Humane Society receives donations in cat’s memory
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The Inter-Mountain photo by Brad Johnson
Donations to the Randolph County Humane Society are displayed in the lobby of the Elkins Inn & Suites, in honor of the memory of a beloved cat.
ELKINS -- The Randolph County Humane Society is receiving donations of pet food, goods and money as a tribute to the memory of a beloved cat.
The Elkins Inn & Suites staff collected the donations in the days leading up to Christmas. The project was a memorial to TJ, who was the "resident cat" at the Iron Road Inn, the sister hotel to Elkins Inn & Suites.
"The guests loved him," said Amy Van Reenen, director of operations at both hotels. "He died of old age recently.
"A lot of people have donated," she said. "We've had a good turnout. All the donations are going to the Humane Society."
The staffs of the two hotels posted a letter to inform customers and visitors about the project.
"We were inspired by the recent loss of our sister hotel's resident cat, TJ," the letter stated. "Having previously lived a hard-scrabble life, this tenacious tabby was happy to have found his forever family. Despite his advanced years and health troubles, TJ was a model of strength, courage and gratitude.
"With that in mind, we've decided to honor his memory by collecting donations for the area's less fortunate animals. The Randolph County Humane Society relies on donations and community volunteers to continue the important work of sheltering abandoned and unwanted cats and dogs."
The letter asked for donations of "cat and dog food and treats; rawhide chews; cat and dog toys; pet beds; cat litter; flea control leashes and collars; copy paper, pens, paper clips and clipboards; trash bags; blankets and towels; rugs; and cleaning supplies."
The donated items were displayed in the Elkins Inn & Suites lobby.
Care of TJ was monitored and provided by Rachel Hansford, an employee, officials said.