Community rallies around animal shelter
Trending
When Mary Jane Salmon, owner of the Golden Eagle Inn, heard that the Bedford County Humane Society rescued more than 90 animals the night of Dec. 31 -- more than double the shelter capacity -- she knew she had to help.
Salmon joined a number of business owners to raise more than $2,000 to support BCHS and local veterinary services involved in the care of the rescued pets. Area residents have also donated a substantial amount of cleaning supplies, dog food and volunteer time to ensure the animals have a speedy recovery.
"Of course everyone was shocked by the situation," Salmon said, "but it was so inspiring seeing everybody line up to help."
According to the BCHS, more than 100 volunteers showed up on Monday to help care for the animals, and another 100 showed up Tuesday to continue the work.
Although she was unable to take time away from her bed-and-breakfast to go to the shelter in person, Salmon knew there was another way to help.
Since Tuesday, Salmon has committed 10% of the Golden Eagle's revenues from Jan. 2-4 to BCHS, and has agreed to match up to a $500 donation to Abby's Angels Animal Heaven -- an organization that has also been instrumental in rehousing several of the rescued dogs.
"Some people will donate anyway, but why not (work together to) give a larger donation, especially with the situation," Salmon said.
Now, the Bedford Tavern and Fairways Bar and Grill have announced they will also participate in the three-day fundraiser via a post on Facebook.
To Salmon, this effort has personal significance.
Exactly one year ago, Salmon and her husband adopted two dogs from BCHS, a pair now named Frodo and Bilbo; who have been "amazing beyond words" for her family.
While the amount raised has been well above her initial expectations, Salmon is "just happy to be able to help."
"It's been a really beautiful thing seeing our town come together like this," Salmon said.
It's not only Bedford County businesses rising to the challenge, but those in Blair and surrounding counties have also taken on the task to help out in multiple ways.
Coffee on 3rd has joined the fundraising effort from Duncansville, contributing 50% of their drink revenue on Thursday. Through a matched donation from local electrician Brent Cogan, the total reached $2,209 for BCHS.
According to manager Mikaila Leaper, this far outpaced their initial target of $1,000.
"(The staff of Coffee on 3rd) were talking last night, that seeing the community come together for a cause they care for is amazing," Leaper said, "I can't even imagine going through something like that."
But this generosity is not unique, according to Leaper. "It's a really caring community."
The trend to help has spread outward, with dozens of businesses from pizza shops and breweries to wine bars and coffee shops pledging a portion of their sales to support the ongoing care for the rescued animals.
On Facebook, BCHS's initial post asking for support has been shared more than 2,500 times in the past week, with hundreds of commenters offering their time and pet supplies.
Invisible Fence of Central PA donated their "full share of leashes and some cleaning supplies," according to a comment on a subsequent post. CARES of Central PA sent a "generous" donation along with handmade cards for the staff at BCHS.
These donations, alongside countless hours of volunteer support, have made a noticeable impact.
"It's going a lot better here," BCHS Shelter Manager Kathy Ramsey said. "All our dogs have now been walked numerous times, bathed, groomed and are being put into our computer."
Now that shelter staff have addressed the rescued animals' initial needs, they have shifted their approach.
Currently, BCHS is most in need of monetary donations, according to Ramsey, as opposed to the early-stage want for leashes and dog crates.
These funds are critical in affording the vaccines, medication and surgery that the pets need -- with each dog presenting a new challenge. For some dogs, their total cost of care will be much higher due to the severity of their wounds.
But in spite of the tumult of the past week, Ramsey is optimistic. "The community support has been overwhelming," she said. "It's amazing."