Living Love thrift shop in Cottonwood Shores gives dogs and cats a chance at life
COTTONWOOD SHORES — A growing thrift store in Cottonwood Shores offers more than clothes, books and furniture.
It offers animals a second chance.
The Living Love Animal Rescue Thrift Store supports the Living Love Animal Rescue in Cottonwood Shores.
“People call and ask if I can take dogs, and I can’t; I don’t have room,” said Sandra Santee, who operates the store and is executive director of the rescue program.
Santee has worked for years with area shelters to rescue dogs and cats.
The store opened in May to help pay for food and veterinarian bills associated with rescue efforts. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 4215 FM 2147.
The thrift store currently helps with Living Love’s rescue efforts, but Santee said the goal is to do more.
“We’re growing, and we’re really looking for property or land someone may want to donate or sell cheap so we can start planning on building a shelter,” she said.
Until then, the rescue has plenty of other needs in its operation. Santee said the rescue needs volunteers willing to help in a variety of ways — from fostering cats or dogs, to working at the thrift store and to serving on the nonprofit organization’s board of directors.
Other than Living Love Animal Rescue, Santee stressed the importance of educating people about the commitment involved in getting a pet.
“I want to make sure people understand that when they adopt a puppy or kitten, that this is a long-term relationship,” Santee said. “A cat can live up to 20 years and some dogs (more than 15).
“Please make sure you’re ready for that commitment.”
To volunteer or for more about Living Love Animal Rescue, call Santee at (512) 755-4476.
jared@thepicayune.com