Holiday animal shelter donation drive to match one for one
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| Janel McLain, owner of Dog Gone Rescue, volunteers her time to find homes for dogs like Gunner and Scooter. (CNA photo by SARAH BROWN) |
Man’s best friend gets a special treat this holiday.
Creston Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) and Dog Gone Rescue have partnered with Creston News Advertiser to collect donations for shelter animals in need.
For every donation received, Creston News Advertiser will give one dollar, up to $100, for every donated item.
To Janel McLain, owner of Dog Gone Rescue, this means so much.
“The community has been so supportive of our efforts,” said McLain.
McLain started her rescue efforts as a volunteer for C.A.R.E., working with the city of Creston to expand the pound, caring for and cleaning the animals.
“I volunteered to help at city pound with Creston Animal Rescue for a short time, but wanted to try to keep animals out of city pounds and help animals that the city can not help, such as animals out of the city limits,” said McLain.
In an effort to help animals outside of C.A.R.E.’s reach, McLain started Dog Gone Rescue in March of 2011.
“I really wanted to help my community and see a need,” said McLain. “I decided I am just gonna do what I think needs to be done.”
McLain said some of the animals she helps are dumped out in the country by owners who no longer can or want to care for them.
“These are places that don’t have animal shelters or services to take care of abandoned or lost animals,” said McLain.
McLain also builds dog houses for owners who might not otherwise be able to afford proper shelter for their pets.
“Right behind my building there was a dog with no food, water, shelter, nothing,” said McLain. “My mission was to build her a dog house and educated her owners and now they are taking better care of her.”
With salvaged wood from Innovative Industries, McLain built her first dog house.
Since then, McLain has built more than 30 dog houses from wood and paint donations from Akins Building Center and Innovative Industries, and food donations from HyVee.
“I’m not in it for the money,” said McLain, “I just want to make sure these animals are cared for.”
McLain recently acquired 501(c)(3) status for Dog Gone Rescue.
“I am very excited,” said McLain. “This will help with fundraising, grant writing, and all donations are now tax deductible.”
Mycale Downey, director of Creston Animal Rescue Effort said the donations will help care for animals in the city pound and in foster care.
“Many of these animals are people’s pets that escape and many return to their homes” said Downey. “The city only provides so much.”
Creston News Advertiser’s donation drive runs now until Dec. 28. Donated items may be dropped off at 503 W. Adams St.
Local animal shelters depend on the generosity of the community to sustain them. All donations collected through the Creston News Advertiser will go directly to Creston Animal Rescue Effort and Dog Gone Rescue in support of homeless animals in the community.
Donations for Creston Animal Rescue Effort and Dog Gone Rescue may be dropped off at Creston News Advertiser now until Dec. 28.
For more information, contact C.A.R.E. at (641) 782-2330 or Dog Gone Rescue at (641) 202-6289.
