EPHRATA – The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, a local backyard rescue based outside of Soap Lake, has two community events on the horizon – including a pop-up vendor event in August and a large garage sale at the end of September. President Shawna Kluge said she is also in need of volunteers and donations before the events.  

“We are working on finishing our move,” Kluge said. “But it is just me and maybe one to two other volunteers trying to move everything and get the new rescue set up. It’s a lot. I don’t even know which way is up and which way is down at this point. I really need some help.”  

The rescue is home to 15 dogs and around a dozen cats, according to Kluge. Outside of moving, the animals need daily care, which Kluge she is handling mostly by herself. Currently, the shelter is capped on animals. 

“I am not planning to bring in any animals, specifically dogs. We're cool on cats right now, too,” Kluge said. “As soon as I can work on transferring some of the cats, I will. I don't really feel comfortable when it comes to transferring dogs, primarily because we are not a standard shelter facility. We are home-based rescue or farm-based rescue. We have large enclosures. I want to keep our dogs comfortable while they wait. I don't want to put them in a concrete cell at a facility.” 

Fundraising Fun

Locals will gather on Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant parking lot for a pop-up vendor event aimed at raising funds for the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry. The event, titled "Fundraising Fun for Animal Shelter," will include an array of activities, food and opportunities to give back to the community. 

Terri Bush, the event organizer, emphasized the importance of community involvement. 

"We’re really excited about this opportunity as it helps save lives and supports local businesses at the same time,” Bush said.  

She noted that all proceeds from the vendor fees, which are required to reserve spots at the event, will go directly to covering veterinary expenses at Pioneer Veterinary Clinic for the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry. Kluge said the bill is sitting at around $3,800 as of Tuesday.  

“I take the money right over to Pioneer Veterinary Clinic, pay it on the bill, send Shawna (Kluge, Rock Bottom Rocker president) a copy of the payment, and let all of the vendors know because that's what helps get vendors, too,” Bush said. “They want to support the rescue as well.”  

Participating vendors will offer a diverse selection of products and services, including hot dogs, homemade crafts and even a bead bar for crafting customized pens and pencils.  

Among the highlights of the event will be the Bat Copter and Bat Mobile, both owned by Gary White, who will photograph attendees for a donation. 

"Gary is donating all of that money; it is going towards the vet bill,” Bush said.  

In addition to the vendor offerings, children can engage in a book reading session with Aaron Loeffelbein from the Ephrata Library, who will present stories about pets, fostering a love for animals among younger attendees.  

"We want to create a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome," said Bush. 

Kluge said she is excited for the event and appreciates Bush for organizing it.  

“I have known Shawna for years, and she has continuously shown her dedication to helping those in need,” Bush said of Kluge's commitment. “This is not just about animals; it’s about all of us coming together to support those in our community who need help.” 

The event will also feature a superhero costume contest for pets and children from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a prize for the winner.  

"We’re hoping to double our last fundraising total, which was around $200. I believe we can do it with the community’s support,” Bush said. 

Garage sale 

The Rock Bottom Rocker’s sixth annual garage sale fundraiser is scheduled for the last weekend in September at The Man Cave in Soap Lake. With a mission to support local pets in need, the event is essential for the pantry to address its veterinary expenses and secure supplies as winter approaches, Kluge said.  

"We have 11 storage units (and) every year we have a garage sale fundraiser," said Kluge. "Typically, I gather items throughout the year, but due to the recent packing and moving for the rescue, I'm feeling completely stressed and overwhelmed." 

The garage sale aims to alleviate the organization's veterinary bills accumulated over the busy summer months.  

"This fundraiser helps us pay down the vet bill from summer so we can go into winter without being in the hole," Kluge said.  

The pantry is actively seeking donations of new or gently used items to sell during the event. Those interested in contributing can contact the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry to arrange drop-offs. 

New rescue, volunteers 

The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is currently facing significant challenges as it works to relocate its operations. With a pressing need for volunteers and limited resources, Kluge voiced her concerns about the organization’s current situation, emphasizing the serious need for community support. 

“We still have not finished our move,” Kluge said, describing the situation as she relocates. “It’s nuts. I can’t even put into words how overwhelming it has become.” 

Kluge is currently managing day-to-day operations with only two regular volunteers, and said she is struggling to meet the needs of the animals in her care. As an example, each day she must manage the logistics of hauling 300 gallons of water while waiting for the installation of a new pump at their recently completed well, she said. 

“I’ve got doctors that are mad at me because I’m doing what I’m doing, but I don’t have a choice,” Kluge said. “I have to get water until the well is done.” 

The community's generosity has played a crucial role in their progress, and Kluge said she is grateful to a local couple who are donating a pump necessary for their water supply. However, the costs associated with completing the move and maintaining operations continue to mount.  

“It changes everything. It changed our budget for the well,” she said, highlighting the financial constraints the organization is currently facing. 

Outside of financial challenges, Kluge said she needs a handful of reliable volunteers to help her out.  

“The biggest assistance would be volunteers that are willing to show up,” she said. “I need help. It’s heartbreaking when people offer to volunteer and then don’t follow through.” 

Fundraising Fun
Aug. 30
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant
222 Basin St. NW, Ephrata 

    The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry operator Shawna Kluge gives a cuddle to Vaquero. He has since been adopted; however, Kluge has 15 other dogs in her care that need adoptions.