THE BATTLEFORDS - The community response to news that someone stole the animal shelter’s dog food has been overwhelming, says one of the board members.
Nicole Leinenweber, board member and volunteer with the Battlefords Humane Society following a break-in that resulted in all of their dog food supplies being stolen, said, “Yes, we had some local news coverage and then I put the social media post up on Wednesday evening (after the Tuesday overnight break and enter) and it went ‘viral’ with over 40,000 views on Facebook alone, as well as many on Instagram. “
It wasn’t just about puppy love as Leinenweber said businesses and individuals showed up all day on Aug. 29 with pallets and truckloads of dog and puppy food, as well as donations of cash and e-transfers from small to large.
“Each and every donation is very appreciated. We have not been able to properly inventory all the food and cash donations but to say the least, it’s been overwhelming. More plans are in place I understand with some of the businesses in the Battlefords having had or will have pet food sales for people purchasing food for us, and some people planning on having a bake sale to raise money for us”
The BHS board member said she acknowledged, in her initial social media post about the break-in, that the community and surrounding area is amazing, and that fact has clearly been borne out.
“We have more than replenished our food supply and future donations would preferably be monetary donations or cat and kitten food, soft canned dog/puppy food. All donations will go to helping vulnerable animals.”
The building this animal shelter is currently in has been operating as a stray holding facility since at least the early 70s. In May of 1980, SPCA incorporated no local grants or funding for organizations or municipalities.
There is currently a new shelter under construction.
