Introducing Dog Star Rescue’s Full Bowls Pet Pantry

At Dog Star Rescue, we believe no dog should go to bed hungry. That’s why we’ve launched Full Bowls, a brand-new initiative designed to help low- and fixed-income families keep their pets happy, healthy, and at home. The Full Bowls Pet Pantry is a community-powered effort providing free food enough kibble for a week per dog, plus occasional treats or toys entirely at no cost to eligible pet owners.

How It Started 

Question: What inspired Dog Star Rescue to launch Full Bowls?

Answer from Nichole Fortenbaugh, Executive Director of Dog Star Rescue: When I was previously with Nevada SPCA, their volunteer director, Merridith, ran a free pet pantry for families struggling during COVID. The need in the community was immense, and the impact of the program was incredible. It not only provided essential support to families across the county, but it also made use of donated food from those who could spare it, distributing it in a structured and meaningful way to help the greatest number of people. The pet pantry relied heavily on volunteer hours and manpower, and seeing firsthand, through the program creator Lori Heeren (executive director) and Megan (animal care director), how much good a community can achieve when people come together was inspiring. I knew this was something we needed to bring to Dog Star Rescue.

Question: What need inspired the creation of Full Bowls Pet Pantry, and how does it connect with Dog Star Rescue’s mission?

Answer: Seeing how many families were forced to surrender their pets due to financial hardship made it clear that a program like Full Bowls was essential. By providing support to keep pets in their homes, the pantry not only eases the burden on families but also directly supports Dog Star Rescue’s mission of guiding stray, abandoned, shelter, and owner-surrendered dogs to lifelong, caring homes. The more pets we can help stay with the families who love them, the more we can continue rescuing and rehoming others in need.

How It Works 

Families in need can access Dog Star Rescue’s Full Bowls Pet Pantry by checking the online calendar for available dates and completing a simple reservation form to secure a spot. On pickup day, each family receives a week’s supply of kibble per dog, with protein options when possible, and may also receive extras like wet food, treats, or toys if donations allow. The pantry is powered entirely by community support, with food provided through individual contributions, local drives, and business sponsorships including the option for companies to sponsor an entire month of meals. Managed and staffed by dedicated volunteers, the program is offered at no cost to families, ensuring dogs stay fed and at home, with plans to expand support for other pets in the future.

Meet the Volunteers Behind the Program

• Heather’s love of animals brought her to start volunteering at rescues about 30 yrs ago.  She loves animals and has 4 dogs and 3 cats. She has a  love of horses as well and enjoys them with her niece. She lives in the country with her partner Steve. ”I love gardening and playing in the dirt. I enjoy helping with charities and have helped with dog, cat and horse rescues.”
• Lindsay joined Dog Star Rescue earlier in 2025. She is passionate about giving back to the community and supporting both people and dogs. Outside of volunteering she enjoys spending time outdoors with her three dogs and fiancé, Luke.

Why This Program Is Needed in Our Area 

In Connecticut, over 516,000 residents, including 122,660 children struggle with food insecurity (ctfoodshare.org). Financial strain often extends to pets, with programs like the Connecticut Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry reporting a 345% increase in demand since COVID-19. (onegreenplanet.org).

Families facing economic challenges often encounter difficult choices: feed themselves or their pets, pay bills or buy pet food. These decisions can lead to pets being surrendered to shelters, The Full Bowls Pet Pantry initiative by Dog Star Rescue plays a vital role in addressing this issue. By providing free pet food to families in need, we not only support the well-being of pets but also contribute to the stability and unity of families during challenging times.

Ways to Support

Local businesses and schools can play a key role in supporting the Full Bowls 100% Pet Pantry initiative. There are many ways to get involved: sponsoring food drives, donating funds, setting up collection bins, or even matching donations collected from employees, students, or community members. Our Full Bowls volunteers can help your organization set up these initiatives, providing all the information and resources you need from start to finish to launch your program successfully.

Why Businesses and Schools Benefit from Partnering & How to Get Involved

Partnering with Dog Star Rescue’s Full Bowls Pet Pantry goes beyond giving back—it strengthens your connection to the community. For schools, it’s an opportunity to show younger generations the power of helping those in need. For businesses, it’s a chance to be recognized as a community leader, with supporters highlighted through social media, newsletters, and outreach to our 40,000-plus followers. Local businesses and schools can get involved by sponsoring food drives, donating funds, setting up collection bins, or matching contributions. Your support not only provides essential food to pets in need but also boosts visibility and builds stronger bonds with neighbors and families. Join us in making a real difference—your support helps keep pets healthy, happy, and at home with the families who love them. Reach out today to be part of this life-changing effort.

We would love to explore opportunities to work together as a community. Please email us at [email protected], or contact Executive Director Nichole Fortenbaugh directly at [email protected] to get started. Together, we can make sure no bowl goes empty and teach the next generation the importance of giving back.