1 of 4 2 of 4 3 of 4 4 of 4
METHUEN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, the MSPCA's Nevins Farm facility took in at least a hundred pets temporarily.
But as they provided the care those families were unable to because of the chaos, they learned something else—many of those same families were just a few dollars or a small crisis away from losing their furry friends.
So, on the anniversary of the disaster, Nevins is accepting donations of pet food and other supplies that will go to the people and pets that need them, as a way to honor all those affected by the gas explosions.
"It's something that we don't think of as being a barrier, but when it comes down to it, it really is," the MSPCA's Anastasia Saia told WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal. "It's often events like these that happened last year, the unpredictable can happen, and suddenly, you've found yourself in a position where you do need that stuff."
Saia said the MSPCA's Community Outreach program is a new effort at helping overcome that barrier.
"It's boots-on-the-ground, a lot of interaction with the people in the community," she said. "We're realizing what they need, and we're trying to keep people and pets together and help them any way that we can."
The organization even kicked off the donation drive with 100 lbs. of food from its own food pantry.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App