She adopted Cocoa three years ago from a local shelter. Just as she was going through radiation treatments for breast cancer. A cat that likely became the most powerful part of her treatments.

She lives on about $300 per month in SSI payments and a smattering of food stamp benefits. With disabilities that keep her from working. Yet she has her cat. And that cat is likely what gets her out of bed each morning.

A cat that has no food. Which is why she contacted The Pongo Fund. Could we help, she asked? Food and litter, too? And could we deliver?

Because she said she was so broke she could not even afford gas for her car. A drive of more than 60 miles from downtown Portland.

We could not even call to tell her yes, that we could deliver. Because her phone had been shut off for lack of payment.

But if we could have talked with her, we would have told her that help is on the way.

Because our Emergency Kibble Response Team would soon be at her door. Cat food. Litter. And likely a whole refrigerator worth of good people food too. Because it is important that she too have good food to eat.

Our Kibble Courier for this trek shall remain anonymous. She wants it that way. Because she’s a well-known public servant. With a name that has appeared in the news many times.

This Kibble Courier with a smile that heals wounds with words and a heart that sings songs of grace and courage. This woman who always leaves things better than they were and inspires others to do the same.

Tonight a hungry cat will have dinner. And a clean place to poop. And the woman that loves her cat will also feel the love.

All delivered by a woman who has spent her life helping others. With little in return other than the satisfaction of having helped.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia

All for a cat named Cocoa. And the woman who loves her.

Because this is how it works in the Land of Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

(While it may not make sense, the photo is quite meaningful to one person in particular)