WACO, Texas — As the federal government shutdown continues and paychecks remain on hold, most of the attention has centered on families struggling to make ends meet. But local animal rescues say pets are feeling the effects too.

The Pet Circle Regional Animal Center and the Humane Society of Central Texas are sounding the alarm, saying they’re doing everything they can to keep pets and their owners together during this uncertain time.

At the Humane Society in Waco, the phones haven’t stopped ringing — and the calls aren’t just about adoptions.

“Just this morning, I’ve had about 30 calls from people asking for help feeding their pets,” Carmen Cheek, foster coordinator for the Humane Society, said.

Cheek said the nonprofit’s pet food pantry has seen a major spike in demand since the

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