The weak economy is hitting many people hard, including senior citizens and their pets.

"We would cut back on something else to keep from letting him go, because if we let that dog go, we would both go too," said Clovina Stewarrt, AniMeals Recipient, suggesting that she couldn't live without her pet.

The SPCA of Wake County and the organization Resources for Seniors teamed up to help seniors keep their pets by creating the program AniMeals. It gives Resources for Seniors clients a month's supply of food every month.

Because in this tough economy more and more pets are showing up at the animal shelter, which could euthanize the animal.

"Often times pets offer the opportunity for seniors to have a companion and a reason to get up and get out of bed in the morning," said Tobi Bowen, Resources for Seniors

The Stewarrts have had Precious since he could fit in the palm of Clovina's hand -- at one time she said she didn't want another pet -- now she would give up her own food to keep this little guy.

"He's a whole lot of company, we get lonesome without him because not there's not that many people that come in and out," said Clovina.

Through donations to the SPCA's pet pantry, pups like precious can stay with their loved ones.

"He's precious and we wouldn't take a million dollars for him," said Dessie Stewarrt, AniMeals Recipient

Click here for more information on the AniMeals program.