Boutique benefits animal shelter

— T he cost of running an animal shelter can be staggering, especially when there are more than 700 animals each year that need to be tested, given shots and fed.

Bev Finch, shelter director for the Humane Society of Independence County, said the shelter goes into the red each year, and in hopes of recouping some of the costs, the Humane Society has opened a thrift shop at 228 Ramsey St. The Bargain Hound Boutique opened its doors Friday morning.

“We go in the hole $50,000 a year and havethe past three years,” Finch said about the shelter. “Other humane societies have thrift shops.”

Finch said the shelter has cut every corner it possibly can, including having the staff trained to test dogs for heartworms and cats for leukemia.

“People were here before we opened,” Finch said about opening day at the thrift shop. “We have sold a bunch of stuff, and people brought more.”

She said it isn’t a typical thrift shop. All the clothing hangers match, there is a jewelry case, and the children’s clothing has been washed and ironed.

Shoppers will find furniture, glassware and china.

“There was some new clothing donated from Impulse,” Finch said. “There are some brand new pet beds still with the Petco tags for $20. We’ve got them marked for $5.”

Although there is no sign at the store yet, one has been ordered. Finch said that as soon as the sign goes up, the store will hold its grand opening.

“Clean out your closets andcome shop,” she said.

All of the profit from the sales goes back into the shelter, she said.

“Every day, our inventory changes,” Finch said. “Every day, there will be something different.” Donations are accepted at the shop, and Finch said leftovers from estate sales and yard sales are also welcome.

She said someone from theHumane Society will pick up donations, if needed.

For more information on the Humane Society of Independence County, or to donate or volunteer, call Finch at (870) 613-3045.

The Bargain Hound Boutique’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday.

Other Humane Societ ythrift shops around the Three Rivers area include the Second Chance Resale Shop, 210 W.

Main St. in Mountain View;

The Barkin’ Barn Thrift Store, 108 N. Gum St. in Searcy; and the Humane Society of Heber Springs Thrift Shop, 104 S.

Fourth St. in Heber Springs.

Staff writer Jeanni Brosius can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or jbrosius@arkansasonline.

com.

Three Rivers, Pages 51 on 05/24/2012

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