Earlier this week, as I was checking news websites, I came across an article on the Jacksonville news that instantly caught my attention. “No-Kill Shelter Runs Low on Food.” In case you’re new to this website and/or don’t know me that well, I’m a huge lover of animals (especially cats). Clicking the story, my heart broke hearing of how they were running out of food to feed these abandoned animals and they, like everyone, was suffering due to the down economy.

The shelter is worried they might have to start begging for food.

“Our furry friends at the safe animal shelter are crying out for help,” volunteer Lara Hudson said. “It’s been about three or four years since we’ve been down this low.”

[sources: news4jax.com]

After reading the story, I emailed thean called the shelter, asking them if they were open on the 3rd of July since both Mack and I were off from work and would be able to take the hour drive to drop off items we both had and were going to buy. I was heavily encouraged that, when calling, I got a busy signal for an hour.

This morning, we stopped at Target and got about six bags worth of dog and cat food  as well as some bleach for cleaning the kennels, and paper towels. We also have been going through our apartment and de-cluttering and had about forty towels in various sizes that we weren’t using and knew they could. Loading everything up in the car, I was anxious and excited to do a little to help these animals.

Turning down their road, my excitement hit unexpected heights at seeing how busy the shelter was. It overflowed when I noticed it was busy since people, like us, were donating items. One man had a trunk full of about twenty bags of food he was unloading. He stated to the volunteer, “As soon as I read the story I had my daughter stake out Winn Dixie and buy all the bags of food she could!” The shelter workers were so overwhelmed and thankful, tears in their eyes, as they directed Mack and I were to take the food. Stepping into the shelter, almost every surface was covered with bags. Stacked up to my waist there were bags and bags of food, guaranteeing these animals wouldn’t go hungry for a long time. One volunteer at the shelter was at a loss for words from the outpouring of love, support, and caring the community was giving. As she walked back with us to take the towels to the back of the shelter she expressed gratitude and hope. My eyes took in all the food and toys for the animals and, of course, how happy and loved the animals at that shelter are. (Mack and I cooed at the kittens but he kept his hawk eye trained on me to make sure that I didn’t try to get us another cat).

I told Mack, as we pulled away, my eyes full of tears, that my faith in humanity was restored. My heart was so touched (and still is) as the support and love the community is providing. All the food, toys, and supplies that are being donated by people show me the depth of love people have when, sometimes, I feel people don’t give a shit about the animals in need. These animals, luckily, will not go hungry for a long while and for that my faith in humanity is overflowing.

(If you want to donate at all be sure to check out their website, Safe Animal Shelter!)

[tags]animals, animal shelters, shelters, cats, dogs, pets, abandoned pets, animal shelters in need, helping, help, community, giving, giving back]/tags]