NORWICH – On Saturday, from 5–7 p.m. at the Norwich VFW, pet owners and lovers from around the county will gather in solidarity to raise both funding and awareness for a local nonprofit that's taken on its fair share of weight for thousands of animals in need throughout greater Chenango County.

For over a half-decade, All Animals Matter, Inc. (AAM) has conducted its business of compassion as an outreach for strays, ferals and pets of the area's less-than-fortunate in need of a hand-up.According to AAM founder Diane Troxell of Oxford, in 2015 alone more than 250 animals were spayed and neutered though AAM, and some 55 pets received emergency veterinary procedures with the help of funds channeled though All Animal Matter.

“It really all comes down to collaboration and relationships,” said Troxell. Troxell indicated that buy fostering a open dialogue and networking with several area veterinarians such as Compassionate Care in Norwich, and practices in Pittsfield and New Berlin, the nonprofit maximizes efficacy.

“These veterinarian practices have gone above an beyond by keeping rates reasonable so that AAM can assist in the cost of surgeries and emergency medical care for all animals,” said Troxell.

But the common bond of compassion for the four-legged furballs doesn't end at the vet's office.

In addition, AAM literally supplies tons of pet food to families and area shelters facing hard times. By working in conjunction with both pet food retailers and manufacturers, AAM leveraged those alliances in 2015 and secured food supplies in the thousands of pounds from Tractor Supply, volunteer donations from the employees of Frontier Communications in Sherburne in excess of 1,000 lbs., and a recent 2,000 lbs. donation form Chenango Valley Pet Nutrition located in the village of Sherburne.

Organizers of the event will provide their usual bounty of Spaghetti made with red sauce prepared by Baio family of New York Pizzeria of New Berlin; hand-made meatballs, salad, dessert pie and more.