Today we’d like to introduce you to Loretta Thompson.
Hi Loretta, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I worked in Rescue for over 30 years and always had a love for animals since I was a little girl. I always took the more challenged dogs with behavior issues, fostered for many rescues in Ohio and a few out of state. In 2022 I was physically hit by a car and 3 of my dogs also got diagnosed with cancer that year. I knew I had a road ahead of me and could barely take care of myself much less a pack of 12 dogs. I didn’t know how I was going to care for any of them and I honestly didn’t want to live anymore thinking that I had failed them. My rescue friends and family saw me through it and helped me raise money to get them the treatments they needed to survive. I knew from that point on that I could no longer foster, but wanted to give back in some way and so Blessing Animals Pet Pantry was formed. I never wanted anyone to feel the way that I felt the day I received the news that my dogs had cancer and I couldn’t pay to treat it.
We started out as a pet food pantry, but quickly knew we were going to be doing more. We now do emergency vet visits, vaccines, spay and neuter, TNR support, end of life and cremation. We have guidelines that have to be met so we know the people requesting our help really need it. We are a boots to the ground organization breaking down barriers and building relationships when resources are limited. We strive to keep pets with their families to help lessen the number of pets that enter shelters and rescues. We work with pets of the homeless to make sure they are vaccinated and fed as well. We offer education on the importance of spaying and neutering your animals, TNR, proper nutrition, vaccinating and proper vet care. Resource information will be made available on how to obtain help with these matters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggles we face is funding and getting the support to prepare us for the next emergency that will come along. It’s always a rough road when you are getting started, but we are thankful for the handful of people and companies that do support us in this journey. We have done a lot with what little we have.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently I am disabled, but prior to that I was a foster parent to troubled kids. In 2024 I graduated Hondros College of Real Estate, but have yet to take my state test to become a Realtor. This is something I always dreamed of doing, but still have medical from my accident in 2022 that I am trying to get resolved.
I feel I am most proud of the voice I am for the voiceless. I speak up where most won’t and don’t. I’m proud of overcoming any obstacles that get in my way. I’m a very open person and always put animals first. I believe you are never to old to learn something new and believe that doing one thing everyday that scares you will help you live longer. The thing that I feel sets me apart from others is my heart. No matter what I go through, I will never allow it to change my heart. The day you allow that to happen is the day you lose yourself.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Columbus is a very resourceful City and is always growing. You can always find something to do from OSU football games to tailgating, Columbus Crew games, Columbus Blue Jackets game and Columbus Clippers games for sports fans. There are so many little mom and pop restaurants, fine dining and even food truck festivals. I think my favorite part of Columbus is the Short North Arts District. There you can find so many one of a kind shops, art galleries and it’s close to the North Market and Goodale Park which I frequent.
I least like the traffic in Columbus and I think everyone will agree. We always seem to have construction going on everywhere and while I know it’s making an improvement, it seems like it will never be done. We also have the most unpredictable weather I have ever seen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blessinganimalspetpantry.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.a.p.p.noemptybowls/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/loretta-thompson-2a9346299
- Twitter: https://x.com/NOEMPTYBOWLS
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@b.a.p.p.noemptybowls
