Boil order issued for Ellis Co. rural water district; Hays not included

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A local animal lover is trying to help fellow pet owners who have fallen on tough economic times.

Lisa VanHorn of Hays is coordinating with First Call for Help to offer donated dog and cat food, and cat litter to pet owners in need.

“People are now having to prioritize what they are getting and what they are spending money on,” VanHorn said. “We want to keep the pets in the homes …

“Being quarantined and having to stay at home, that is the last thing we want to do is have anybody give up their pet just because they can’t afford a bag of cat food or dog food.”

Owner surrenders are not being accepted by the the Humane Society of the High Plains at this time. The Humane Society closed its doors to the public as of March 30 when the governor’s stay-at-home order went into place. 

Strays are being accepted by appointment, and adoptions are being handled by appointment. See more information on the Humane Society Facebook page.

A donation box is going to be placed outside the side door of the First Call for Help building, 607 E. 13th. Pet owners can take supplies as they need. The supplies will be available on the honor system.

Donations can be dropped off in the box at First Call for Help or donated at Petsense in Hays.

VanHorn said First Call as well as other local food pantries have said they have had requests for pet food, but none of the food banks offer pet supplies.

VanHorn has ordered the weather-proof storage container and is waiting for it to arrive to launch the program. She hopes to launch the program on or after April 15.

VanHorn said she wanted to spearhead a pet food donation  system for some time and hopes the project can continue even after the coronavirus crisis has passed.

VanHorn is one of the administrators of Hays and Surrounding Areas Pets Lost & Found Facebook page. She is a dog and cat owner, she fosters strays and regularly helps with local animal rescue efforts.