SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — You can't put a price tag on the joy a pet brings -- even as the cost of feeding them is going up. Take, for example, dog food. Pet Food Industry reports it has jumped 24% in cost compared to January 2021.
But it's not just our pockets that are feeling the pinch. Local rescues are feeling it, too. We recently visited Herps Alive in South Euclid, a 501 c3 nonprofit reptile rescue and education program. It takes in unwanted, neglected and abused reptiles with the mission of rehabilitating them and finding them new homes.
As other rescues grapple with too many surrenders as of late, Executive Director Keith Gisser says Herps Alive's intake is manageable, for now.
But it's not all smooth sailing.
"We're getting a lot of veterinary surrenders," Gisser said. "Animals have issues, health issues to begin with. And so those animals require more work from our veterinarians."
Veterinary costs are a major chunk of Herps Alive's budget. Another recent hit? Rising prices at the grocery store.
"We go through between 50 and 75 pounds of leafy greens, things like collards, kale, mustard greens and so on. And some lettuces each week. And we have been paying 99 cents a pound. That price went up to 2 29 a pound."
The increase amounts to about $3,500 a year.
"It's basically two mortgage payments here -- and that's significant," Gisser said.
So the rescue is putting a call out to anyone getting ready to plant their summer vegetable garden.
If you've got the space, please "grow a row" for them. Ideally, they're looking collard, mustard and turnip greens. Kale is in big demand, too.
Gisser says they can use just about anything your garden might grow -- except for citrus.
Donated greens are already coming in as the community is donating lettuce they are buying at the grocery store. The generosity has helped, and Gisser says his food supply is in good shape right now. With help from local growers this summer, Herps Alive should be able to ride out the fiscal storm, and get everybody fed.
How you can help: Contacting Herps Alive
Contact Herps Alive through the email form on their website HERE.
Message the rescue on Facebook.
Email at herpsalive@earthlink.net
Call 216-374-1392
Herps Alive is open five days a week. Check out their hours HERE.