Thrift Store Has a Mission to Help Animals

By R. Gabriel Villalobos

For three decades, a small thrift store with a big mission has been quietly funding a cornerstone of animal welfare in southern Eddy County.

The Cat’s Meow, a volunteer-run shop, was established in 1994 solely to support the operations of Noah’s Ark, the region’s open-intake animal shelter. For long-time volunteers like Florence Golden, a retired schoolteacher, who has dedicated 15 years to the store, and Jennifer Donner, an administrative volunteer for over a decade, the work is a labor of love for the animals.

The store itself is a fun, quirky, mish mash of clothing, tchotchkes, toys, housewares, and thoroughly gift-worthy objects. Conveniently located at 124 S. Canyon St., the shop has a storefront window that catches the eyes of animal lovers. The holiday themed arrangement signals to passersby that anyone looking to put together a DIY costume might find useful articles of clothing or accessories inside.

A mission of compassion made possible by donations and volunteers

“This thrift store was created to fund Noah’s Ark,” Donner said. “It’s a catchall for all the stray or abandoned animals in southern Eddy County.”

The store’s role has been dynamic. For years, its proceeds were directed primarily to cover the costs of a robust spay and neuter program to address pet overpopulation. With a new clinic, Treasured Pets, now handling those surgeries, The Cat’s Meow’s funding is shifting back to its original purpose: directly supporting the shelter’s daily operations.

This shift comes at a critical time. Noah’s Ark, which holds a contract with the city and county to take in any and all animals, is facing financial strain and a spike in intakes.

“They are trying to find every solution possible,” Donner said, emphasizing the shelter’s policy that no healthy or adoptable animal is euthanized. “Everything that leaves the shelter is spayed or neutered. They’re doing an incredible job out there, but it’s very busy and they need all the funding they can get.”

That funding, however, is under pressure. The volunteers cited a decline in both volunteers and financial contributions, a trend they suspect may be linked to changes in tax laws. The store also faces a pressing need for more volunteers to keep its shelves stocked and its doors open.

“It’s really hard because a lot of people that are capable of working are working for pay right now,” Golden said. The work needing to be done at the shop seems perfectly suited for high schoolers over the age of 16 or retirees that want an enjoyable way to stay engaged and active in the community. Sorting through donated goods, organizing them and making sure they are shelf-ready is a fine way to spend a couple of days a week.

The optimism that sprouted the mission continues to drive the organization’s ongoing success

Despite the challenges, there is optimism. Donner is pursuing grants for a building facelift, including a potential mural to make the store more distinct on the back side of the business. It will clarify which door to bring donations to and spare the physical therapy clinic next door from receiving donations they don’t know what to do with.

They also hope new energy from the shelter’s staff will lead to more community fundraising events, like past successful “Pet Pictures with Santa” campaigns. If anyone in Carlsbad has the look and motivation to pull off Santa Clause for a good cause, they should contact Noah’s Ark. It’s a fun way to make local families very happy.

One of the challenges of Noah’s Ark, both volunteers agreed, is to change the public perception of their shelter from a dismal pound to what it is: a modern, compassionate refuge.

“We have a Disneyland of animal shelters right now. It’s a refuge. It’s beautiful,” Donner said. “It’s a wonderful place.”

The Cat’s Meow accepts donations of gently used goods at its location. Those interested in volunteering can inquire in person at the store. Financial donations to Noah’s Ark can be made directly to the organization.