgh to ensure the support is accessible city wide; and via our partnerships, debt advice, advocacy for benefits, food and fuel aid are all available.”  

Andrew Howe, chaplain at Granton Corps, delivered the blessing. “This ceremony is a way of acknowledging the blessing that a pet can be for someone who is lonely or isolated, the happiness and learning animals bring to children or simply the selfless joy of looking after one of God’s creatures,” he said.

Locals bring their pets of all shapes and sizes to the foodbank.

The Granton Corps is a centre for The Salvations Army’s digital skills and employability services. Funded by the Good Things Foundation, the digital skills team provide a range of support, either one-to-one, or in group workshops, in person or remotely.

This article first appeared on The Salvation Army's UK and Ireland Territory website.