College of Optometry Helps Stray Rescue

In late October, Stray Rescue, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter became victim of a deadly distemper outbreak and the call for help went out to the community.   Students, faculty, and staff at the College of Optometry stepped up and provided needed donations for the shelter, including blankets, bleach, cat litter, and Dawn dish soap.

The College of Optometry stepped up and donated over 100 items to Stray Rescue. According to Nick Palisch, “Giving back to an organization that really works hard in the community was something that we needed to do and I am impressed by the students, faculty, and staff who donated to the cause.”  The members of Stray Rescue met the donations with sincere gratitude.

Krystal Matson (’20), felt the need to help, “As a pet owner, I empathize with how costly it is to provide animals with the proper care. STL Stray Rescue is an amazing organization that has saved the lives of many animals and could not do so without community involvement,” she said.  Maggie Pohlmeier (’20)  also joined in on the cause,  “We regularly make donations to local rescue groups and shelters, but we found it especially necessary to donate to Stray Rescue after the unfortunate distemper outbreak this fall. They needed support more than ever and we were happy to help the cause,” commented Pohlmeier.

The sentiments to help echoed throughout the faculty and staff, as well.  Dr. Mary Beth Rhomberg (‘97) supported the cause saying, “I have a dear friend and colleague who is no longer at the school, whom I miss, that was very dedicated to animal rescue.  I did it in her honor, mostly, because she did so much in this area, that a small donation is the least I could do for a cause that is so important to her, and a little important to me, as a dog lover,” commented Rhomberg. 

In total over 100 items were collected between November and December by members of the College of Optometry.