The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

February 12, 2010

Local pets could starve without donations of dog and cat food

Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry helps meet needs of disadvantaged pet owners

By Courtney D. Clark

Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry is asking for donations to help meet the needs of disadvantaged pet owners.

Pam Romansic, founder and director of the nonprofit organization in Beckley, says local pets could starve without donations of dog and cat food.

“It is a tragedy that pet owners cannot afford to feed their companions, forcing them to either abandon or surrender their pets to already overcrowded shelters,” Romansic said Friday.

She founded WWPP in March 2009 with help from friends and family.

One of its kind in southern West Virginia, the organization has already given more than 6,000 pounds of pet food, helping numerous families, local shelters and over 350 pets.

“The calls have increased dramatically due to nasty weather and a bad economy,” Romansic said.

“Local businesses are laying off and people are surrendering more and more animals. We want to at least give these pet owners some food so they don’t have to turn them in to animal shelters.”

The organization has been operating primarily out of Romansic’s home and her office at Chipley Chiropractic.

“We are renovating a building now but it’s not quite ready, so we have just been delivering the food to those who need it,” she continued.

“I never knew this was such a huge problem in our area, but there’s a lot of people struggling and I think it’s been going on for a while.”

With supplies rapidly depleting, WWPP is asking the public to donate pet food, litter, gift cards to stores where items can be purchased and any pet-related items such as leashes, collars, bowls and toys.

Romansic said the organization is in desperate need of dry and canned pet food. Cash and checks are also welcome, and she says volunteers will gladly pick up donations.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

- Pets and Things, Robert C Byrd Drive.

- Paradise Pet Grooming, Robert C Byrd Drive.

- All Chipley Chiropractic locations in Princeton and Beckley.

For additional information, contact WWPP at 304-575-9787, petmatters@suddenlink.net or visit www.wildandwonderfulpetpantry.org.

Text Only
Local News
AP Video
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9 Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo. Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com