Pet Food Pantry

"Initially it was open from November through March, but because of the economy we've decided to run it year-round," said Chrissy Tomkiewicz, director of A Helping Paw Pet Food Pantry."



"The prolonged winter may finally be behind us and many Iowans are starting their spring planting. Iowans who have dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outdoors may want to consider -not- planting certain flowers and plants. Tom Colvin is executive director of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the state's largest animal shelter. Colvin says some common plants can be killers.

Colvin says daffodils, chrysanthemums, oleander, autumn crocus and even the green parts of the tomato plant, the leaves and stems, can be poisonous to pets. Other flowers, fruits and vegetables that could present a threat to a pet's life include: begonias, hydrangeas, azaleas, lilies, cherries, onions and rhubarb. Colvin says another popular flower can be extremely harmful to dogs that like to dig in the dirt."