The Paducah Police Department collected more than 5,000 pounds of pet food over the weekend during its second annual "K-9 Cops Paws for a Cause."
"It was amazing," said Officer Melissa Dillon, who spearheaded the drive. "We had a ton of people come by, and a lot of people who were just driving through the parking stopped to find out what we were doing and then went into PetSmart to get stuff for us."
The event took place outside PetSmart at Hinkleville Road and James-Sanders Boulevard and featured several area shelters and rescues in addition to officers who were there to collect donations.
Many of the shelters brought animals ready for adoption, Dillon said, and approximately 20 animals found homes.
In total, the drive raised 5,024 pounds of dog and cat food, 135 pounds of kitty litter, and 33.5 pounds of treats, as well as cleaning supplies, pet bedding and toys.
Dillon said eight area animal shelters and rescues benefited: McCracken County Humane Society, Marshall County Animal Shelter, Crittenden County Animal Shelter, Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter, locals rescues Creatures Great and Small, Missing Bella, and Unchanged Love, and Project Hope, a rescue organization in Metropolis, Illinois.
Each organization received approximately 600 pounds of food.
Additionally, Dillon said, Paducah attorney Alisha Bobo pledged to donate $100 to Dylan's Dawgs, a local spay and neuter program, for every 1,000 pounds of food collected.
Last year's collection raised about 1,800 pounds of food and benefited nine area shelters and rescues.
"It was just a fantastic day," Dillon said. "We more than doubled what we collected last year, so it was hugely successful and it was certainly something that was needed.
"I'm just ecstatic that it was as successful as it was, and I want to thank everyone that stopped by and donated. It wouldn't have been as successful without their help."
