by Lynne Snierson, publicity director, Rockingham Park

Salem, NH — The second annual Rockingham Park Pet Food Drive to benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank, held over the July 4th holiday weekend to help families in need keep their beloved companion animals from going hungry, exceeded all expectations and was an even bigger success than last year’s stellar effort.

While the exact total won’t be known until the New Hampshire Food Bank collects and weighs the donations on Tuesday (July 7), Rockingham Park officials estimate that more than 5,000 pounds of pet food was contributed by all segments of the community over the three-day weekend. Last year, 3,000 pounds of dog and cat food were donated to the effort on the same holiday weekend.

This outpouring of generosity and compassion for animals who are suffering is astonishing, especially considering the current state of the economy. All segments of the community came together to open their hearts and their wallets, and it is indeed heart-warming to know that even in these tough times, people still possess an abundance of kindness and caring.

Food pantries in the Granite State and all over the country are experiencing a dramatic increase in demand for pet food while their supplies and donations continue to shrink. Not only are people have a difficult time feeding their families, but their pets are having to do without as well. The New Hampshire Food Bank is being besieged with requests for pet food at all of its outlets and the need is growing.

The need has become so great that many people are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to surrender their beloved household pets because they can no longer afford basic dog or cat food. With shelters and animal welfare agencies already overburdened and under funded, the situation is dire.

We are all animal lovers at Rockingham Park. We are gratified to be able to provide some relief in what has become a crisis situation so that those in need can keep their pets, who are their best friends, in their homes.

Rockingham Park also provided the opportunity for racehorse and greyhound retirement foundations and the Salem Animal Rescue League to be on hand at the track on Saturday and Sunday so that interested people could learn more about adopting pets or racing animals after their careers on the track are completed.

Several of the dogs who were up for adoption successfully found new homes and loving families at the event, and many more people made appointments to visit with available cats, dogs, and horses.

The entire community rallied together to support the Pet Food Drive, and donations poured in from a variety of sources. PetSmart, Dodge Grain Company, Sea World Pet Center, Target, and Shaw’s Supermarkets, all in Salem, Hannaford’s in Hampstead, Woof It Down Pet Store in Windham, the Veterinary Emergency Center of Manchester, private citizens, the horsemen at the racetrack, racing fans, and the employees and staff of Rockingham Park all contributed generously. Clear Channel Radio, Entercom Communications, 92.5 FM The River, and WGAM Radio also donated time and talent.