Fred and Jennipher Harrill, owners of RollOver Pets in Shelby, have a vision: they want to see a place in Cleveland County where dogs can run free off-leash under their owners' supervision - a dog park. The couple hopes that an upcoming yard sale and womanless beauty pageant will help make their vision a reality.
"We just want a place where owners can bring their dogs so the animals can learn to socialize and run and play," says Jennipher Harrill. "Socialization like this helps make dogs more friendly."
The Harrills have a goal to raise $30,000 to donate to the city of Shelby to go towards funding such a dog park. Their efforts got underway 7 months ago when the death of their beloved dog, Tucker, prompted them to host the "Tucker Run & Ride" that eventually netted $14,500. The run/walk was very successful, but the Harrills wanted to find other ways to raise funds towards their $30,000 goal.
That's when one of their employees came up with the idea of a yard sale. Once the idea was hatched, the local community was quick to respond by donating a wide variety of items for the sale, which is scheduled from 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 404 E. Marion St., Shelby.
"This will be an indoor location, so the sale can go on regardless of the weather," says Jennipher Harrill.
Items available at the sale will include children's clothes, housewares, electronics, bedding, a dining room set and much more.
"We really hope folks will come out and support this effort," she says. "Every little bit helps. And we do accept cash donations for those who might not be able to make it to the sale."
Planning efforts are also underway for another fundraiser in May - a womanless beauty pageant.
"We're asking area businesses to sponsor a man for $250, in turn we will promote their business as they walk the stage and on the RollOver Pets social media outlets," says Harrill. "The more men that participate, the faster we can reach our goal of $30,000."
The womanless pageant is scheduled for May 16, 2019, at the Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby.
For more information about the yard sale or pageant, contact Fred or Jennipher Harrill at info@rolloverpets.com or by calling the store at 704-406-9251.

By April Hoyle-Shauf, Special to Community First Media