More than 40 animals live at the Precious Paws Sanctuary, where dogs and cats are able to feel loved, play and be taken care of despite the lack of owners.

“I realized that we had a bad problem here,” said Symantha Griffin, owner of The Freckled Frog boutique and the Precious Paws Sanctuary. “A lot of local people are interested in supporting the animals. I felt there was a need for a real rescue facility that will help save the animals and will get them healthy enough to adopt.”

Griffin has been paying out of pocket for the Sanctuary, using money that she makes from The Freckled Frog. She sells Rescue Rags t-shirts for fundraising, but with so many animals, more money is needed.

Now that the building next to The Freckled Frog is empty, Griffin will be opening a Rescue Rags upscale resale boutique in order to fund the Sanctuary.

“I wouldn’t call it a shelter because it’s more of a home environment,” Griffin said. “They are happy and have interaction all throughout the day.”

Griffin is planning to open Rescue Rags in the middle of October or early November. Donations for the store can be delivered to The Freckled Frog anytime during business hours. The store will feature name-brand clothing, furniture, home goods, antiques, etc.

All donations are tax-deductible.

“It’s for a good cause,” Griffin said. “We hope it generates enough revenue to help with spays and neuters each month.” Griffin said that she hopes to spay and neuter at least five animals each month.

“It’s not just about taking in and rehabilitating dogs,” Griffin said. “It’s helping control the population in Pike County.

The Precious Paws Sanctuary and Rescue Rags are run by volunteers.

“There is a lot that goes into it,” Griffin said. “I already have a good group of women willing to be volunteers. It’s great to have such a great support system, and we are very blessed to have the support of Pike County.”

Precious Paws and Rescue Rags hopes to continue to work with the Humane Society of Pike County.

“The Humane Society does so much for Pike County,” Griffin said. “It would be great to help them and do as much as we can for Pike County, as well.”

Griffin said the number of stray animals in the county is a problem, and unless someone is working with it firsthand, people don’t understand the issue.

“The general public doesn’t know what is going on with these animals,” Griffin said.

“Unless you see it firsthand, you don’t know how bad it is.”

Rescue Rags will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We want to do whatever we can to help not only the animals at the Precious Paws Sanctuary but all the animals in Pike County,” Griffin said.