When Angela Hatfield worked to open Fur Pet’s Sake last September, she did so in the hopes that the money made would go toward helping cover costs associated with running the Belmont County Humane Society.
BCHS is a 501(c)(3) organization with the goal of helping the cat population in Belmont County and beyond. Hatfield is the director of the humane society and runs it out of her East Richland home. It’s there, you’ll find Save Haven, an indoor free roam facility to more than 60 adult cats built in Hatfield’s backyard, in addition to the number of kittens who live inside the house in a separate large room.
Fur Pet’s Sake is described as a high-end resale boutique, located at 111 South Marietta Street in St. Clairsville. It offers antiques, collectibles, furniture, home décor, clothing, and other assorted items. The prices are as good as the quality of items. The best part? All proceeds go directly to supporting the cats at the humane society.
Hatfield admits achieving consistency in customers and business was a bit slow to get going, but now, the store has more than helped the humane society weather the storm during COVID and beyond.
“It’s taken us a lot of advertising and a lot of getting the word out, but finally, we’ve established a good clientele,” Hatfield said. “We still have our work to do in getting our name out there, but we are well on the way.”
Hatfield admits there’s a certain amount she likes to see the store clear every day in order to remain beneficial to the society. That take-in average generally hits that mark, or exceeds it.
“What happens is occasionally, we’ll have a great day where we bring in about $400-500, and then the rest of the week, it kind of evens out,” Hatfield said. “But I have to say our community has stepped up in the most fabulous way for these animals and I am blown away by the goodness and the contributions that they’ve given us.”
Hatfield first and foremost credited the St. Clairsville community for its large and continued support, not only of the animals, but the store. Residents frequent her store with great regularity.
Word of mouth has also reached far beyond the 43950 zip code as Hatfield will see customers from as far away as Pittsburgh.
Filling a Need
The benefits of Fur Pets’ Sake don’t extend just to the cats of the humane society. Another reason Hatfield opened the shop is she felt the city itself had a void in the ability to purchase resold but quality goods.
Because of that, she thought the store would do well. But even she admits it’s gone better than expected.
“I had hoped it would do well, but we’re definitely pleasantly surprised,” Hatfield said. “There was a need in this area for a resale store. There wasn’t one in St. Clairsville.
“A lot of people need to be able to buy things that are not necessarily in a retail store, but are still of good quality.
“A lot of people come in and are looking for furnishing, that type of thing.”
Hatfield noted she also works with a few area landlords to help them outfit their apartments with furniture. She’s always looking for more, so any interested can contact her at (304) 281-6769.
It’s been beneficial when the landlord is looking to furnish an entire apartment without having to pay full retail for all the furnishings. It’s kind of a win-win both for them, and the humane society.
“We work with landlords who have property to help them furnish their apartments,” Hatfield said. “It’s been really good. We can sell an entire living room or bedroom. We’re ready to assist in any way we can. They save a lot of money, and we make a lot of money. It’s a big savings for them not having to go and buy new, but still purchase items that look really good.”
It Is for the Pets
The Belmont County Humane Society is entirely self-funded. It receives no money from the county. Being a 501(c)(3) organization, it is eligible for grant funding, which Hatfield works to apply for.
But BCHS costs run around the $2,500 per month range for cat food, litter, other supplies, and general vet bills. That’s in a perfect scenario. Seldom, however, is that the case each month.
Most of the cats that find their way to the humane society generally are not in the best of shape when they come in. They’ve either been found along the road or somewhere outdoors, are sick, surrendered, or just in need of care.
Usually there’s an upfront cost associated with bringing the cat in that needs covered. That’s why the resale shop is critical to the society’s mission.
Hatfield also admits it can drive additional purchases when people learn where their spent money is going. She told of a gentleman that came from a distance away to purchase a television.
Hatfield met him during off hours because that was the only time, he could make it. It’s a service she offers to any if needed and requested.
The man knew the size of the television he was coming to purchase, but upon seeing it in person, didn’t believe it was big enough and decided against it. But, since he was in the shop, he did purchase a microwave and a few other items because of where the money was going.
“He ended up buying several other things because it was all going to the humane society,” she recalled. “People like that aspect of it, knowing where the money is going. We are all volunteer here. Nobody is making any money. It all goes toward the society.”
For more information, visit the Belmont County Humane Society on Facebook.
