WEST OCEAN CITY — Less than two months after stepping down amid some controversy after 37 years, former Worcester County Humane Society Director Kenille Davies is back in the game with Kenille’s Kupboard, a grassroots, non-profit organization aimed at providing for the needs of animals in the community.
With the assistance of longtime Humane Society employee Carolyn Miller and her legion of supporters, Davies is now operating the fledgling operation known as Kenille’s Kupboard.
The organization is collecting needed food and other supplies for pet owners who are faced with challenges of providing for their animals. It’s a labor of love, according to Davies.
“After the dust settled, we decided we wanted to start something for local pets and their owners and the result has been this pet pantry,” she said this week. “Right now, we’re working on getting our non-profit status and coming up with by-laws and incorporation. In the meantime, we’ve been settling in on our work to provide food and other supplies to animals and pet owners in the community.”
Kenille’s Kupboard is located within the Ocean City Animal Hospital with the help of Dr. John Maniatty. Donated food and other supplies are stored in a shed on the animal hospital property, and Davies and her crew deliver it to those in need.
“It seems to be taking off,” she said. “We’ve delivered food, helped with some animals in need and helped some get the veterinary attention they need.”
Davies said Kenille’s Kupboard is set up to help pet owners who may be struggling to provide for the needs of their animals for financial reasons or a variety of other reasons.
“We’re trying to let people know we’re here if they need us,” she said. “We’re getting a lot of food and other supplies donated, and we’re starting to accomplish our goals. A lot of people can’t afford to feed and care for their animals and what we’re doing will help keep these pets in their homes.”
Kenille’s Kupboard is hosting its first “Meet and Greet” at Adolfo’s on the Boardwalk tomorrow, Saturday, January 18, from 2-5 p.m. The intent is to familiarize the community with the program and reach out to prospective donors and volunteers. The event is being held in honor of longtime Ocean City Police Animal Control Officer Donald Spence, who passed away unexpectedly in December. For more information about the event or the program, call 410-213-0393, or 443-880-0059.