SUNBURY – Petland stores in central Ohio recently donated 1,500 pounds of dry dog food, along with canned dog food, pet supplies, treats and toys to the Humane Society of Delaware County. Additionally, Petland Charities, a 501c3 non-profit, presented a check for $1,000 to help with unexpected expenses related to the care of more than 40 dogs rescued last month from a situation of alleged abuse and living in unacceptable conditions.
Touched by the media coverage of the removal of dogs and their horrific living conditions, Petland East Broad Street (Columbus) manager Paige Edwards spearheaded the project to deliver relief. “I’ve rescued dogs in my life, so to see the conditions they’re in is heartbreaking and personal,” Edwards said. “I joined the others because I knew the shelter would need a lot of help with the babies they took in.”
Petland Grove City Manager Emily Gieger is one who jumped at the chance. “To see a shelter taking in so many dogs in need at once, and having them so close to home is truly heartbreaking,”
Gieger said. “I followed the story, and then when Paige approached me asking how we could help, we got the ball rolling.”
As these Columbus-area Petland locations began collecting donations in their stores, word of what they were doing spread to all six central Ohio Petland locations, including one in nearby Delaware County. Store manager Jenna Wester of Petland Lewis Center was eager to get involved in the effort, explaining how this case hits home for her.
“I’ve been a part of the Delaware community for as long as I can remember,” Wester said. “As an animal lover, to hear about this pet rescue in our own backyard and the impact it had on the Delaware County Humane Society, I knew I wanted to do something to help. By joining- together as a Petland team, we can all give shelter more!”
In total, six central Ohio Petland locations (East Broad St., Grove City, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Pickerington, and Upper Arlington) gathered and delivered food, supplies, and monetary gifts. Humane Society of Delaware County Executive Director Jana Cassidy expressed her gratitude for Petland’s generous donation. “Thank you for your wonderful support of these puppies,” she said. “We are very grateful for the donations received.”
“Petland Charities and Petland locations in central Ohio have come together to help dogs and the shelter,” added Wester. “I feel like a small burden has been lifted for the staff who work tirelessly to get these dogs ready for adoption. My hope is that we continue to help in any way we can.”
To learn more about Petland’s dedication to ending inhumane breeding, ending pet homelessness, and creating special human-animal connections, visit petlandcharities.org.
