Montrose, CO –  The City of Montrose Animal Services Division is pleased to announce Chow Down Pet Supply owners Tim and Krista Bush as the recipients of the 2021 AWAC (Animal Welfare Association of Colorado) Friends of Animals Award. 

Award recipients were recognized at the Colorado Animal Welfare Conference in Black Hawk, Colorado, in September. 

Kari Kishiyama, director of Animal Services, said Chow Down is a community-oriented institution that has provided tremendous support to the Montrose Animal Shelter over the years in a variety of ways. 

"First and foremost, they care about and help promote shelter animals," Kishiyama said. 

Spanning several years now, Chow Down and its staff have organized "adopt-a-thons" at the store, providing post-adoption information about nutrition and caring for animals, as well as providing treats, toys, and training.

Kishiyama said Chow Down employees are well-trained and knowledgeable on the wide variety of pet food and care products and provide donations of supplies, including bedding, carriers, and toys for the shelter animals. 

"Collaboration is key, between Animal Services and the community - shelter partners, volunteers, adopters, and foster families - and these relationships are critical for us in our lifesaving and adoption efforts," Kishiyama said.  "Chow Down Pet Supply is a huge asset to Montrose Animal Services by helping us to provide the best care for pet animals in our community. They are truly worthy of the ‘"Friends of Animals’" award." 

During the holiday season, Chow Down contributes items from the "Animal Shelter Wish List" and encourages its patrons to do the same. Chow Down's new store location in downtown Montrose includes a clean, spacious cattery where the shelter can house cats and kittens available for adoption. The staff helps to keep the cattery clean and provides the cats with toys and socialization, according to Kishiyama.

Chow Down owner Krista Bush said receiving the award was exciting, and the work to become a community resource for shelter animals has been part of their business since opening in Montrose in November 2012. 

"It has been a privilege to be in a position where we have been able to support our local shelters as well as to be in a community that is so responsive to our efforts," Bush said. "It was an honor to even be nominated for this award. We look forward to continuing to be a partner to Montrose Animal Control as well as other shelters in our area." 

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