Tonya Stephens, executive director for the local animal nonprofit Hoof & Paw, told the Forum on July 10 that Clark Market’s of Norwood made a donation. After fundraisers that happened April 28 and May 5 at the grocery, representatives of Clark’s Market gave a check to Hoof & Paw in the amount of $1,600.
For those days, 5% of purchases at Clark’s Market went toward the fundraising. Stephens told the Forum employees at Clark’s Market of Norwood then unanimously voted to give the donations to Hoof & Paw, something she said was really special. The grocery store varies recipients in their nonprofit program.
Stephens was on site to receive the check July 10. For her, money is big. She said it will go toward paying the bill at the vet office in Moab.
“Our vet bill there is quite high,” she told the Forum July 11.
Stephens said the Moab vet doesn’t charge Hoof & Paw interest “ — which is a blessing,” she said. “They know what we are doing, and they’re able to carry us.”
Currently, Hoof & Paw owes the Moab vet $11,000. Stephens said they pay what they can when they can.
What’s the veterinary medical bill balance from?
Stephens said it’s a result of many needs: spay and neuter appointments, sick animal visits, medications and more.
“It’s everything,” she said. “The kittens need eye ointment. We have ringworm right now. We have to get medicines, antibiotics. We have all sorts of situations that come in.”
That includes one dog — a puppy, recently diagnosed with hip dysplasia. The situation involved exams, X-rays and more.
The Moab vet is the primary vet that Hoof & Paw uses. Not only are they one-third to one-half cheaper than other vets, they will carry the balance and work with the payment schedule. Stephens said other vets have offered to match costs, and she’s grateful to the vet in Norwood, but most vets cannot allow a patient to have such outstanding medical debt.
“We appreciate all the vets being willing,” she said.
At this time, Hoof & Paw has 41 felines in the shelter and nine canines. Additionally, Stephens said 12-15 more cats are in foster homes, and three dogs are too.
Volunteers are always needed, but especially now for the thrift store. Two big volunteers are leaving, for medical and family reasons, and the shop needs help. Stephens said she needs motivated, self-starter people to assist with projects and more. Even one day per week would be a big support, she said.
Hoof & Paw can help with gas money, if someone were to come from Norwood. Teens can also get service learning hours for their graduation requirements.
While the nonprofit is OK on dog and cat foods right now, they need kitty litter. The ringworm situation is requiring weekly sanitizing, and that means all litter must be thrown out as part of the protocol. Hoof & Paw uses a brand called “World’s Best Litter,” which is available on Amazon.
Stephens said all at Hoof & Paw are grateful for the help, especially the recent donation from Clark’s Market of Norwood. It’s more than Stephens could’ve hoped for, she said.
“We were pretty thrilled,” she said.
