Modern Image Salon collecting for Furry Friends Food Bank

Many older Mainers are worried about having to make tough choices concerning the purchase of food and fuel to heat their homes. For these senior citizens who also are pet owners, the concern is compounded by needing to provide food for their beloved companions.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is working to help preserve the special bond between older adults and their pets with a Furry Friends Christmas program. The organization provides pre-packaged standardized bags of pet food and basic pet care supplies to low-income older adults on a monthly basis through its Furry Friends Food Bank (https://www.eaaa.org/furry-friends-food-bank/).

Modern Image Salon of Dover-Foxcroft is supporting the Furry Friends program for Christmas by collecting dog and cat food, animal supplies and toys at its 10 Lincoln St. location in Dover-Foxcroft. Pet owners are also being thought of through donations of articles of winter clothing, activity items and more.

“We had decided we wanted to do something for the elderly this year,” said owner Shari Sage, who has two dogs.

Sage and her sister and fellow stylist Robin Brasslett spoke with client Sherry French, who had brought the food bank to their attention.

Items can be dropped off at the 10 Lincoln St. location through Tuesday, Dec. 20. The wish list — posted on the salon Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Modernimage1999 — includes canned or dry dog food, dog bones treats and denture bones, collars, dog toys such as balls, kongs and stuffies, wet canned or dry cat food, better quality food products, any size bag of cat litter and feline toys or treats.

“We ended up adding the little treat for the person at the bottom just so that the person can get something as well,” Sage said because the wish list includes human suggestions to go along with the pet items. These are gloves, scarfs, hats, socks, adult coloring books, puzzles, puzzle books, postage stamps, chocolate and candy, among other things.

“It’s been great. Some people have brought in hats, mittens, scarves, puzzles,” she said. “We have a book of stamps, we have a couple of gift cards here on the desk for the people so it’s been really nice.”

Sage said clients have brought in a number of items for pets and people and some have told friends and family who then contributed. 

“People respond well to children but they seem to respond really well to the elderly with pets,” she said.

Sage said her grandmother is able to afford pet food. “Her little dog is her best friend/companion so I can relate to an elderly person that has a dog or a cat and saying ‘I need oil or food and the cat needs food’ and debating on what to do. So I am thrilled we get to do this.”

“It feels good to see people care about others this time of year,” she said. “This isn’t always the easiest time for everybody so it’s great to have somebody bring in a bag with a great big smile on their face.”

Brasslett said during one of the regular Facebook Live sessions that she and Sage asked viewers what charitable endeavor Modern Image Salon should do for this Christmas season. 

“Over half of them said something to do with the elderly,” Brasslett said. “We appreciate our clients’ input on what we do.”