LYNCHBURG -- Hold the phone, Mother Goose! It seems an apology is in order -- an apology to all the pet owners who honestly believed Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard was, or rather, is, bare.

Thanks to a civic-minded pet store owner in Lynchburg, the much-maligned cupboard is freshly stocked, and available for struggling pet owners.

Jean Tarazewich, owner of J.J.'s Pampered Pets on Wards Road, said she conceived the idea for Mother Hubbard's Pet Food Cupboard when she realized what a hard time pet owners were having caring for their animals during the current economic crisis.

"They've got food banks for people. They don't have food banks for people with pets, and our pets are important," Tarazewich said.

"The phone's been ringing the past six or eight months with people saying, 'Can you find a home for Fluffy?' "

Costs of food and grooming mixed with a dismal economic climate, she said, have made it harder than ever for pet owners to keep their pets healthy and happy.

Mary Gutknecht said her retired husband has been looking to re-enter the work force because of the strain of the poor economy, and with the money they have to shell out for pet care, they have to let some things slide.

The cupboard opened on a recent Saturday, and Tarazewich said the turnout was small.

"We gave away 10 pounds of cat food and 20 pounds of dog food," she said. Adding Gutknecht to that list, she said she helped three families altogether.

"I was hoping for a soft opening anyway, so that we could get ourselves together," she said.

Angela Doss stumped for donations across the area, and said of the 20 or so people and businesses she contacted, only two refused to donate.

"There's a good amount of interest out there," Doss said.

After weeks of soliciting donations and putting up fliers, Tarazewich said she had some apprehension about the turnout.

"What I would like to see is the community to get involved and start dropping off donations," she said.

The point, she said, is to spread the word that there is help for those owners who want to keep their pets, but can't afford the necessities.