WINSTED >> Motivated by her love of animals, Winsted resident Amie Patrick recently collected and donated supplies to help pets affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Patrick said Friday that she had seen videos about pets being left behind as people fled the storm on Facebook and the news, and wanted to help.
“I’ve just loved animals ever since I was a little kid — probably more than people. And I just really wanted to help,” said Patrick. “I wanted to just drive right there, and swim through the water and pick them all up, but they wouldn’t let me do that. Plus, (I have) little kids, so I couldn’t just run off on an adventure. But that was the only way I could really find to help ... it satisfied my need to help.”
She put a call out on Facebook and began gathering supplies from the community, and residents responded to her call for aid.
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“My phone just wouldn’t stop ringing for about three or four days,” said Patrick. “I feel very grateful for the community.”
The effort brought in hundreds of pounds of dry dog food and about the same amount of cat food, more than 500 cans of wet cat food, about 13 kennels, 30-odd leashes and collars, cleaning supplies, blankets and towels.
She sent some of it to Texas through the Farmington Police Department, and brought the rest to Shore Haven Veterinary Hospital and the East Haven veterinary clinic, which is taking in dogs orphaned during the storm.
She said she met some of the dogs there, and plans to volunteer there soon
Patrick is thinking about doing another drive after Hurricane Irma hits, as she’s out of supplies, but wants to help when they have a need as well.
If she decides to put a drive together, more information will be available on the Facebook page for the business — http://ift.tt/2xnZiFN.
She collected supplies at her pet grooming salon, Pet Grooming by Amie, at 88 Elm St. in Winsted. She said she’s been operating the business there for about a year, again motivated by her love of dogs.
“They just undeniably love you no matter what. They’re non-judgemental, and your dog is just always there for you,” said Patrick. “I just think dogs are the best — I like cats too, but I’m more of a dog person.”
