TOP STORY OF THE DAY, brought to you free by WICU: Local businesses joining together to help animal shelter

Cleo, pictured here with Jo McClelland, is the inspiration for the fourth annual “Hearts 4 Paws” fundraiser. Nattalie McClelland and her family adopted Cleo after fostering the dog through her pregnancy and recovery from being emaciated and abandoned.

Submitted photo

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses pretty hard in the past year. But three local small business owners will continue with the “Hearts 4 Paws” fundraiser to support the Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center during February.

Nattalie McClelland, the co-owner of “Nailed It!” Nail Salon in Brazil loves animals.

“It’s winter, and the shelter is always looking for donations and help throughout the year to take care of the animals,” said McClelland about the event that began in 2018. “Two dollars from every nail and hair appointment through February will go straight to the shelter.”

Participating in the event this year are: Nailed It! Salon, D’s Cuts, and Krissy’s Kute Nails, all located at 2 East National Avenue, across from Riddell National Bank.

(Check out the Facebook pages for these businesses to see specials or book appointments for service.)

The businesses are also collecting any donations people would like to drop off to help take care of and support the Clay County Humane Society’s efforts.

INSPIRATION

In 2019, McClelland’s family fostered “Cleo” from the shelter. Cleo was an abandoned dog, pregnant and emaciated, left tied to a pole.

“We fostered Cleo so she could give birth to her puppies after being abandoned. She became part of our family, and we decided to adopt her. She’s been our Cleo ever since,” said McClelland. “Some people can’t afford to adopt, but we can support the animals in many ways, through donations, and awareness helps a lot. Our community and the shelter is the only hope some of these animals have.”

The CCHS Shelter Manager Lindsay Stevenson admits donations are always welcome, and fundraisers like this are very helpful.

“Right now, we could use some help with our special needs animals,” she said. “If people would like to help with food assistance to take care of the animals, please use our donation box directly in front of our building.”

The Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center is located at 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil. Call 812-446-5126 for more information on supplies that are needed.