CHILLICOTHE, OH – We think of homelessness as a human trial. However, pets are also part of the story for many people who find themselves in this difficult situation. Chillicothe-based Petland, Inc. was recently contacted by a woman staying at the new Eastern Avenue homeless shelter, operated by Ross County Community Action. The caller shared that she and several other residents of the Chillicothe shelter have the added responsibility of caring for their beloved pets; and expressed a severe need for pet food, leashes, collars, and other supplies. She stated in addition to her dog, there were other dogs and birds being cared for by their humans while in the shelter.

Long dedicated to meeting the needs of pets, and a 57-year member of the Chillicothe and Ross County community, Petland’s corporate personnel began to figure out how they could help. “Our first call was to Ross County Community Action to confirm that a donation would be accepted,” said Maria Smith, interim Executive Director of Petland Charities, and director of Community Engagement. “Once receiving good news, the next call was to Chris Oranzi, general manager of Petland’s Bridge Street location, to find out if his store could meet this urgent need. Within a few minutes, Oranzi had a plan in mind for the food and supplies that he had on hand and adapted his schedule to make the delivery.”

When Oranzi arrived at the shelter, he and pet counselor Carissa Howell were welcomed by grateful residents and volunteers. He said, “Everyone was so appreciative of the supplies we brought over from Petland Bridge Street. The residents didn’t know we were coming over, and when we showed up, they were ecstatic to get the help they needed for their furry or feathery family members.” Oranzi also stated that he noticed a resident walking their dog with what looked like bailing wire, “I helped them fit the dog with a collar and leash. Another resident nearly cried when they saw that we brought food for their parakeets and some bird toys to make them more comfortable.”

Oranzi and Howell received warm hugs for the pet food, toys, and much needed supplies that included food bowls, toys, leashes, and collars. Oranzi added, “Everyone was so happy that Petland saw their need during a tough time and met it for them.” He plans to make another trip to the shelter next week to deliver bedding and other supplies for a few small animals he met that are also being housed at the shelter with their humans.

Petland has a long history of serving the needs of pets in the communities it serves across the U.S. Each store is community-focused, developing relationships with local animal shelters and humane societies to regularly provide food and other needed supplies whenever possible. Petland, Inc. and Petland Charities, a non-profit organization, delivers support for pets in numerous ways, including providing all pet food consumed by homeless pets at the Ross County Humane Society, and has also pledged $200,000 toward costs for its planned, new facility; made over 3,500 pet therapy visits to south central/southern Ohio schools & extended care facilities; supported 13 service dogs for veterans; and provides food and supplies to more than 200 police K9 service dogs in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, among other support.

To learn more about Petland’s outreach in serving its communities, visit petland.com/community-service.