A Fentress County animal rescue group is asking the community for dog houses and straw to help keep pets warm during the remainder of the winter
Best Friends Sanctuary President Sharon Cravens said the sanctuary accepts surrendered animals and offers resources to the public. But the last two weeks have shown the need for protecting animals from the cold.
“Well, it’s very important right now with the weather being so cold and, you know, we still got another the rest of this month and who knows what March will be,” Cravens said. “And I know people are having a hard time making ends meet. So we would like to just help out in the community anyway we can.”
The organization has offered wire crates to residents so dogs can be brought inside during extreme temperatures. Cravens said community members have already started donating dog houses, which are often distributed immediately to those on a waiting list along with straw for insulation.
“The ones that have been brought out, they’ve been given out so far and we’ve gotten straw for their, you know, to go with the dog house when anybody picks it up,” Cravens said. “So we’ve had good turn out, we’ve had people being supportive of that, yes we have.”
Residents in need of shelter for their pets call the sanctuary to provide their location and specific needs, such as a house large enough for multiple dogs. Volunteers often assist by delivering the supplies and setting them up with wood chips or straw.
“And if you care about animals, you care about people too, you know, you have to have compassion and care for people,” Cravens said. “And animals are very dedicated to people.”
Beyond the winter shelter initiative, the sanctuary operates a low-cost spay and neuter program and ensures all rescued animals are vaccinated and health-checked. The group recently partnered with the Pet Project fund to host a food giveaway day, providing pet food to the community while distributing applications for fixing animals.