Delmont animal shelter seeks donations

Delmont's only animal rescue is asking for the public's help to care for the pets put out by Sunday's tornado.

Teresa Richardson runs the E.T. Animal Farm and Rescue on five acres of land about three blocks from the center of the storm's destructive path.

She's taken in six dogs so far, either because the owners haven't been found or because the owners' temporary housing doesn't allow pets to roam.

Richardson's been given 10 kennels by Lakeview Veterinary Clinic in Mitchell to house the animals, and she's taken donations of dog and cat food, as well.

For the owners whose homes are damaged by livable, Richardson has driven through town to offer food to owners, as well.

"The least we can do is try to make sure that all the animals that are in need get what they need," Richardson said.

The tornado left some pets missing, and Richardson's volunteers spent time driving through town to look for them. Richardson called one of her friends to tell him about his devastated home, and learned that he needed someone to find his Australian Cattle Dog.

"I told the gentleman that the house was gone, and the first thing he said was 'where's Poochie?'" she said.

Richardson says donations of food are welcome, but that there are other needs. Some animals were injured and need veterinary care. For those needs, and to help cover food costs, there is a GoFundMe page where anyone can donate to reach the $5,000 goal.

The donation page is located at http://www.gofundme.com/u7gtqd5.