Viewfinder: Charity Expands to Help More Pets

, Hightower Farm's founder and owner, is excited about the possibilities her new venture will offer needy pets in Gwinnett County.

Barrett-Grove has merged her non-profit corporation, Hightower Farms, with Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen. 

Daffy's is owned and operated by Tom Wargo, who after seeing a need for families who couldn't afford to feed their pets, decided in 1997 to start his own nonprofit. He bought pet food with his own money and gave it to people straight from his truck. Wargo says the dogs and cats he helped feed were often the only good thing in their owners’ lives. 

With Barrett-Grove's help, Daffy's has grown by leaps and bounds. The nonprofit has recently opened up shop in a new 2,000 square foot office and warehouse in Lawrenceville.

Daffy's sometimes hands out over 35,000 pounds of pet food per month. The Lawrenceville location serves needy people and their pets from more than 20 counties in Georgia.

Barrett-Grove says she merged with Daffy's for one important reason -- to help keep pets in their homes.

"This way, there's less focus on rescue and more focus on feeding," she said. "If pet owners can feed their pets, they're less likely to surrender them. That keeps them out of rescues and shelters, and it saves lives."

For information about donating to Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen or for information about the assistance it offers, visit their website.