SUNNYSIDE — A group of local animal lovers will give out free dog and cat supplies this weekend to help out neighborhood pet owners in need.
The Sunnyside United Dog Society (SUDS), a group of dog owners who maintain and frequent the dog run at Lou Lodati Park, will host the "pet pantry" on Feb. 12 in the parish hall of Queens of Angels Church on Skillman Avenue and 44th Street.
From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., they'll be doling out pet food, leashes and other supplies on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to organizer Jeannette Remak.
The free goodies were donated by the owners of Super Doggy Wonder Kitty, a beloved local pet store on 43rd Street and 43rd Avenue that closed its doors last month after 10 years in the neighborhood, she said.
"We're very sorry to lose them," said Remak, who says the store had been a big supporter of the SUDS over the years by offering supplies and sponsoring events.
After the shop closed in mid-January, its owners gifted the group with its leftover inventory and asked them to "make sure the babies that really need it get it," she said.
"I said, you know, why don’t we have like a pet pantry for the day?" said Remak. "I wanted to make lemonade out of lemons."
Free items at the pantry will include "high-end" food for both cats and dogs, leashes, harnesses, cat litter, combs, grooming supplies, some dog jackets and "treats galore."
Goods will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so she recommends people get there early. Attendees are also asked to bring their own bags.
"Items are limited, but we have a lot of beautiful items," Remak said.
This isn't the first time SUDS has given back to those in needs.
The group collects donations each holiday season for local animal shelters, and even published a book last year featuring photos and stories of their beloved pooches to raise funds to buy first aid kits for police dogs.
