Pet Valu in Chatham is about to play host to out-of-town furry friends, and they’re looking for help getting these lovable northern ‘invaders’ new homes in and around Chatham-Kent.
Rhonda Sondrol, franchise owner of the Grand Avenue West store, said the North Bay Humane Society (NBHS) reached out to see if Pet Valu would host an adoption weekend.
It’s not the first time the NBHS has brought animals here for adoption. Sondrol said the same thing occurred last September, when volunteers brought 18 cats and 22 dogs here.
“They went home empty handed. Everybody was adopted out,” Sondrol said. “The community really stepped up.”
She’s hoping for similar success this year. Where last year was an event that was planned months in advance, this one is taking place with about two weeks of lead time.
This year, the NBHS has had a large influx of animals. Sondrol said the organization is a hub in northern Ontario for sheltering strays, and the wildfires in Manitoba have also contributed to the added dogs and cats.
“Shelters are often left to deal with any animals that get left behind,” Sondrol explained. “They (NBHS) have been hit really hard with an abundance of animals.”
All the dogs that are coming down for hopeful adoption have been vetted and have been at NBHS for some time, she said.
“They have had to do an emergency adoption with all the influx,” Sondrol said.
As a result, she received short notice of a request for help, but she looks forward to helping.
“They will do anything to avoid euthanizing animals,” she said. “We’re all about heling the animals. This was an emergency situation. We’re trying to help everyone we can.”
Sondrol said her store also works with local shelters that seek to adopt out pets as well, “but I’ll help anyone who says they need the help.”
NBHS volunteers will hit the road this week for a 10-hour trip from North Bay to Chatham. It’s not a straight shot for vehicles filled with animals.
“They have to stop three or four times to feed, water and walk the dogs,” Sondrol said. “God bless the volunteers that come with them.”
Anyone interested in adopting can visit Pet Value at 647 Grand Ave. W. on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We hope to find a forever home for some animals,” Sondrol said.
