Catnip Acres reopens for business
Sandy Murray of Jefferson sits in Catnip Acres new waiting room with her German shepherd Chloe who is suffering from allergies.
Former director of Catnip Acres Carol Pultorak stands in the new facility on Wade Street.
MORRISVILLE – Paws and claws alike tapped across the tile floor of Catnip Acres’ new waiting room on its first day open in its new location on Wade Street in Morrisville.
The low-cost spay and neutering clinic and vet office opened its doors Monday morning once again after closing temporarily June 30.
Carol Pultorak, the former director of the clinic, said it was a summer full of worry as she stepped away from the center with no one else offering to continue the practice.
“The community did not want to lose Catnip Acres because these pets are their family,” Pultorak said as she sat at the grand opening of the new clinic, watching the new staff work and take care of the animals and their owners.
Upon hearing the center was closing, the community signed a petition that received more than 600 signatures to keep the clinic open. Pultorak also offered her support and $250,000 worth of clinical equipment to whoever would step up and fill her place. Jaime Makrush, practicing director of the new clinic, and other volunteers worked to raise support after receiving a special exception from Franklin Township to meet the zoning requirements.
“It was a joint effort,” Pultorak said. “I am very happy for the pets. There are a lot of people who can’t go anywhere else because of finances.”
For the first couple weeks of operation, the clinic will be by appointment only.
“We tried to make sure that things wouldn’t be too crazy in the beginning,” Makrush said.
“Normally, we do appointments and walk-ins for shots but not for this first week. We are all trying to get the feel of it before things get crazy.”
After being open for less than two hours Monday, the clinic had already seen seven animals with its eighth, a large German shepherd named Chloe, patiently waiting.
Chloe’s owner, Sandy Murray of Jefferson, brought her in because she is suffering from allergies and itching.
“She has been in the need for a full good check-up,” Murray said. “I know they will help her feel better.”
The clinic is holding a rabies shot day this Thursday for anyone interested.
Catnip Acres is open by appointment only from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make an appointment or for more information, call 724-627-0846.