Tulsa SPCA Asks For Donations To Support Families, Pets

The Tulsa SPCA says it's given thousands of pounds of food to families in need this year, and the shelter needs support.

John Weber-Mendez and Dash with Tulsa SPCA joined News on 6 to discuss the rising need for donations to support families and their pets.

Kristen: "Let's talk about the Tulsa SPCA. Obviously, you think of animals, but you guys do a lot more than just being an animal shelter."

John: "Yes, we like to think that's what sets us apart is not only do we serve the cats and dogs of Tulsa, but we also serve their human companions to make sure that families have what they need to keep their pets in their home and support them for a long and happy life."

Kirsten: "It's interesting because you think about adopting a dog, you want that dog or cat to be part of your life forever, and then you think about the financial hardship. So that's part of your mission here. Talk about some of the concerns you've seen of giving away food and the need right now for not only food but other supplies."

John: "Yeah, We're seeing families that are struggling to decide whether to feed their pet or feed their family, pay their electric bill or pay their vet bill, and you know, we just want them to know that Tulsa SPCA us here to support them with low-cost vet services, We have a food distribution program that annually gives away about 25,000 pounds of food, and we are out of food for families in need, but this year before we hit October, we already gave away 25,000 pounds of food for families in need and we are out of food."

Kristen: "Let's talk about Dash here because he's got quite the story. You know, finding a family that he loves only to know that they can't afford food. Talk about Dash; he is just an example of many of your animals."

John: "Yes, Dash is a longtime resident of Tulsa SPCA; he's been rescued and returned. He had a family that was struggling to support him, had some financial struggles, and, unfortunately, had to surrender him back to us. So we really want to find Dash's forever home, but we also want to make sure that we have enough food supplies to be able to help families like that in need so they can keep their pet."

Kristen: "That's wonderful. Talk about some of the opportunities. Do you need volunteers? What else are you guys needing at the SPCA?"

John: "Yeah, definitely. We always need food donations, but people can go to our website, www.tulsaspca.org, and make donations through our website for that. And then, you know, dogs like Dasd spend a lot of their time in the kennel, and we need volunteers to come by and play with them a little bit, give them that enrichment."

Kristen: "I love that. I mean, look at him, he's just hanging out having a good time, and Dash is adoptable."

John: "Dash is adoptable now, vaccinated, fixed. He can go out the door immediately."

Kristen: "Anything else you want to let people know about your mission?"

John: "Just that it's so important. Serving animals is serving people. So anything that people can do to support us or come adopt a dog or cat and give them their forever home makes a huge impact on the community."

If you want to help donate or visit, SPCA is located at 2910 Mohawk Blvd. The SPCA is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Wednesdays. To volunteer or donate, visit tulsaspca.org.