Petland is offering assistance after a recent storm damage rescue in Wheelersburg

WHEELERSBURG – Storms swept across the Midwest earlier this month, with heavy winds downing trees and leaving behind damage and debris. One organization affected by the spring storms is Cabin Critters Rescue, LLC, based in Wheelersburg. Winds from one storm caused a large tree to fall onto the Rescue’s brand new extension, damaging the outdoor kennels and destroying part of a brand new roof.

The Rescue houses many dogs of all sizes and ages. Fortunately, no animals or people were injured, but the incident was a major and unexpected challenge and expense.

“We had just installed the new roof and were in desperate need,” said Catherine Delvalle, director of Cabin Critters Rescue, LLC. “Our board members and kennel staff have worked hard to help the animals in our care. The storm damage was devastating to us and we needed help as quickly as possible.”

That’s when Kaylee Sturgill, general manager of Petland Ashland (KY), intervened. Sturgill saw the request for help on the Cabin Critters Facebook page. She immediately contacted Petland Corporate headquarters in Chillicothe to find out how the company could help.

Sturgill did his best to raise a significant donation of pet supplies, and local contractors donated their time and labor to restore what the storm left behind. However, the shelter still had to raise $500 to cover the insurance deductible. To meet that need, Petland Charities stepped in with those funds, allowing Cabin Critters leadership to overcome this challenge.

“We learned about Cabin Critters Rescue through the strong relationship with our team at Petland Ashland,” said Maria Smith, interim director of Petland Charities. “The rescue provides a much-needed service for homeless pets in our southern Ohio communities, and relies on donations and fundraisers to make improvements such as the new roof. When we heard that the extension had been damaged during the storm, we as an organization and as a member of the local community wanted to provide what was needed most. Covering the costs associated with the deductible was one of the ways Petland Charities could have the most positive impact in that situation.”

“Our partnership with Petland has always been great,” said Delvalle. “There have been times when we needed items, and within a day they were donated by Petland. We were so grateful for those who stepped up and donated their time, energy and supplies. It was great that Petland stepped in and not only donated items, but also met our financial need to repair our kennels and roof,” said Delvalle.

In addition to the money and supplies donated, Devalle added: “Some of the animal advisors (Petland Ashland) come by on their days off to volunteer and help with the clean-up. Petland has also helped with our adoption events, and they have been a real asset to us. Seeing how much they care has changed our perspective on Petland. We will always appreciate and enjoy working with them.”

To learn more about Petland’s commitment to local communities and Petland Charities, visit petland.com/cares.

This article originally appeared in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Petland is offering assistance after a recent storm damage rescue