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PrintNew thrift store helps local shelter
Paws Place is located on the Bagnell Dam Strip.
Charis Patires
Wanting to do something to help fund a local animal shelter, Paul and Joyce Rhodes have opened a thrift store in the Lake area. They found a location on the Bagnell Dam Strip and opened the store last year.
"It was just what we were looking for. We have lots of friends who donated to the store and they told their friends," Joyce said. "I love retail and pets, so this is a way to bring it all together."
All revenue goes to Paws Place Inc., a non-profit no-kill Lake of the Ozarks area animal rescue and shelter that the Rhodes opened about two years ago.
"We live on five acres and were not using it for any real purpose," she said. After filing the official paperwork and going through an inspection, Paws Place Animal Shelter was up and running. Since then they have been busy rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for the animals.
Because they are a new organization, Paul says they had to find ways to earn money to pay for the medical expenses and the cost of care of the animals they have rescued. Currently, there are 45 dogs and six cats available for adoption.
"Shelters are full for a lot of reasons," he said. Some are rescued from a dangerous environment, some are lost, abused, neglected and some are turned over because the owners could no longer afford to pay for the pet. Paul says they are taking cats and dogs from all types of situations to rehabilitate and socialize in order to find them permeant homes.
Opening the store was a way to make money that will help pay for the cost of harboring these animals.
The store offers boutique items at thrift store prices. Along with a friendly shopping experience, the store is clean and open for plenty of room to shop. Children's toys and clothing, furniture, dishes and other kitchen items, books, accessories, purses, shoes, and décor can be found in the newly renovated building along the Strip.
Paws Place Thrifty Boutique • 1126 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark, Mo.
Owners Paul and Joyce Rhodes
Hours Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Donations Welcome during business hours, free pickup, volunteers needed
Adopt pets Go to www.petfinder.com
Contact 573-365-7181 or pawsplaceshelter@live.com
