Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry to host volunteer work party
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 1 week AGO
Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge poses with one of her dogs at the shelter. She is organizing a volunteer work party Oct. 18 to prepare the outdoor rescue for winter.
COURTESY PHOTO/ROCK BOTTOM ROCKER PET PANTRY
Volunteers work on putting together chicken coops for the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry. The shelter is looking for volunteers for a work party Oct. 18. Those interested can RSVP by texting 509-237-5722.
SOAP LAKE — Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is inviting community members to join a volunteer work party Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to dusk. The event aims to prepare the facility for the upcoming winter season, and food and drinks will be provided for all volunteers. Interested participants can RSVP by texting President Shawna Kluge at 509-237-5722.
“We are making as much progress as we can to get ready for winter,” said Kluge. “We still have two roofs at our previous rescue location that need to be moved, and we have a few roofs that are not yet complete. Completing these tasks is critical as winter approaches.”
The volunteer event will revolve around various activities geared toward ensuring the safety and comfort of the animals during the colder months.
“We will be framing up roofs that need finishing, wrapping any structures that require heavy-duty plastic and assembling storage sheds,” Kluge said. “It will involve manual labor to prepare everything adequately.”
Kluge is hoping for a large turnout of volunteers.
“As many as possible,” she said.
To make the event enjoyable, Kluge mentioned that plans are being considered to create a party atmosphere reminiscent of a pizza gathering. She said there will be food and drinks for anyone volunteering.
“We want people to have fun while they contribute,” she said.
Volunteers are welcome to participate for a few hours, making it an accessible opportunity for those with limited time.
“Children can attend, provided they are supervised by an adult. This is a family-friendly event,” she said.
Beyond helping the organization, Kluge hopes that the work party will serve as a valuable experience for locals.
“For many people these days, financial contributions to rescues are challenging,” Kluge said. “Volunteering is a way for them to pitch in.”
Kluge also pointed out the importance of community involvement in expanding awareness of the pantry’s mission.
“More people knowing about our work means more advocates for our cause,” she said.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to tour the new location of the pet pantry, experiencing firsthand the operations and the animals they serve.
“This is a perfect chance for the community to see what we do and how we operate,” Kluge said.
Volunteer Work Party
Sat. Oct. 18, 2025
9 a.m. to dusk
Rural Soap Lake
Food and drinks will be provided.
To RSVP text 509-237-5722.
Volunteers work on putting together chicken coops for the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry. The shelter is looking for volunteers for a work party Oct. 18. Those interested can RSVP by texting 509-237-5722.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”