Shelby County homeless puppies and kittens recently received a big gift. The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation contributed a $1,000 to Peggy’s Pet Paradise.

Peggy Martz runs Peggy’s Pet Paradise out of her home in rural Shelby County. She works with George Donley, Shelby County Animal Control Officer and Penny Standerfer of the Shelbyville Police Department.

Most of what Martz deals with is the younger dogs and cats because if those animals are put into the county pound there are diseases such as Parvo that will kill the young puppies and kittens.

Martz said she applied for the grant online to the Build-A-Bear Foundation last spring.

“I was glad to see it ($1,000 donation) and I need to stress this money can only be used for homeless animals,” said Martz. “I can’t help someone if they need to have their dog spayed or neutered.”

Martz went on to say she can use the money for homeless animals that need medical attention.

Donley said he is grateful for the help he receives from Martz and Standerfer.

“Peggy (Martz) and Penny (Standerfer) saved a 100 dogs last year with their work to find homes for the animals,” said Donley. “They have also saved the county the expense of putting down those 100 dogs.”

Donley went on to say the work that Martz and Standerfer do is no easy task and certainly not a cheap enterprise either.

“They (Martz and Standerfer) do this out of the kindness of their hearts and their love of animals,” continued Donley.

Martz said she and Standerfer use Petfinder and Love at First sight in Decatur to help find homes for the unwanted animals.

“If the puppies are under 10 pounds in weight I call Love At First Sight in Decatur and they can or sometimes cannot take them depending on how many they have out,” explained Standerfer. “If they can’t take them or they weigh more than 10 pounds, they come in here and get bathed and have their pictures taken and they go on Petfinder.”

Martz said Standerfer works in concert with her, Donley and the Shelby County Humane Society.

Standerfer also uses the media to get the word out. She supplies pictures to the Daily Union which they print and try to help find homes.

Martz said people can help with this project by purchasing Build-A-Bear full-sized Bearemy Kennel pals. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each plush animal in this line is donated to domestic pet programs including local animal shelters, stray pet rescues, rehabilitation organizations, and pet education programs throughout the United States and Canada.