The Golden Ark will hold a “Thanksgiving Potluck for the Animals” fundraising event on Saturday.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Four Paws Animal Health Center, located at 1909 Leflore Ave.
Dr. Debby Myers, a Greenwood veterinarian who established Four Paws in 2001, said that Sherry Martin, who works at the animal clinic, came up with the idea.
“She was thinking about something to do for Thanksgiving for the babies at the shelter,” said Myers.
Similar to a potluck meal in which attendees each bring a dish, those attending the Golden Ark potluck are asked to bring donations of food for the animals at the shelter.
The Ark, a no-kill animal shelter, is asking for donations of Purina kitten chow and indoor formula cat chow, cat litter, Beneful dog food or Purina dog chow, Purina puppy chow and Milk Bone dog biscuits.
“We’re just trying to get food together so we’ll make it through the lean months,” said Myers.
Those who drop off donations can also view the shelter’s cats and dogs.
Myers began taking in animals when she first started Four Paws, and the Golden Ark received its 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization in 2009. The shelter houses about 35-50 animals — both cats and dogs — at any given time and is currently at full capacity.
“You want it to be coming and going because you feel like you’re helping more, but at the same time the animals that are here that are older are just as precious,” said Myers.
The shelter is home to a variety of pets. For some, the Golden Ark has been a refuge after living in inhumane conditions.
A puppy named Dak was recently brought to the shelter after being found on the side of the highway. He came to the shelter with a sibling, who had contracted parvo and passed away. A healthy Dak, survived and is a happy puppy waiting for his home.
Savannah, a cat at the shelter, is a loving feline who will give kisses, but she needs to be in a home where she’s an only cat.
Other cats such as Chez and Charro were born at the shelter a couple of years ago and continue to wait on a home of their own.
“They’re all sweet in their own way,” said Myers. “Just like people, they’re all different with their own personalities.”
Myers also hopes that the event might be a way to connect the animals with potential homes.
“Maybe somebody will get adopted,” she said. “We all love them, but at the same time I just want them all to know that one home where they are special.”
Even though the event is a food drive, if anyone would like to make other donations of washing powder, paper towels, cleaning supplies, dog beds, cat beds or blankets, it will be much appreciated, said Myers.
For those who would like to make a monetary gift instead, the Golden Ark will give away a set of six brand-new Pottery Barn bowls for each $10 donation. Each set has a retail value of $48.
“We’re excited,” said Myers. “We’re going to have balloons out, and we want everyone to come out and have fun.”
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
