Rutland man's lucky break as pet foodbanks pop up around country
It's as the cost of living continues to put pressure on affording extra costs
As the cost of living crisis continues for people in Stamford and Rutland, some people have been feeling the squeeze in caring for their pets.
It's as charities across the country have been forced to set up pet foodbanks to help people feed their pets during the pressing times, and to avoid an upturn in abandoned animals.
One man from Rutland - named Ben for anonymity reasons - was recently made homeless, and is currently trying to get back on his feet by working in a pet store in the county.
He says if it wasn't for his line of work, he simply wouldn't be able to feed his dog the necessary food she needs:
'In terms of feeding my dog, it would be very vey difficult. I mean my dog's nearly 12. I've had her since 8 weeks old. (I've) been through everything with her. She does need a lot of kind of specialist high quality food with all the joint care incorporated.'
'It's something I wouldn't be able to afford without my reps helping me along and feeding my dog on behalf of me selling their food for them. But I would be very much lost without working in a pet shop, without my dog being fed food for free.'
Ben was made homeless from a rented property last year after COVID laws changed over housing, but has since found a place whilst he gets back on his feet.
'I think we're very lucky being in the pet trade, but not so lucky for all these people that can't afford dog food.'
'I think if everybody, instead of chucking away food they don't need, to give it to a noble charity, because there's so many dogs and so many people that can't afford this food. I think it's a really good idea to help the charities.'