SOAP LAKE — The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry sustained serious damage from the windstorm that occurred Wednesday night, with multiple enclosures damaged or destroyed. Despite the damage sustained, Shawna Kluge, president of Rock Bottom Rocker, said all the animals are safe. 

“Although this is devastating, everyone’s okay and that’s what’s important,” said Kluge. 

Kluge, along with a group of volunteers had prepared for the coming winds prior to the evening, but she said the force of Mother Nature was still strong enough to do severe damage.  

The dog kennels were prepped with tarp coverings to keep the animals sheltered in the windy conditions and were given a sedative the night before to help prevent stress on them, she said. The kennels had no roof damage but many were found missing the vinyl windows that were installed on the side. 

The most significant damage was done to the kennel that housed the chicken coop with all the shelter’s special needs livestock birds. Kluge said the birds were spooked and scattered across the property but were all physically unharmed.  

A new kennel to house the chicken coop was put en route as soon as possible and a group of volunteers have gathered to help the rebuilding. Now that all the animals are safe and accounted for, the shelter’s president said the focus is on cleaning up and dealing with the aftermath.  

Kluge said she appreciates the urgency and speed in which the volunteers in the community stepped in to help the shelter during this process. 

“We are blessed,” she said. “We have an amazing following and the community always has our back.” 

Rock Bottom Rocker is always open to volunteers, and Kluge said the best way for those interested in helping is to text her at 509-237-5722. Those interested in donating to the shelter can go to rockbottomrocker.org or check out the Rock Bottom Rocker Facebook page. 

    Latte, one of the dogs at Rock Bottom Rocker, sits patiently in her kennel Thursday morning. Shawna Kluge, president of Rocky Bottom Rocker, said though the shelter sustained damage, all the animals were unharmed and accounted for in the morning.