Sabtu, 16 November 2013

Needy pets benefit from BARk in York County

Updated: 11/16/2013 12:44:31 PM EST



An animal rescue group in West York is once again collecting pet supplies for pets of those in need this holiday season.


The need for the supplies has more than doubled since BARk, which stands for Borough Animal Response krew, began its Needy Pet Drive in 2009.


That year, the group of volunteers collected and distributed items for 30 pets. In 2012, that number rose to 78, said Shonda Laughman, a volunteer with the group.


'These people care for their pets and they (animals) have to eat, too,' said Shelley Metzler, the group's founder and member of the borough council.


Collection: Items the group collects include everything from dog and cat food to treats and leashes.


Metzler, who is also the borough's animal control officer, collects items throughout the year and stores them in her basement. Donors typically leave items on the porch of the North Clinton Street home.


'I come home and there's something on the porch,' she said. 'That basement room ... you won't be able to be in because it gets that filled.'


Though the nonprofit BARk is based out of West York, it distributes supplies across York County. Last year, volunteers filled two cars with items the day they were distributed, Laughman said.


But come Dec. 21 - the day volunteers will dole out the items - they'll have the aid of West York Ambulance to help deliver the goods, she said.


Bazaar: Another new addition this year is the 1st Annual Holiday Bazaar, to be held at the West York Fire Dept., 1341 W. Market St., from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 22.


Thirty vendors are slated to set up shop and items such as crafts will be for sale. The fire department also will open its kitchen to sell food and drinks.


The Hanover-based Paws for Homes will have dogs that are up for adoption, and the West York Cat and Kitten Rescue will have felines that are up for adoption at the event.


Children, of the two- and four-legged kind, can have their pictures taken with Santa for a $5 donation or a donation to the pet drive.


Metzler said some of the proceeds will be used for the pet drive while the rest will be used to buy a microchip scanner, which ranges in price from $800 to $1,000.


When BARk volunteers find a lost or stray animal, the only way to see if the animal has a microchip with vital information such as an address for its owner, is to take it to a veterinarian's office.


'The scanner can get them back home sooner,' Metzler said.


Donations for BARk's Needy Pet Drive can be dropped off at 43 N. Clinton St. in West York. To be added to a list to receive pet supplies, call (717) 880-2957, or email westyorkbark@gmail.com.


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