With the slowing economy, some people have trouble supporting the four-legged members of the family.

The SPCA of Wake County wants to keep pets in homes and out of the shelters.

"We've seen a 30 percent increase in owner surrenders," said , Hope Hancock, executive director of the Wake County SPCA.

They organized a Pet Pantry, and invited people to come get a month supply of food on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday was the first day they gave out food.

"When you got a dog, it's like a baby. You get attached to them when they're young, and then you watch them grow old, and that's where the love comes in at, you know, just watching them grow," said Alvin Gregory, who received donations for his two dogs.

Some people, like Frank Gordon donated food.

"I can't imagine having to give away what amounts to my children, having to give them away and hope they are cared for the way I care for them," he said.

The SPCA of Wake County is reaching out to the community by giving families enough food to feed their pets for a month.

"And we need donations, but this food is donated, it's being parceled and packaged, pretty scientifically based on the weight of the animal," said Hancock.

And some people got their food, just in time.

"One that sticks out, is a man who has a German Shepard, that he couldn't feed last night, just didn't make it, couldn't feed last night, so this is just in the knick of time," said Hancock.

The SPCA of Wake County says the pet pantry is just a temporary fix to get families through tough times.

For more information on the SPCA of Wake County's services and other discount vet services visit www.spcawake.org.