“The simple notion that we are put on this earth to help others is a noble code,” states the Scrapper’s Rescue Corp website. Taking up residence in the former Inertia Bicycle Shop on Main street in Niles this past fall, Scrapper’s focuses on service animals and veterans and helping those in need.
The spirit of giving and lending aid to others is the fuel behind this organization, and was inspired and started by the late Tim Heiser. Nicknamed Scrapper, Tim lived for helping others and began this animal rescue group in 2009. To honor his life, his mother Patricia developed it into a non profit organization and public charity in 2014. Since then, Scrapper’s has worked within our community to make a difference, like organizing the Guardian Angels Bike Run, and educating the public about the importance of service animals and how they improve the lives of veterans and the disabled. The reach of their mission is not small, having also raised money for four-legged victims of Hurricane Harvey. The space at 211 E. Main street is the home of their resale shop, selling new and used items that raise funds for veterinary bills, food, and service dog training.
Scrapper’s offers service animal training, obedience training, microchipping, nail trimming, and animal first aid. On December 11th, they opened their doors to Santa for photos with the public, and waived the fee if you arrived with a can of pet food. They do accept donations, monetary or otherwise, and their facebook page is always busy with pop-up events and fundraisers. You can learn more on their website, scrappersrescue.org.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contributor
