Paws-itive Partners
When Habitat for Humanity's vice president Laurie Vondelage heard about Paws on the Platte's statues, she knew she wanted the playful dog pack in the ReStore showroom. Habitat for Humanity opened ReStore in January 2024 and it is slowly becoming a place people think of for donating used furniture or for purchasing quality household items at a discount price.
Vice president Vondelage, "asked Paws-itive Partners if we could host the dogs for a while not only for the publicity and foot traffic, they bring to the ReStore but, also, I feel it is important for local nonprofits to develop friendships and bonds. The more we all work together the better things will be. Some people in town still haven't been to the ReStore or simply don't know about it and some of my customers are not familiar with Paws-itive Partners or the Paws on the Platte dogs. This is a chance to develop more friendships and bonds for both of our organizations."
Paws-itive Partners' Paws on the Platte project brings art to the North Platte area. "The dog statues' sponsors and artists have been wonderful and, since the dogs have been touring, the whole community has been supportive, too," said Paws-itive Partners president Jo Mayber. "Having ReStore manager Laurie reach out to host the dog statues is just one example of support we receive," Mayber said. Paws on the Platte dogs are one-of-a-kind art pieces designed and created by area artists. The dogs will eventually be sold at a live auction as a major fundraiser for Paws-itive Partners.
Twenty-five life-size Paws on the Platte dog statues continue to be on display at ReStore's showroom now through Saturday. ReStore, located at 1105 South Dewey, North Platte, is directly south of Arby's drive-thru. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.