We started Pounds for Pounds in 2020. My husband Pat and I had just moved to Citrus Springs and we knew no one. So we decided to go door to door with flyers, inviting neighbors to my birthday party, not asking for presents but just to bring a bag of cat or dog food, and that's what they did. That first year we raised 756 pounds of kibble and we were thrilled, just amazed with the kindness and generosity of our new neighbors. That food we donated to Citrus County Animal Services.

Unfortunately the next year, I had to take off as I finally had to admit that I had a drinking problem. I had been Baker Acted for a suicide attempt and then finally I went into a local rehab center and then to an outpatient center in Del Ray Beach. Best thing I ever did for myself and family. I lost a lot of friends and some family during that time and I will always be sorry for that.

Funny story, right before I went into rehab a mommy cat and 8 kittens showed up at our back door. We called the Dad "Mr. Hissy" because the two or three times we saw him that was his response, lol. We tried to get them all fed and used to us but unfortunately in the wild only Mommy and three kittens stayed with us (Mama, Martin, Mike and TJ). Two others our friends took home, the others disappeared sadly. The kittens were cuddlers but mama was leery so before we got close enough to her she was pregnant again. It was the most beautiful experience that I have ever witnessed. She was all set up in our bedroom and the day she went into labor she called to me until I came and sat with her while she gave birth. Just amazing. That day we were the proud parents of 13 cats... So to rehab I went and left Pat with them all. Sadly when I came home we had to surrender the litter to CCAS. We both left the shelter with tears.

Year two came and I was ready to make up for the year missed. More flyers and door knocking, we had a band, vendors and a food truck. We raised over 1,300 pounds that year and I was blown away. People donated crates, toys, even a cat tree. All of the food and supplies were again donated to CCAS.

Year three we changed it up and had our donations go to O.H.A.R, Open Hands Animal Rescue. They are wonderful people that foster ALL kinds of animals throughout multiple counties. We had a great time meeting and working with all of the volunteers. That year to our astonishment we raised 2,106 pounds of pet food for them.

So I started early for 2025 and it paid off. I was lucky enough to meet Steve Burden of Burdens Woodworking and of Rainbow Springs Art Gallery in Dunnellon in 2024 and he introduced me to the Gallery and all its local artists. We had a great local band, a delicious food truck and 6 vendors, three from the Gallery. We raised 3,116 pounds of food, unreal. We again donated to CCAS.

As we plan 2026, our 5th year, we are always looking for new friends, neighbors, volunteers, donors, and charities in need. We are hoping to grow every year, with your help by Leaps and Pounds. - Andrea