The Belmont County Humane Society is always looking for new ways to generate funding. That’s because the 501(c)(3) organization is not a recipient of any public funding in the way the animal shelter and other similar organizations are.
The society and its director, Angela Hatfield, survive on donations, both monetary and in goods and services.
The group has a yearly sale that is a great fundraising mechanism, but COVID derailed those plans this year. That is, until recently.
The humane society’s 100-plus cats routinely receive their veterinary care at Goodworks Veterinary Hospital on S. Marietta Street in St. Clairsville.
Recently, two doors down, Hatfield noticed a for rent sign in a building that she’d had her eye on for some time.
Hatfield made inquiries of the building’s owner, who originally was looking for a higher monthly rent payment and the signing of a year-long lease.
For most people, that’s a fair trade to get a primo spot in downtown. But for the society, which needs to squeeze every dollar it can to pay for vet bills, food, litter, yearly shots, flea medicine, and a whole list of other pet-related items, the price was a bit high.
Fortunately, the owners had a benevolent streak when informed about Hatfield’s purpose for utilizing the space.
They agreed to forgo the lease and knock the rent in half, a generous offering to be sure.
That’s how Fur Pet’s Sake shop was born.
Something for Everyone
The shop itself operates on the first floor of 111 South Marietta St., just two doors down from Goodworks. It sells all manner of goods, from adult and children’s clothing, furniture, artwork, china, jewelry, and even some electronics.
There is even a rack of clothes for dogs priced to sell at $5 per outfit.
Hatfield noted that a local pet store donated a ton of dog clothes to Webark Estates, which couldn’t go through it all. So, it in turn donated to the humane society and the profits will benefit the felines at Safe Haven.
All of the items for available at Fur Pet’s Sake have been donated, either recently or in the past. The Society is also still able to take donations and is willing to come get a large donation if someone is willing.
“We had someone who held a garage sale, and when it was finished, donated everything that was left over,” Hatfield said. “There were some things we couldn’t use, but there were also a lot of great pieces, and we were truly grateful.”
Those wishing to donate can either stop by the shop and bring it inside for a small number of items, or for larger donations, call 304-281-6769, and pickup can be arranged.
Permanent Location
Hatfield said this shop will be open permanently, as long it the demand holds.
The hours will be Wednesday through Saturday each week, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Money made at the store goes entirely to the society for the care of the cats. Rent and other utility payments will be covered by Hatfield and others privately.
“One-hundred percent of our sales go back toward the cats,” Hatfield said. “A lot of people might not realize, yes the vet bills can be expensive, but even just the daily upkeep on food and litter can be extremely expensive.
“This hopefully will really help us out.”
For more information, call Hatfield at the above number or visit the Belmont County Humane Society on Facebook
