In Montrose, Colorado, Chow Down Pet Supplies, owned by Tim and Krista Bush, has been recognized as a beacon of community support and animal welfare. The City of Montrose Animal Services Division proudly announced Chow Down Pet Supply as the recipient of the 2021 AWAC (Animal Welfare Association of Colorado) Friends of Animals Award. This esteemed accolade was presented at the Colorado Animal Welfare Conference in Black Hawk, Colorado, in September, celebrating Chow Down’s exceptional dedication to animal welfare.
Kari Kishiyama, Director of Animal Services, lauded Chow Down as a cornerstone of the Montrose community, emphasizing their significant and long-standing support for the Montrose Animal Shelter. “Chow Down pet supplies is more than just a store; it’s a community partner deeply invested in the well-being of shelter animals,” Kishiyama stated. She highlighted their proactive approach in promoting shelter animals and facilitating adoptions, noting, “First and foremost, they care about and help promote shelter animals.”
For several years, Chow Down Pet Supplies has been instrumental in organizing successful “adopt-a-thons” directly at their store. These events not only showcase animals in need of homes but also provide invaluable post-adoption resources. Chow Down’s knowledgeable staff offers guidance on pet nutrition and animal care, ensuring new pet parents are well-equipped. Furthermore, they generously provide starter kits of treats, toys, and training aids to families welcoming shelter animals into their homes.
Kishiyama further emphasized the expertise of Chow Down employees, stating they are “well-trained and knowledgeable” about the extensive range of pet food and care products available at Chow Down pet supplies. Beyond product expertise, Chow Down consistently donates essential supplies to the animal shelter, including comfortable bedding, secure carriers, and enriching toys, directly enhancing the comfort and well-being of animals awaiting adoption.
“Collaboration is key,” Kishiyama stressed, underscoring the vital partnerships between Animal Services and various community stakeholders – shelter partners, dedicated volunteers, compassionate adopters, and loving foster families. “These relationships are critical for us in our lifesaving and adoption efforts,” she added. She firmly concluded, “Chow Down Pet Supply is a huge asset to Montrose Animal Services by helping us to provide the best care for pet animals in our community. They are truly worthy of the ‘Friends of Animals’ award.”
During the holiday season, Chow Down pet supplies extends their generosity by actively participating in the “Animal Shelter Wish List” initiative. They not only contribute items themselves but also encourage their customers to participate, amplifying the support for shelter animals during a crucial time. Chow Down’s commitment further extends to their new downtown Montrose store location, which features a meticulously maintained and spacious cattery. This dedicated space allows the animal shelter to house cats and kittens in a comfortable environment, increasing their visibility and chances of adoption. Chow Down staff actively participates in maintaining the cattery, ensuring cleanliness and providing essential socialization and enrichment through toys and interaction for the feline residents.
Chow Down owner Krista Bush expressed her excitement upon receiving the award, highlighting that becoming a community resource for shelter animals has been integral to their business ethos since they opened their doors in Montrose in November 2012. “It has been a privilege to be in a position where we have been able to support our local shelters as well as to be in a community that is so responsive to our efforts,” Bush stated. “It was an honor to even be nominated for this award. We look forward to continuing to be a partner to Montrose Animal Control as well as other shelters in our area,” reaffirming Chow Down Pet Supplies’ ongoing commitment to animal welfare and community partnership.
