Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry relocating

SOAP LAKE — The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is officially moving to its new location — a 5-acre “raw” plot of land located in rural Soap Lake a couple of miles away from the current location. However, Shawna Kluge, who starts and runs the shelter, said she needs communities worth of help to accomplish the goal. 

“Right now, we’re focusing on the move, which is the 15 dogs on site and then other gear and equipment,” Kluge said. “While we are doing that, I still have to make sure that all the daily operations are kept up with. There is a lot of (stuff) to do. I am overwhelmed and definitely need help.”  

The new location does not have access to electricity or running water. 

“The PUD was asking for $110,000 to be split between three properties to bring it to the road, but we are still another mile from the road,” Kluge said. “We don’t have $37,000 and change to do that, so we are going solar.”  

The shelter had a generator donated, which Kluge said is everything they could potentially need. She said she plans on running the generator with gas until she can save up funds for solar technology.

The new location’s address will not be released to the public until the move is complete, Kluge said. She explained that although the shelter is publicly funded with donations, the shelter is not a public location. If people want to tour the current or new location, they need to reach out to Kluge or make an appointment.  

“At this point, we are not sharing our location for publication,” Kluge said. “We don’t need any problematic situations arising while we are trying to move. The safety of our dogs will always be our top priority.”  

Kluge has 15 dogs in her care, all of which need to be relocated along with their cages. She also needs help moving multiple sheds, including the cat barn, which remains empty besides one stray cat that Kluge rescued. There is also a lot of equipment and other items Kluge uses to take care of the pets that need to be moved to the new location.  

“What I really need is a group of volunteers,” Kluge said. “I work seven days a week so whatever days they are available. We have to take down the roofs, kennels, and the barriers. Then we have to move it. Then we have to set them back up before we can move a dog over. So, each set of two or three kennels will probably take a minimum of four to five people and two days. So, I really, really need volunteers.”  

Kluge said she is also looking for people with trucks who are able to move the items. She is unable to drive right now after having her license suspended. She said she was pulled over a handful of times for speeding to the shelter.  

“I have to do it, despite how I feel, despite not having a license,” Kluge said. “I figured out how to get here every single day, no matter what the weather is, no matter what the universe is saying or doing. I have to keep up and keep going. If I don’t show up, the dogs are going to be fed randomly. Like that doesn’t magically happen, I have to do it.”  

Kluge said anyone interested in helping for a couple of hours can reach out to her either via Facebook at RockBottomRockerPetPantry or text her at 509-237-5722.  

For those who don’t have time to volunteer, Kluge also needs help paying down the $5,072 bill at Pioneer Vet Clinic. Donations can be made directly to the vet clinic. All of the charges have been expenses for either the animals in her care or extreme situations where the shelter stepped in to help. 

For example, Kluge said, she is helping a mother and son who had 18 Chihuahuas in a hotel room. They surrendered the animals and Kluge helped relocate them; however, she neutered and spayed all the dogs before she did so, racking up some debt on the vet account.  

Kluge said people can also donate funds to the shelter’s PayPal at The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, CashApp at $therockbottomrocker or Venmo at therockbottomrocker. Donations can be made out by check directly to the pantry at P.O. Box 1285, Soap Lake, WA 98851.  

“We need hands more than we need money right now,” Kluge said. “I need reliable people who are willing to come out for a couple of hours and get their hands a little dirty. Everyone thinks rescue work is fun, but it’s quite dirty. It’s all for good, though; these animals deserve it.”  

How to help

Donate time by contacting the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry by texting 509-237-5722. 

Donate money to the outstanding bill at Pioneer Vet Clinic. Visit Pioneer Vet Clinic and tell them you would like to make a donation to the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry balance. 

Donate money directly to the shelter by Paypal, CashApp, Venmo or check. 

Donate dog food, dog treats, dog toys, cat food, cat litter, garbage bags, rolling garbage cans, paper towels, clean containers for water and toilet paper. Coordinate with the shelter on how to drop off these goods by texting the above number.

    Shawna Kluge started and runs the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry. She said her days are filled with tasks to take care of the animals in her care. She starts every morning with feeding them, changing hay, cleaning poop and making sure they all have clean water.
  

    Shadow, a 5-year-old black Lab, was found with her deceased owner almost three years ago. Since then, she has been in the care of the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry but she would love to have a more permanent home with a loving owner. Anyone interested in adopting Shadow or any other animal at the shelter can reach out to Shawna Kluge at 509-237-5722 or contact the shelter via Facebook at Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry.
  

    Latte Love was found as a puppy after she was dumped on the canal two years ago. She has been in the care of the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry since, but she would love for someone to take her home for cuddles, long runs and many treats. If she is your cup of pup, visit RockBottomRocker.org to learn more about adopting her.
  

    Buddha, a cane corso mix, spent the day playing in his pool and decorating his face and body with nearby mud. Shawna Kluge, the owner of Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, said it is finally getting warm enough for the pups to play in their pools. Buddha would love to have an owner to have swimming days with. If interested, reach out to the shelter at its website RockBottomRocker.org.
  

    Mama Kitty cleans one of her kittens in the sun. Mama Kitty came to the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry as a pregnant feral cat. The shelter was able to trap and transfer several of her kittens; however, she and two kittens remain at the shelter because they have not been able to be caught. The shelter plans on catching the three cats to bring with them during their move to a new location.