News + Events

DeCoverly Kennels manager sets food drive for pets | November 2012

DeCoverly Kennels and Bridget are in the news for a VERY successful pet food drive to benefit Oct 30 , 2012  NJ Superstorm Sandy victims

This is the Article reprinted Scranton Times Tribune , Scranton, Pa.

More than 20 years later, Bridget Bodine still remembers walking her dog, Raz, at Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., — his barks echoing over the noise created by the waves crashing at her feet.

It’s those childhood memories that motivated her to take action as she watched videos of the destroyed homes and flooded New Jersey streets in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

“I couldn’t just sit there and watch. It was painful,” said Ms. Bodine, the manager of DeCoverly Kennels in Lake Winola. “I couldn’t even recognize the places I used to walk as a kid.”

So, using her experience in the animal business to network, Ms. Bodine organized a fund drive to pay for pet food for displaced pets. Since Nov. 1, she has raised $4,100 — enough to purchase two tons of animal food.

On Monday, she will deliver the food to several New Jersey shelters, including the Monmouth and Ocean County Food Bank and the Toms River East Little League Volunteer Center.

“I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for all the support I have received,” Ms. Bodine said. “I think we really have enough to make a difference.”

After seeing the donations pour in, Ms. Bodine posted a message on the Facebook page titled “Severe New Jersey Weather,” asking if any organizations or shelters would be interested in distributing the food.

Within two hours she had a response.

“We wanted to jump on the opportunity,” said Lisa Fobian, a member of the Toms River East Little League board located in Toms River, N.J. “We are about five minutes away from the area that was hit the hardest and a lot of people and animals are displaced. This area needs all the help it can get.”

Last week, t he board opened the Little League’s indoor facility — normally reserved for baseball-related drills — and began distributing clothes, bedding, blankets, cleaning supplies, food and water.

Starting Monday, they’ll add dog food to their list — about 2,500 pounds of it.

“Food for animals can be easily overlooked at a time like this,” Ms. Fobian said. “But, in reality, people are hesitant to take in these displaced animals because they don’t have the money to feed them. This will certainly help.”

Ms. Bodine said she doesn’t know how many animals this donation will help feed, as it varies depending on the size of the dog. But she says even the smallest amount of dog food will go a long way toward saving animals’ lives.

“I’m just glad I can provide some help to people who are facing a very difficult time,” Ms. Bodine said. “I, for one, know the dogs can be like family members. Raz went everywhere with me.”

If interested in donating, contact Ms. Bodine by visiting www.decoverlykennels. com Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter