SOAP LAKE – In an era where pet adoptions have dropped due to economic challenges, Shawna Kluge, president of the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, is on a mission to find loving homes for the many animals within her care.
With 16 puppies and dogs currently available for adoption or fostering, Kluge is calling on the community to extend their support, whether through adoption, volunteering or donations. All Rock Bottom Rocker dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Kluge began her journey in animal rescue in 2017, responding to lost and found pet inquiries on Facebook. However, as the pandemic reshaped the community's needs, she transformed her small-scale efforts into a full-fledged initiative.
“When the pandemic hit, I realized there were many pet owners in our community struggling to get by,” Kluge said. “So, when I received my pandemic stimulus check, I decided to buy 100 pounds of dog and cat food to distribute to those in dire need. Thus, The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry was born.”
Since then, the organization has grown significantly, transitioning into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in October 2022. The current facility houses dozens of animals, including dogs, cats, and even a few farm animals. However, the organization is currently challenged with overcapacity, necessitating the urgent need for placements for the 16 dogs waiting at the rescue.
Kluge highlighted the plight of Bailey, a senior Samoyed who has faced numerous challenges in her journey to find a forever home.
“Bailey definitely needs a home. She’s an older dog that should not be in a rescue environment,” Kluge said. “All of these dogs deserve loving families. They shouldn't grow up in an animal shelter — they need to be on couches.”
The urgency is palpable, as Kluge mentioned that prospective adopters have been increasingly scarce due to the current economic climate.
Volunteering at the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is a distinctive way to support not only the animals but also the dedicated work being done by Kluge and her team of volunteers. From dog walking to general maintenance and facility upkeep, opportunities abound.
“We currently house more than two dozen dogs. While in our care, we strive to ensure each dog receives regular walks, exercise, and playtime,” she said. “We greatly appreciate volunteers who can come to help us with this important exercise and stimulation.”
Individuals with carpentry skills are welcome, particularly now as Kluge navigates challenging logistical hurdles in the organization’s off-grid setup. Volunteers are also needed to contribute to various fundraising initiatives throughout the year, such as yard sales and online auctions. Kluge emphasized that even those unable to offer monetary donations can play a pivotal role by dedicating their time and energy to foster care or outreach efforts.
For those looking to provide immediate assistance, Kluge encourages donations, particularly of pet food, supplies and financial contributions. The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is fully funded through donations, relying on the generosity of the community to fulfill its mission.
“Our veterinary services cost about $20,000 per year,” she said. “We greatly appreciate when donations are made directly to our veterinary account.”
Donations of physical items can be made through partnerships with local businesses such as Hales Farm and Feed and Four Seasons Farm Service, as well as through a Chewy subscription service.
Those interested in contributing to this cause can reach out directly via Facebook Messenger or contribute to specific needs posted by the organization.
“We seriously need fundraising support more than ever,” Kluge said. “I’m calling on the community to help us continue this mission. It’s about lifting each other up, especially through difficult times.”
In a world where countless animals are in need of homes, the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry stands as a beacon of hope not only for pets but also for families seeking to welcome a new member into their lives. If you are interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering, Kluge invites you to join this growing community of compassionate advocates.
“I don’t just want people to adopt pets. I want them to adopt a community,” Kluge said. “Once you adopt from us, you become part of our family, and our connection doesn’t end there. It lasts for the life of the animal.”
Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry
RockBottomRocker.org
Facebook: RockBottomRockerPetPantry
Meet Zorro, a 3-year-old shepherd and lab mix weighing 65 pounds. This playful guy needs a gentle and confident human to guide him, and offer snuggles. Zorro, good with other dogs and older children, is ready for a forever home.
Meet Harley, a lovable 3-year-old shepherd and lab mix weighing 65 pounds. This sweet, playful boy loves snuggles and new adventures with friends. Get ready for a life filled with joy and excitement with Harley.
Peanut Butter is a young Shepherd mix a little over a year old and weighing about 55 pounds. He’s a sweet, goofy pup with a playful spirit who gets along with everyone he meets. Peanut Butter loves to run around, chase his tail and take humans for walks.
Bailey is a medium sized sweet, loving and gorgeous Husky and Samoyed mix around 5 years old and about 70 pounds. She has been living in foster care for the last several months. She loves to go for walks, cuddle, and socialize with people and other dogs. She is house trained.
Boo is a two-year-old mixed breed dog weighing about 65 pounds who came to our rescue as an unclaimed stray. Boo has had some bad experiences with other dogs so he might do his best as an only dog until he can regain trust. Although he’s a bit shy at first, he absolutely loves people. Boo loves walks and adventures and is ready to be your devoted companion.
Buddha is a great big boy full of big love and happy energy. He’s still fairly young, just over a year old and loves to play with fun people. Buddha is a bullmastiff/boxer mix weighing in around 100 pounds. Despite his size, Buddha is really a big snuggle bear. He’s eager to learn and be loved and will be a fantastic loyal member of your family.
Princess Ebby is a petite medium sized mixed breed around 2 years old and weighing about 45 pounds. She loves to play and is always up for a good time. Ebby came to Rock Bottom Rocker at 8 weeks old with a shattered back left leg above the growth plate at the hip. After being examined by our veterinarian, it was evident Ebby was either stepped on or kicked by an adult human. The rescue made sure Ebby received corrective orthopedic surgery and although one leg is a little shorter than the others, it doesn’t slow her down at all. Adopting this sweet girl means gaining a loyal friend who will always be there for you, bringing joy and happiness to your life.
Frankie is a large Bullmastiff Boxer mix, around a year old and 100 pounds. He is a big sweet doggo full of hugs and slobbery kisses. He is excited to play with other dogs and with humans and still has some of that puppy energy. He’s ready to make his furever home with you today.
Coupe is a black and tan German Shepherd and lab mix around a year and a half old and weighing about 65 pounds. Coupe is a sweet boy, still full of playful puppy energy. He’s a bit shy in new situations and with new people but he’s sure to thrive with a loving owner and some training.
Cocoa Bean is a smaller 35-pound chocolate pit and husky mix between 2 and 3 years of age and is currently the shelter’s resident comedian. Cocoa Bean came to the shelter after getting lost from her previous owners and was never claimed. Cocoa Bean’s high energy antics and independent spirit make every day a laugh-out-loud adventure. She is sweet, friendly, curious and very toy motivated.
Felix is a young Husky mix around 1 year old and about 45 pounds. He embodies curiosity, always eager to explore the world around him. Sweet by nature, Felix has a knack for brightening up anyone’s day with his playful antics – and his captivating eyes. He’s intelligent, sweet, and friendly with everyone he meets. He will definitely bring joy and happiness to his furever home.
Latte, also known as Latte Love, is a small stature yellow lab mix about 1 year old weighing about 60 pounds. Don’t let her small size fool you, her heart explodes with big love for everyone she meets. Latte is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on her vaccines. Latte is a bubbly and curious pup who enjoys a good adventure. She loves a good squeaky toy and long walks anywhere her human will take her.
Scoobie is a Cane Corso mix around 18 months old and about 50 pounds. He’s a sweet, goofy pup with a playful spirit. Scoobie loves to run around, chase his tail, and take humans on walks. He’s a big fan of belly rubs and ear scratches. He’s super friendly, gets along with everyone he meets, and always has energy for a new adventure.
Shadow is a three-year-old female lab mix weighing about 60 pounds. Her world revolves around playing, exploring, and lots of cuddles. Shadow came to us after she and three other dogs were found with their deceased owner. Shadow was sadly separated from the only family pack she’d ever known and is now seeking her furever home. Shadow’s energy is boundless, but she is also a champion snuggler when it’s time to wind down. She loves making new friends and is always eager to greet everyone with a wagging tail.