A 2022 criminal pet cruelty case shocked animal lovers in our quiet rural county. A local woman allegedly starved her dogs–one died, and several others were removed from her care. Why did she reportedly starve her animals? Did she not have money for kibble? That question made our first committee members eager to start our Pet Pantry program.
Our Pet Pantry will allow families in need to receive nourishment for their companion animals at their convenience, anonymously, and without shame.
Our Pet Pantry Boxes Follow the Little Free Pantry Model
We noticed a human food “Blessings Box” pop up in the Lewiston community. While nay-sayers in the community predicted it would be “tore up” within weeks, the box appears clean, stocked, and well-respected. Proof that unless you try something to help, you will never know if it will work or fail.
This concept comes from the “Little Free Pantry” movement. The concept is beautiful. It’s an idea of “take what you need, share when you can.” The movement builds goodwill within the community, neighbor helping neighbor.
We choose to keep a positive, open mind and be a beacon of hope for pet parents who might have short-term financial hardships. If our Pet Pantry locations mean that pet owners don’t need to surrender their companion animals, then the work is well worth the effort!
Pet Pantry Locations Serving Bertie County:
You can visit these current locations to help us by dropping off food to help nourish at-risk pets. Or, if you are a pet owner with a short-term pet food shortage, you can obtain some help at these sites:
- Askewville @ town hall (to the left side of the building in the grass). Bertie County Commissioner Ronald Roberson provided financial sponsorship to purchase the materials for this unit; volunteer Randy Tayloe of Aulander built it.
- Kelford @ town hall (behind the fire station). Bertie County Commissioner John Trent and his wife Beverly provided financial sponsorship to purchase the materials for this site; volunteer Randy Tayloe built it.
- Powellsville @ Powellsville Pet Clinic (between the two tall trees). Mr. and Mrs. Butch Hassell of Center Grove provided financial sponsorship to purchase the materials for this location; volunteer Randy Tayloe assembled it.
Two Future Locations (Sponsorship opportunities are available)
- Windsor (site TBD)
- Merry Hill/Midway Fire Department
If you can provide a $200 sponsorship for either of these pet pantries, please email us at advocate@caabertie.org or call us at 252.325.9526.
Sponsorship includes a placard on the pantry, social media shout-outs, and website acknowledgment. These units are under construction and will come from the hearts and hands of our local high school shop class.
Helping Hands From the Local High School
Mr. Dail, the woodshop teacher at Bertie High School, will guide students in the CTE program in building two Pet Pantry units. The students who work on this effort will sharpen their woodworking skills. They will also earn pride and recognition from grateful pet owners throughout the county.
