A woman has started up a foodbank just for animals in the hope it will help families avoid having to give up their pets.

Linda Ellis, 55 who lives in Bushey, has been collecting pet food and donating to families in need since September.

Her unofficial work was sparked when she noticed the foodbank in Bushey village did not have a lot of pet food, so she decided to take matters in her own hands.

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She said: “People got pets during lockdown and now they realise that they can’t afford them.

“The shelters are crammed with animals, and I thought this will help to prevent people giving up their pets.”

Ms Ellis, who has two dogs herself, is a full-time carer for her husband who has ME, so funds are limited for the family.

She said: “I would never give my dogs up. I would rather go without food than them not eat.

“I use foodbanks myself sometimes, so I became aware that they do not all have pet food available.”

The mother of two started off her initiative by putting a post up on Facebook.

She asked for people to donate and she encouraged anyone who needed the food to contact her privately.

Ms Ellis said: “It’s all done in confidence; I don’t tell anyone’s names.”

Watford Observer: Ms Ellis realised normal foodbanks did not have pet food, so she started her own for families in need.Ms Ellis realised normal foodbanks did not have pet food, so she started her own for families in need. (Image: Pixabay)

The idea has picked up, as she now delivers pet food to people’s homes roughly three times a week in Bushey and the surrounding areas.

And she isn’t afraid to strike up conversations with people while she is out walking her dogs.

She added: “When I am in the park and see dog walkers, I go over to them and ask if they would be happy to donate.

“It can be any type of pet food.”

And if Ms Ellis is not around to pick up the pet food, she has a blue box placed outside her house for people to drop food off.

She said: “The people who have received food are so grateful and happy to feed their pets.”

If you would like to donate or receive food from Ms Ellis, you can email her via petsfoodbank@gmail.com.

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