08/07/2026
We want to be as transparent with the store as we are with the shelter. We have refrained in the past from interfering with the store, but at this point we believe the community deserves some transparency.
It has come to our attention some of the community seems to be laboring under the impression that when the Friends of Strays management was forced to take over the Finders Keepers store in December that we “ran off” the volunteers. However, we would like to present the public with some information that perhaps these people are not aware of.
We took over the store management shortly before Christmas due to the manager quitting suddenly and calling members of the Executive Board inappropriate names. Without anyone else to step up, the shelter management went over to the store and what we found was…dismal to say the least. The store was, quite frankly, a disaster. There were brand new jackets, snow pants, winter clothes stuffed into totes that should have been out. The totes in the back were in danger of falling over and seriously injuring someone. In addition, the overflow storage was impossible to even get into. (Please see the first few pictures below)
As we started cleaning, we found blankets covered in mouse urine and droppings, soiled underwear and socks, stained and soiled bedding, pillows with cigarette burns…the list goes on. We were forced to toss broken glass, torn clothing, etc., and it took several weeks for us to be able to see what we were dealing with. Many of our volunteers left during this time, citing disagreements with our organizational choices, our new staffing, and our new set up.
It is now 8 months later and the store has really turned around and our sales have doubled. We hear comments all the time about how much cleaner, neater, and nicer the store and staff are. ALL of this helps our shelter cats and dogs. Veterinary medicine is getting more expensive. Food and gas have also gone up. With this store, we have been able to absorb some of these costs. We as a shelter rely on your kind donations for both the shelter and store to care for our animals. We thank you for your continued kindness, understanding, and support.
