By Emma Ginader
The Daily Item
LEWISBURG — Kathy Snyder saw a picture of rescue dog Winslow the Collie and knew he was the dog for her.
She and her husband, Randy, adopted Winslow in 2010 from the Far Point Collie Rescue in Port Trevorton, and soon formed a strong bond with him.
She said this type of connection between humans and their pets is one of the reasons why her downtown Lewisburg art supplies store, Brushstrokes, finds success with its annual “Warm Your Heart” fundraiser and supply drive.
“This is a very, very pet oriented area,” Kathy Snyder said. Brushstrokes raised $1,807 for local animal rescues and non-profits during last year’s campaign.
This year, people are invited to bring pet supplies and monetary donations to Brushstrokes from Friday through Sunday. If a customer donates $25 or more, they can pick out an original small painting of an animal, while supplies last.
All proceeds will benefit the Far Point Collie Rescue, Arthur’s Pet Pantry in Lewisburg, Mostly Mutts in Sunbury, the SPCA Shelter in Danville, Haven to Home in Berwick, the Lycoming Animal Protection Society in Williamsport and the Far Point Animal Rescue in Port Trevorton.
Yvonne Roadarmel, who runs the Far Point Collie Rescue, is grateful for the donations they have received since 2009.
“As a small rescue, we struggle with vet bills and affording supplies,” she said. “This is a big help since every little penny counts.”
Veterinary care can be costly. An American Pet Products Association survey found pet owners spent $15.95 billion in vet care in 2016 and an estimated $16.62 billion in 2017.
Roadarmel said charitable donations are extremely helpful since she takes care of many older dogs and dogs with medical issues. “There isn’t a week we don’t go to the vet,” she said.
The campaign especially warms her heart because the Snyders adopted Winslow from her. “Animals can’t speak for themselves so we need to speak for them,” said Roadarmel.
Kathy Snyder said she is glad to give back to the rescue where she met one of her pets. “Winslow is a big old marshmallow and a showstopper. People driving by will roll down their window to talk about how beautiful he is.”
The Snyders also adopted pets from other local shelters. Her beloved black and white cat, Baxter, came from the Far Point Animal Rescue. While Baxter was ornery and distant when they first met, he eventually warmed up and became close to Kathy Snyder.
Brushstrokes manager Deb Slade also spoke about the magic of rescue pets. She adopted a dog named Simba from the Far Point Collie Rescue.
Simba was a gentle soul, said Slade, telling a story about how Simba once chased a squirrel into a corner then invited the squirrel to play. “He was my soulmate.”
Roadarmel said financial and material support from campaigns like Warm Your Heart help match those human-animal soulmate matches.
“I will keep a dog as long as possible and not just push them out the door,” said Roadarmel. Any additional donations allow her to spend spend less time worrying about bills and more time getting to know the animals and matching them with a perfect forever home.
Email comments to eginader@dailyitem.com. Follow Ginader on Twitter @EmmaGinader.
