By NAN THOMPSON
When animal lovers need to find a home for a dog or cat or your dog has puppies you can’t care for, they might look for a local rescue.
Lucky Puppy in Bonifay has been one of many rescues taking in animals but that could all change since the rescue is in need of financial assistance.
The nonprofit rescue opened their doors in Bonifay 16 years ago, offering the public an alternative to ‘kill shelters’ in the area, but founder and president Terri Mattson says she can no longer take in more animals.
With 200 animals currently on the farm and no financial support to keep going, their doors might close forever.
Food that was normally donated now falls on the shoulders of the shelter. That does not include veterinarian bills, medications, and basic items like power, gas, and insurance.
‘With the economy the way it is, it’s hard,’ Mattson said. ‘Real hard. We try to send dogs to our New York adoption center but even that takes time and money that we just don’t have available.’
Even volunteer work-essentially to rescue efforts-has dwindled, she added.
Since Lucky Puppy has taken in adult dogs that have a litter of puppies within weeks, one animal becomes six to eight additional mouths to feed and take care of.
‘If people would spay and neuter their animals, it’s not the total answer but it would help,’ Mattson said.
If interested in helping the rescue, contact Lucky Puppy through their website theluckypuppy.org or Facebook page at facebook.com/theluckypuppy.
Hannah Collins 
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 