Business hosts supply drive for Heartland pet shelter

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - For a second year, Auto Tire and Parts - Napa in Cape Girardeau is working with Southeast Missouri Pets to collect supplies for the shelter.

Beginning Tuesday, September 3, people can bring pet supplies to the store at 212 S. Kingshighway St. Items will be collected in the store’s truck.

“Since they’re more conveniently located right here in the middle of town, it’s a lot easier sometimes to drop the donations off here versus all the way out at the shelter,” Kelli Dysinger said.

There is a posted “begging list,” including items like pet food, cat litter, toys, towels, bleach and more. People can donate an item off the list, or donate something else the shelter could use.

Sales manager Gary Worthy said store employees are available to assist people in getting the supplies into the back of the truck if necessary.

“We’ve been providing great customer service in the Heartland since 1909, and not only do we want to do that for our customers, but we also like to do that for our four-legged friends as well,” Worthy said.

While people are dropping off supplies, they can take the opportunity to fill out an entry slip for a SEMO Pets swag basket drawing.

The supply drive comes at a time of dire need for the shelter.

“Overcapacity is an understatement,” Dysinger said. “We have 100 dogs and 73 kennels. Dogs are in community rooms, offices, they are everywhere.”

To fight this problem, SEMO Pets is waiving adoption fees for some animals through the end of August. Officials are looking for eight animal lovers to take home a dog more than four months old.

Adoptable pets have been spayed or neutered, received necessary vaccines, tested for heartworms if older than six months, microchipped and registered, and dewormed. They also receive one free vet visit after they’re taken home.

One dog up for adoption is Mary Puppins, a 37-pound female mixed breed. The eight-year-old pup is positive for heartworms at the moment, but is receiving treatment.

Due to the cost of those services, her adoption fee is still set at $250.

To schedule an appointment to meet a pet, call 573-334-5837.

View adoptable pets by clicking here.