Grateful Rescue cancels fundraiser due to flooding issues

Grateful Rescue, a pet shelter in Muncie, Indiana, had to cancel its largest fundraising event after historic floods left Morrow’s Meadow, the park that hosts the event, under water.

Grateful Rescue founder Pamela Terhune cited a surge in mosquitoes as a primary health concern for the animals.

“The mosquitoes are terrible,” she told WISH-TV’s Kaitlyn Kendall and Pet Pals TV host Patty Spitler. “As you know, heartworm disease comes from mosquitoes. So, I had a real problem having that many dogs out. The heartworm preventative is very expensive.”

The annual event typically features dog shows, parades and various vendors. Terhune said the gathering is a staple for the Grateful Rescue, but the mission continues with or without it.

“Our mission is to provide stress-free living for homeless animals until adopted, and if unable to be adopted they may live a comfortable life at our sanctuary,” the rescue’s website said. “We connect people with animals, whether it be through adoption, education, or as a part of our therapy programs.”

Terhune said the organization is in the midst of expanding its facilities. She and her husband have operated the rescue from their 60-acre property since 2017. In that time they have placed more than 1,000 cats and dogs into permanent homes. The facility operates on 22 acres of the property.

Without the main fundraising event this year, Terhune said online donations will now play a more critical role. She encouraged everyone who usually attends the event to instead donate online.

All proceeds from donations go directly toward medical needs, heartworm prevention and food supplies for the animals currently in the rescue’s care.

#GratefulRescue #FundraiserCanceled #MuncieIndiana