The theft of dog food from the Washington-Wilkes Animal Shelter during the weekend has created an emergency situation at the shelter.

Gloria Wheatley, Washington Animal Control Officer and manager of the shelter, said the theft of the dogfood has hit the shelter staff harder than anything else they have had to deal with, both emotionally and financially..

Wheatley said that the shelter had recently received donated food from Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen and the staff was very excited about this good fortune. The food stolen was actually food that had been purchased. When it had to be replaced, that erased the savings from the donated food.

Wheatley also said that the shelter in the past has always tried to help people in the community whether it was a need for food, houses, or even collars. All they had to do was ask.

Contributions of food and money are needed. The shelter is located on Brown Road, just off Lexington Road (Highway 78). Monetary contributions may be sent to P.O. Box 352, Washington 30673.