2009.07.24
Christmas comes early for some needy pets
Two area animal shelters are having "Christmas in July" drives to put a little kibble in the bowls for hungry pets.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA has been participating in the month-long drive in conjunction with area senior services organizations. Donations can be dropped off at senior care centers all over Roanoke (for a list of drop off locations, click here) or at collection boxes at Kroger, Ukrop's, K-92 Radio Station, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, and the RVSPCA.
Donations will benefit the animals at the RVSPCA and dry food will be repackaged for distribution to the pets of recipients of Meals on Wheels and for the Bethel Baptist Church, Botetourt and Manna Ministries food pantries.
To cap off the "holiday" season, Loyalton of Roanoke will host a cookout on Friday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A bag of cat or dog food and a $5 donation will get you a hot dog lunch. Loyalton is located at 3585 Brambleton Avenue.
The Franklin County Humane Society is also celebrating Christmas in July and is looking for donations of Purina One kitten, cat, puppy and dog food, cans of Fancy Feast or Friskies kitty food, Iams dog/puppy food, bones and treats, or Wal-Mart or PetSmart gift cards.
(In case you wonder why sometimes shelters specify a particular type of food for a donation, it's because it's best to keep animals- especially ones in a shelter environment which, no matter how well maintained, is stressful for social critters- on a consistent diet. Much less chance for stomach and digestion problems.)
Donations can be dropped off at the adoption center on U.S. 220, the Pet Clinic of Rocky Mount, the Uttermost Company and Westlake Veterinary Medical Hospital.
I also got e-mails from Jenny Richardson and Anita Scott, two of the volunteers I interviewed for my column about the new adoption center. The FCHS took in seven dogs surrendered by a backyard breeder this week and they are hoping for cash donations to the shelter to cover the medical bills for these pooches.
The dogs are various toy breeds, including Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, a Pekingese, and range from 3- to 7-years-old.
All of the dogs have hookworms; two had to have teeth extracted and one had bladder stones. Another dog, Fiona, gave birth to two puppies after the shelter took her in. Each of the dogs had to be bathed several times and shaved because their fur was matted and crusted in dirt and feces.
Lloyd- before
Lloyd- after
Scott said all but the new mother and her litter have been committed to rescue groups. Fiona and her puppies will be in foster care until they can be adopted. If you want to donate, go the shelter's Web site for PayPal, or send a donation to the Franklin County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2118, Rocky Mount, Va., 24151
Nona,
Thank you so much for telling the story of these babies. They have been through so much but still trust humans and are sweet. Any donation no matter how small will be greatly appreciated. We are extremely thankful for your support - it is obvious you are an animal lover. You are the best!
Thanks,
Jenny
Volunteer, Franklin County Humane Society
Comment by Jenny Richardson — July 24, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
Thank you Nona for putting the word out for these needy animals. All groups could always use more volunteers and foster homes as this helps those elderly or very young, timid or at risk animals (dogs and cats) who would not do well in a shelter environment. Thanks for talking the talk and walking the walk Miss Nona!! Diane
Comment by Diane Novak — July 24, 2009 @ 8:24 pm