By Courtney Edwards
Delta Digital News Service

PARAGOULD – The Greene County Animal Farm is asking for donations from the community as they gather items to sell for their semi-annual flea market.

“It’s to make money to pay for the dogs and cats at the shelter-for their food and their vet bills,” Sharon Vines, a volunteer for the shelter, said.

Located between Paragould and Jonesboro, the animal farm hosts flea markets every Saturday. But, in November, they will host a bigger sale, to bring more funds to the shelter. More items will be up for sale during this event.

Vines said donations for the flea market can include items such as furniture, pictures, clothes, shoes, or knickknacks.

The shelter houses animals of all kinds including dogs, cats, horses and pigs. Vines said they could also use donations of dog and cat food, treats, collars, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.

The shelter can’t take in any foster animals at this time because they are at capacity. The animals at the shelter have needs that are hard to meet without help from the community.

“We’re always full. We always have a full plate of animals. So many animals,” Vines said.

Because the animal farm is usually at full capacity, they want people from the community to make sure an animal is homeless before picking them up and taking them to a shelter. Many times, a loose animal is actually someone’s pet that is lost. If the animal looks to be starving, injured, or has parasites, it can be assumed that they are homeless and need help.

The same idea applies to wild animals. Finding a baby opossum or raccoon with no sign of the mother is no reason to worry. The mother is probably looking for food and will come back to its baby shortly. In this situation, it’s best to leave the animal alone and come back later to make sure the mother came back for it.

The Greene County Animal Farm is run only by volunteers. All of the supplies and money earned from donations, adoption fees, and the flea-markets go to the animal’s needs. The animal farm is a no-kill shelter, so every animal gets the best care possible.

The shelter hopes to provide forever homes to all of their animals, but the COVID-19 pandemic has strained their operations. The shelter has seen a decrease in adoptions and the number of volunteers that care for the animals.

“Not as many people go out there to volunteer or see the animals. They may not adopt or donate as much because they’re out of a job,” Vines said.

Individuals interested in helping the animal farm can volunteer or adopt, however,  if neither is possible, donate. Donating unwanted items for the flea markets helps the shelter pay for the animal’s necessities.

The semi-annual flea-market will be Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the shelter is open by appointment only. Call (870) 240 8117 to have volunteers pick up any donated items for the flea market or to ask about volunteering or adopting.

 

Note: Featured photos courtesy of Greene County Animal Farm.