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Denise M. Drabick, PhD, is the relatively new director of the Animal Care Sanctuary located here in Tioga County in the town of Wellsboro. Their slogan, “sharing our home until they share yours,” is what motivates all of the staff working at ACS. They give the thirty-nine animals under their care the best opportunities that is afforded to each of them. ACS is a no-kill sanctuary. They work with the animals to find them permanent homes, but they offer lifetime care if this is not possible.

“Each of these animals has their own unique back-story.” says Denise. Two of the cats being cared for at ACS are there because their owner had a heart attack and passed away, leaving the cats without a care giver. Another was brought in as a stray and trained to socialize with people. Some have lived their lives at the shelters.

There are many ways to assist Denise and her staff in the work they are doing. On today’s feature, however, we are highlighting the fundraising they are doing to renovate a mobile home for the cats – affectionately called the “Feline Flat.” The mobile home was donated to them by Lewis Homes. The area that the cats now call home will be turned into a living room area for the dogs so they can get used to a home environment (before adoption) instead of the cages where they currently reside. While visiting ACS, we had the opportunity to meet many of the cats that will be helped through raising funds with WoofTrax Shoes For Shelters.

Andi Pfisterer has volunteered with ASC since its opening nearly five years ago. Andi is currently in charge of this fundraiser and she explained the details on how we can contribute our shoes to help. All types of shoes are welcomed! She encouraged us while we are doing our spring cleaning to check out our shoe closet for some shoes to donate. Whether your shoes are outgrown, new, out of style, unwanted, gently used, not useful, or running shoes with many miles, they are welcome (provided they’re not falling apart.) They accept flip flops, sandals, pumps, sneakers, hiking shoes, work boots and winter boots. Andi stressed that they should be without holes and have laces tucked into the shoes.

Our daughter, Julianna dropped off a pair of sneakers that she had outgrown to help. You can do this as a family project, boy scouts, girl scouts, youth group, sport camps or on your own! Do not throw those shoes away – bring them so they can be recycled! This fundraising project is also used to start and maintain micro-enterprises in developing nations. Individuals repurpose the gently worn, new and used shoes offering financial support and sustainability for themselves and their families helping them step out of poverty.

ACS will be accepting the shoes until May 14th at the following locations: ACS in Wellsboro and Smithfield and My Neighbors Closet in Mansfield. For more information you can call the ACS in Wellsboro at 570-724-3687. For more information about ACS, you can check out their website at animalcaresanctuary.org.