CHEERS to a group effort that brought help for displaced local animals.
When residents of Underwood Estates in Plattsburgh were ousted from their homes in mid-January due to flooding, it wasn't just humans who were suffering. Pets were also left homeless, and some of the water damage destroyed their food and litter supplies.
Nearly all of the 70 homes in the park sustained some kind of damage, and about 30 were declared permanently uninhabitable.
Elmore SPCA in Peru worked with a local resident, Jessica Laplante, to identify the areas of need among the numerous families who had to leave their homes. Together, they figured out the best ways to help and then worked to find resources.
The North Country Chapter of the American Red Cross made accommodations so the families using its shelter could bring their pets along. That alleviated some of the stress that the Underwood residents were experiencing. No one wants to have to leave a beloved pet behind or wonder how it would be fed or sheltered.
A number of businesses and individuals donated pet supplies to help with the effort.
Tractor Supply Co. in Plattsburgh, for example, came through in a big way by donating 20 bags of cat food, 20 bags of dog food and 20 bags of litter.
Tammy Davis, who has been manager at the store for the past four years, said she had heard about the problems that Underwood Estates residents were facing in caring for their pets in the midst of the flooding troubles.
"Dozens of residents and their pets were deeply affected by the flooding,” she said. “Our goal at Tractor Supply is to do our part in helping our community in times of need.”
Davis is a pet lover herself, having adopted a cat and a dog.
"I said to myself, 'We need to do something about this,'" she said. "But I wasn't sure what was needed."
So when Rebecca Burdo, shelter manager of Elmore SPCA, called, Davis was more than happy to step up.
“The Plattsburgh Tractor Supply store is our go-to when it comes to community initiatives,” Burdo said. “We appreciate having them on our side.”
Davis was proud that the store was able to help.
"I feel very good about it," she said. "I always try to make the decision that is best for the community."
It isn't their only collaboration; Tractor Supply and Elmore SPCA also partner for pet adoptions.
It's heartwarming to see so many people caring enough about animals to come through for the Underwood families.
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