Copperopolis Pet Food Pantry, A Dawg-Gone Good Idea

Choosing between giving your dog away or letting it go hungry is one of the most difficult decisions an animal owner in financial straits may ever have to make. While it seems as if it may be a simple answer when standing on the outside looking in, from where the dog owner stands, it is anything but simple.

Many responsible pet owners are finding themselves in a position they never imagined they would be in. With the economy sliding and the jobless rate rising, many pet owners are finding themselves unemployed, or their hours being cut back. The first logical thought would seem to be to give the pet to the local pound or rescue agency; however, again due to the poor economy the local humane societies are seeing a huge rise in surrendered animals and are finding it more and more difficult to find homes for them. This supply and demand problem almost never ends well for the pet.

Michelle and Jaymes (Jay) Herman of Copperopolis have come up with what they hope is a local solution for some pet owners. Michelle and Jay own the Copper Thrift Store on O’Byrnes Ferry Road near the transfer station. Being animal lovers, their thrift store donates 40% of their monthly profits to the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As they expand their location to now include what use to be the Copper Mail Center, they are accepting donations of canned and or bagged animal food. They will be distributing free food the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of every month for those in temporary need of food for their pets while supplies last. Michelle and Jay are hoping to be able to lend that little helping hand that will get someone over that financial hump so that they do not have to give up their pet.

Michelle has applied for a 501 (c)3, yet while awaiting for the finalization of that paperwork, donations of food can still be made and Copper Thrift will gladly generate a receipt for your donation.

Pet food can be dropped off at Copper Thrift Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For more information please call 785-6776