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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER -- Wednesday December 29th, 2004
The Charlotte Observer HANDLE WITH LOVING CARE--Recycled Pets to the rescue. Rock Hill organization gives cats & dogs new leash on life. J.E.B. WILSON Staff Writer Some people recycle newspaper and tin cans, but Teri McAllister "recycles" dogs and cats. McAllister is president and CEO of Recycled Pets Inc. of Rock Hill, an organization dedicated to rescuing discarded animals, nursing them back to health and finding them homes with a loving family. People always want to know where the group's name came from, said McAllister. "Some people make fun of the name, but that's what we do," she said. When the organization, which was founded in 2000 by McAllister, started searching for a name to describe what they did, she said most descriptive names were taken. Recycled Pets seemed to fit well since the organization truly takes discarded pets and finds them a good home, said McAllister. Recycled Pets Inc. of Rock Hill was recognized last month by the S.C. secretary of state as an outstanding charitable organization. Recycled Pets uses 95 percent of its budget for the animals. The group is supported solely by adoption fees and donations. Adoption fees start at about $100 but vary according to medical expenses the animal incurred while under the care of Recycled Pets, said McAllister. A no-kill group, animals live at the homes of volunteers until a permanent home can be found, said McAllister. The group has found homes for more than 200 animals this year, she said. About 10 people volunteer their time, which allows the group to avoid having to pay staff, said McAllister. Recycled Pets places animals all over the nation but especially in the Charlotte area, said McAllister. Pat Tucker of Charlotte recently adopted Abby, a 3-month-old Schnauzer/Terrier mix from Recycled Pets after hearing about the organization from a friend, she said. Recycled Pets "are really careful and check you out to be sure you care about animals," said Tucker. "They know if you are qualified." Recycled Pets also makes sure the animal you want will fit in with your family, said Tucker. "I definitely recommend them to other people," said Tucker. "They are very good and make sure the animal is healthy and ready to be part of a family." Diana Simmons traveled from New Fairfield, Conn., to adopt Buster, an 8-year-old Airedale mix. "I was surfing the Internet looking for an Airedale mix and came across ... the organization," said Simmons. "He looked a lot like a dog I already have." Even though Buster was very car sick on the trip to Connecticut, Simmons said he was worth the trip. "He is very well socialized and very loving," she said. "I can tell Teri (McAllister) spent a lot of time with him." Interested in Adopting? The group is at the Rock Hill PetsMart each Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Albums containing pictures of the animals are on display. Pets can also be viewed online at recycledpetsonline.org or call (803) 981-5087.Tax deductible donations can be mailed to Recycled Pets Inc., P.O. Box 10626, Rock Hill, S.C. 29731. WHAT RECYCLED PETS NEEDS: Financial donations, Blankets, Towels, Old pillows, Cleaning supplies, Rubber gloves, Washing machine, Volunteers to help care for animals. (Note adoption hours and our website address have changed since this article was printed.)
SC SECRETARY OF STATE -- Wednesday November 17th, 2004
SC SECRETARY OF STATE RECOGNIZES RECYCLED PETS, INC. On Wednesday, November 17, 2004, South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond recognized Recycled Pets, Inc. as one of only twelve angels on his annual Angels and Scrooges List. "Secretary Hammond said the 2004 Angel List recipients were selected because 'these organizations were found to be extremely effective at giving a high percentage of their total expenditures directly to programs for their designated cause, their compliance with the S.C. Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, and their high use of volunteers in their fundraising efforts'." Recycled Pets, Inc. is run entirely by volunteers and gave 95.5% of its income directly to the animal that they serve. In essence, this means that Recycled Pets, Inc. is an outstanding organization to donate funds to because the money is used to care for the animals and is not wasted on salaries, fundraisers or exorbitant overhead costs. We are very excited about receiving this honor, and hope that you will consider donating to our cause. Recycled Pets, Inc. is a non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to: Recycled Pets, Inc., Post Office Box 10626, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29731. Please visit http://www.scsos.com to learn more about the annual Angels and Scrooges List.