co m m u n i t y
Dog days
GreenAcres Market holds a pet adoption day complete with free dog washes and fun.
By Christine Eddington
For three hours Aug. 13, GreenAcres us,” Smith explained. “We want people Market, 7301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., hosts to know that we are here to help. And we an event dedicated to canine companions. need help. We need donations of dog food “It’s the first time we’ve done it at this and donations of cash.” On the third Saturday of each month, store,” said Kesha Cross, GreenAcres events coordinator. “We’ve done it for 30 volunteer drivers head to the warethree years at our Kansas City store, and house to pick up food and supplies. Each now we’re trying it at other locations.” drives a designated route, delivering susCross filled the day with free dog tenance to the shaggy companions of washes, adoptions, pet homebound seniors. treat samples, puppySmith said the group sitting services, a pooch also works with Oklahoma GreenAcres kissing booth and more. First Indian Church of the Market “We’re having a Hot Nazarene, Skyline Urban dog event Dog contest, and there Ministry, Jesus House and are three categories: best the Homeless Alliance to 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13 dressed, best trick and help feed homeless peoGreenAcres Market best owner-dog lookaple’s pets. 7301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. like,” Cross said . “If we learn of a tent greenacres.com The event features community, we go try to 405-681-6060 fun and games, but Cross help them, too,” she Free most w a nt s the added. GreenAcres event to help Smith, who is retired, dogs and owners in need. estimates she volunteers at least 20 hours each week. The group’s coverage area inForever Yours Dog Rescue hosts pet adoptions all day. The Pet Food Pantry of cludes Oklahoma City, Norman, the Oklahoma City also will be there to “help Mid-Del area, Edmond, Yukon and Moore. people feed their dogs by providing dog Online donations can be made at petfoodfood to pet owners who may be homeless pantryokc.org. or unemployed,” she said. “I do this because of my love for animals. The Pet Food Pantry was founded in Why let an animal that is loved and has a home go to a shelter when we can prevent 2010 in a garage by Kim and Mike Pempin. it?” Smith said. “After six years, we are in a warehouse. We take care of 120 senior citizens and GreenAcres agrees and regularly more than 100 homeless people each opens its doors to nonprofits. “GreenAcres is unique,” Cross said. month,” said pantry board vice president It’s family-owned, and the first store Judith Smith. “We go through three tons of dry food a month.” was opened in Wichita, Kansas. Soon, the It takes a squad of about 75 people, plus Hoffman family expanded and opened community donations, to make The Pet three more locations in that city. Food Pantry work. Seven of those people “Then came the Lawton store [and] also are members of the board, but it’s a our Oklahoma City store, which is in the working board. old Health Food Center location, and then “We go to as many events as we Stillwater,” she said. “They ended up with can so people will know about eight stores after about two years.” The Oklahoma City location is the biggest at about 23,000 square feet. In addition to events, GreenAcres screens documentary films like Forks Over Knives or Vegucated each month and offers free classes and tasting fairs weekly.
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H H H H H H H H H H H HH H H H aSSorted colorS H H BoyS, girlS, AdultS Polo ShirtS - ShortS - PAntS H join uS aug. 5,6,7 H tax-free Weekend H open Sun. 1- 5:45 H We alSo Sell H Men's Big & Tall Up To 10Xl H LIKE US ON FACEBOOK & YP.COM H family oWned 71 yearS H 1000s of items - real dealS Sam’S BeSt BuyS H 2409 S. Agnew • 636-1486 • M-SAt 9-5:45 H H H H H H H H H H H H HH
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GreenAcres Market’s dog adoption event features a Hot Dog contest, a dog wash, dog treats and possibly a dog kissing booth. | Photo bigstock.com O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 3 , 2 0 1 6
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