Four Paws announces closure
COSHOCTON – The Four Paws Friends Thrift Store and Pet Adoption Center will close its doors at the end of this month.
“We had a carbon monoxide issue with the building in the last month or so, but were able to get all the animals out safely,” said Sharon Shurtz, president of the organization’s board. “A1 Vet took the dogs and Linda and Bob Burt took the cats for us. We had to get them all out quickly so we really appreciate them giving us emergency boarding. We’ve tried to find another building, but can’t.”
Four Paws has been at 504 Main St. since June 2, 2009. It first opened under the name Friends of the Animal Shelter but in 2010 changed its name. The purpose of the organization however was always the same. They took in homeless dogs and cats, saved them from the shelter when they could and used money from the thrift store to cover medical bills for the animals and spay and neuter them.
“This building was just not set up to house the number of dogs and cats that we have had over the years,” Shurtz said. “We also don’t have the number of volunteers that we used to.”
The dogs and cats that Four Paws had under their care at the time of the carbon monoxide leak have mostly all found homes now and any leftover funds after bills are paid will be put toward helping other animals. Shurtz said they are working with a lawyer on ways to set up a fund to help people with spaying and neutering their pets and/or with emergency medical situations.
“We want to encourage people who might have to give up their animals to check out rescues,” she said. “There are some out there that aren’t good and just take dogs for fights. We’d like to be able to set up some sort of number for people to be able to call for suggestions on where to take their animals.”
From now until May 31, Four Paws is having a $1 bag sale in order to clear merchandise before it closes.
“We thank everybody for supporting us in so many different ways over the years,” Shurtz said.
Category: People & Places
