St. Hubert’s to replace Eleventh Hour at Mt. Olive PetSmart

MOUNT OLIVE – While Eleventh Hour rescue is on its way out of the Flanders PetSmart, another local animal rescue will take its place.

Madison-based St. Hubert’s animal welfare center released a statement Thursday afternoon, informing followers they were offered the opportunity to occupy the Mount Olive Everyday Adoption Center.

The statement said that St. Hubert’s is currently partnered with PetSmart Charities’ “Rescue Waggin” program, which primarily moves dogs into places they have a better chance of being adopted.

Because of that existing relationship, through which St. Hubert’s receives grant money used to spay and neuter cats, St. Hubert’s was asked to move into the Everyday Adoption Center.

St. Hubert’s said they were not informed they would be kicking out another group if they moved into the adoption center when they agreed to terms with PetSmart Charities.

“We were not made privy to details related to the change in tenancy,” St. Hubert’s said. “The main discussion point with us was that PetSmart Charities seeks tie-ins of these centers to its transport program, Rescue Waggin’, and that St. Hubert’s is the only nearby partner already actively participating in that program as a receiving organization.”

St. Hubert’s said they are willing to help Eleventh Hour Rescue transition from the store and reached out to PetSmart Charities to let them know of their willingness to be flexible during the transition.

“We were not made aware the circumstances related to the notification or reasoning with the current tenants of the store,” St. Hubert’s said. “We expressed concern about upcoming transfers the current tenants might have and we specifically requested that when notification occurred, that it be made known to them that we wanted to help. We are all in this cause together and we stand by that offer of assistance. While we are not in control of the timing, we are completely flexible regarding dates.”

St. Hubert’s did not comment beyond the statement, citing a confidentiality agreement between the group and PetSmart Charities. The statement was released with permission of PetSmart Charities.

The statement directed any questions to PetSmart Charities spokesperson Steve Pawlowski, who did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The full St. Hubert’s statement can be viewed at http://www.sthuberts.org/file/Statement-Mount-Olive-PetSmart-Charities.pdf.

Eleventh Hour Rescue must vacate the Flanders PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center by Sept. 25.

Eleventh Hour Rescue Volunteer President and Founder Linda Schiller said she had her suspicions that St. Hubert’s might take their place at the Everyday Adoption center.

“We speculated this might be what was happening, but I don’t understand why PetSmart Charities would not tell us,” Schiller said. “Reading St. Hubert’s statement it sounds like they tried to offer us assistance, but that information was never passed along to us. PetSmartCharities just really mishandled the situation. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t share this information.”

Schiller said she has no ill will toward St. Hubert’s for replacing Eleventh Hour Rescue.

“It’s just good business,” Schiller said. “They’re a well-funded organization, saw an opportunity and took advantage.”

Schiller said she’s focused on moving Eleventh Hour Rescue forward and not looking backward.

“We’re overwhelmed and grateful for the outpour of community support and are going to come out of this stronger,” Schiller said. “We’re going to take advantage of the help being offered to help the animals.”

Schiller said in the past two days Eleventh Hour Rescue has received a large influx of foster applications, and the group plans to increase efforts toward opening a kennel in Mount Olive.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com