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The recently expanded Tula Kitchen in Bay Shore played host to a fundraiser for Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption on Sunday.
The group’s volunteers take in animals that need homes and prep them for adoption.
Linda Klampfl of Medford started the organization in 2007 after much experience volunteering in other shelters.
Many of their animals come from what are deemed high-kill shelters in Southern states, she said. Almost Home is even getting ready to take in animals they rescued from the dog meat industry in Thailand.
The funds raised at Tula Kitchen also help with community outreach, through which Almost Home sets up in lower-income neighborhoods to help communities with their pet needs.
“Some of these animals would never get check-ups from a veterinarian unless we provided it for free” said Klampfl. “It’s a huge help to the families and the dogs.”
They also spay and neuter dogs that need it, as well as help cover a pet’s medical bills.
Some of the pet owners even need help with necessities, like dog food.
Barbara Mcilwaine of Deer Park adopted Juliet from Almost Home in 2011 and began volunteering shortly after.
She also fosters dogs as they await adoption.
“The medical bills at the shelter are so high that we need fundraisers like this to help cover the costs,” she said.
Klampfl said the Tula’s event was more about showcasing the group and its work.
“We just want to show people what we do here, so we can find these dogs homes and help take care of the ones we are caring for in the meantime” she said.
