Shelter will be warm

GRAVETTE — Animals at Gravette’s animal shelter will not be “hot dogs” this winter, but they will be warm, thanks to the efforts of Pennie Berry, administrative assistant for the Gravette Police Department, and through donations from individuals and businesses.

Berry, whose heart for stray animals picked up in Gravette is as big as all outdoors, realized the shelter had no heat in past winters. She started the project to make sure animals held there will be more comfortable during the cold winter months.

Berry said the Gravette Gleamers 4-H Club made the first donation. Later, resident Eda Montag placed donation canisters in town. She also sat at Marvin’s to receive donations from customers there.

Benton County Heating and Cooling and C & L Supply - especially Leslie Welborn - donated a heater. Tri-State Propane installed a used propane tank and gas at a “great price,” Berry said.

Helen and Henry Utech gave excess donations from the park water fountain project to the cause, and other donations came from the Jolly Good Times Club, Country View Animal Clinic, Gary and Jean Phipps, Marshall and Evelyn Hynd, as well as persons who contributed in canisters at Marvin’s, the Bank of Gravett, Country View, Shop & Go and the Gravette Station.

“Last winter,” Berry said, “city employees took dogs home on cold nights and Country View allowed us to board dogs on very cold nights.

“Now, since the new heating unit is run on propane, if we lose power, thepound will still have heat,” Berry said.

She also noted that donations of blankets, rugs,toys, treats, food and water bowls are needed and may be dropped off at the police station or city hall.