Pet parents can find a twist on pet care at Voodoo Brewing Company with a pet supply swap and drive Feb. 21.<\/p>\n
In the sociable setting of the Scranton brew pub, owners can bring supplies to trade with each other or donate to the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. Pet professionals, such as groomers, will be there to answer questions.<\/p>\n
It is organized by Kindness in Chaos of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a small mutual-aid group.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea of a swap is great, because everyone has extra things that they\u2019re either not using, or didn\u2019t ever fit, whatever that might be,\u201d said co-founder Caitlin Rogan of Scranton. \u201cAnd it\u2019s a great way to kind of reduce consumption, have folks come together, and say, \u2018I have extra this. Oh, I might want this thing that you have.\u2019 And it\u2019s really fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. and is for all ages, but no pets. Bring new or gently used leashes, toys and similar supplies. Pet food packages must be unopened to be swapped or donated. Blue Chip gets any leftovers. Attendees can order their own food and drinks.<\/p>\n
Supplies will also be collected to go straight to Blue Chip, which is in Franklin Twp., Luzerne County. Raffle basket sales will benefit the shelter.<\/p>\n
Kindness in Chaos of Northeastern Pennsylvania consists mainly of Rogan; Amber Chmiola, who lives in Luzerne County; and Eden Tinkelman, who lives in Susquehanna County. They began a year ago with a pet supply swap that drew about a dozen people.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hit a couple beats, in terms of why our group exists,\u201d Rogan said. \u201cSo, within mutual aid, there\u2019s this basic concept that communities can care for each other and that we exist to give folks the opportunity to build that network of caring.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three women have a total of 10 dogs and cats.<\/p>\n
They have organized other collections for nonprofits and use social media to connect other volunteer efforts.<\/p>\n
Rogan hopes the supply swap will bring in new faces. Their Facebook following has grown past 800, with around 170 followers on Instagram.<\/p>\n
\u201dWe\u2019re really excited to see what more we can do, with more people on board, now that we\u2019re kind of established and we know what we\u2019re capable of doing with three people,\u201d Rogan said. \u201cWe\u2019re excited to see what we can do with more.\u201d<\/p>\n