Woman produces silver lining for Gary animal households

Carey’s inherent enthusiasm for animals led her to develop Silverstray Social in 2019. Since its creation, the 501c3 not-for-profit organization has actually helped more than 700 Gary animal households.

“We’re lightening the load on Gary’s animal control and outsiders,” Carey said inside FLUID Coffee Roasters in Valparaiso. “It facilitates the return of animals to their homes, and keeps pet families together.”

Silverstray offers totally free rabies vaccinations, distemper vaccinations and microchips for Gary animal households at regular monthly centers. People who bring their animals to centers are qualified to receive totally free nail trimmings, animal food and products, and animal themed kids’s books offered by The Gary Literacy Coalition.

The organization’s 6th center will be hung on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m., at First African Methodist Episcopal Church situated at 2045 Massachusetts St. in Gary. Pet households who go to will have the chance to register for totally free spay and neutering. This center is for Gary locals just. (For more info, see www.silverstray.org).

Carey’s experience working and offering at regional animal shelters provided her motivation when creating the organization’s name. Silverstray is the silver lining for animal households and their animals, said Carey’s partner Jay Weinberg.

Currently, Carey just helps Gary animal households, however would ultimately like to broaden her outreach. She wants to see pet households remain in Gary due to the fact that Silverstray has actually assisted present a structure of empathy and roots constructed through the neighborhood, she said.

Gary Councilwoman At-Large, Lori Latham, said Silverstray is a fantastic possession to the neighborhood.

“We know how important our pets are. They offer emotional support and company,” Latham said. “We appreciate organizations being able to support pet families. It helps improve our quality of life.”

Silverstray wouldn’t succeed without help from regional animal shops, pet-related companies and volunteers. Woof Life, Hungry Hound Boutique and Grooming, Pet Supplies Plus and Petco are some shops that have actually contributed pet food for regular monthly centers, Carey said.

Silverstray has actually partnered with companies consisting of Petco Love and Fi Nano to disperse distemper vaccinations and microchips to pet households at no cost. Nylabone likewise offers the organization with totally free dog bones to promote healthy chewing routines, Carey said.

Carey values volunteers who’ve invested numerous hours at centers in the freezing cold or rainy days. Dr. Twila Barradas from LaPorte Animal Hospital volunteers at each center to provide animals their rabies vaccinations. Legally, just vets can inject animals with the rabies vaccine, Weinberg said.

Volunteer Ariel Ramirez offers nail cutting services to animals at every center. In return for his service, Carey is assisting Ramirez get “Ariel’s Nail Trimming Service” up and running.

“Silverstray is helping a lot of pet owners who can’t afford vaccinations or don’t have a lot of money to begin with,” Ramirez said. “Thanks to Kelly, it helps owners and animals be protected. Otherwise these animals wouldn’t be receiving anything.”

To date, Silverstray has actually raised almost $35,000 through grants and contributions to offer these services to Gary animal households, nevertheless monetary financing has actually been challenging. The next action would be to acquire a van to carry contributed products to centers, or to carry animals who need surgical treatment, Weinberg said.

Silverstray partnered with Deer Run Animal Hospital in Schererville on June 15 for its very first mass spay day. Dr. Brenda Dines carried out spay and neutering treatments to more than 30 animals.

The organization is likewise teaming up with the Stand Up For Pits Foundation. This structure has actually accepted sponsor all Pitbull-type surgical treatments at the LaPorte Animal Hospital, and Lake Station Animal Clinic.

“It makes me emotional because you see the community wanting to help,” said Weinberg, of La Porte. “What Kelly is excited about is it’s a literal path to healing for a community that hurts.”