NAPPAN, N.S. – A money lock box stolen from the L.A. Animal Shelter Tuesday night has been found on the ice on the River Hebert, according to shelter president Terri McCormick.
Gone from the box were the cash and gift cards donated to the shelter over the weekend, according to McCormick. The box was taken during a break-in at the shelter between the hours of 10 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, resulting in an estimated loss of about $2,000 in donations.
In response to the crime, however, community support has been quick and strong. Atlantic Windows has donated a new door and frame to replace the one damaged in the break-in, and local women Kimmy Chapman and Laura Helpard have organized an online auction for the shelter. Park Your Paws has raised $1,320.
Other donations are coming from the likes of Fathers Food Emporium and Ron White Well Drilling, while Maritime Mosaic is selling tickets on a basket for the cause. New resident Marjorie Day has donated $300 and challenged others to give what they can, former Amherst resident Terry Gould, who now lives in the Middle East, is also sending money.
“It’s been amazing,” said McCormick. “At this rate, we will have recouped our lost funds probably by the end of the week.
“We thought we saw the worst of people but really we are seeing the best,” she added. “We appreciate the support, and whoever did this may have thought it would end the shelter, but it’s just made us stronger.”
Meanwhile, she said they have to change the way they do things at the shelter. While the secluded location on Smith Road is ideal to keep barking dogs from bothering neighbours, she said they are “basically sitting ducks” and need to install camera surveillance. Money will also no longer be kept on site.
“The shelter board will meet soon to discuss how we can protect ourselves and the animals better,” said McCormick. “In the meantime, if anyone was thinking about adopting a beautiful cat or a lovely dog, please come see us!”