Many people think of their pets as furry little children. When they can’t come up with enough cash to feed Fido, it’s devastating. And pet owners usually can’t just pick up a can of Purina at their local food pantry – most only provide human food. Too often, people in such situations are forced to decide between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. Thankfully, the Chippewa Valley Cat Club and Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital have devised a solution. In 2011, the CVCC held its first annual pet food drive, collecting 500 pounds of food to distribute across the Chippewa Valley. Since then, they have partnered with Oakwood Hills, and the drive has grown tremendously, wielding nearly 4,000 pounds of pet food last year. The drive, housed at St. Francis Food Pantry, allows hundreds of people to keep their pets and feed themselves. This year’s pet food drive began Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15. To help a pet owner who has fallen on hard times, donate dog or cat food, treats, or litter at one of the collection barrels scattered around the Chippewa Valley. Collection locations include Boxx Sanitation, Chippewa Veterinary Clinic, Eau Claire Animal Hospital, emBark, all Eau Claire Gordy’s locations, Kindness Animal Hospital, Northside Pet Hospital, Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital, Pet Food Plus, Riverview Animal Hospital, The Ark Animal Hospital, and Unity Christ Center.