French poet and novelist Anatole France said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Those with pets know that a furry friend quickly becomes a part of the family. Although there are obvious differences between humans and animals, the emotional and even spiritual connection that develops between the two species is indistinguishable.

Life is full of the unexpected and pets are no different. Unfortunately, that can lead to financial distress, sometimes at the expense of the animal itself. Not everyone think that has to be reality, however. Wendy Cowan, owner of Jazzy & Mumbos Thrift Store in Dilworth, believes that animals should have the best care possible, regardless of the financial implications.

Thrift stores can be found all over the area; but a thrift store that is dedicated to helping animals in need is hard to come by. In fact, Jazzy & Mumbos, a 100% volunteer run/non-profit organization, is the only such store in the area. Cowan understands first-hand what it feels like to worry that finances will not allow for proper animal care. After her cat Mumbo badly cut his paw, Cowan quickly found out that there is no financial assistance available to animal owners to help with an emergency. She decided to change that.

Thanks to Jazzy & Mumbos, pet owners can now receive financial support to pay for unexpected expenses like illness, accident, or the loss of job or dwelling. Items Cowan and her staff try to help pay for include veterinary care, food, and shelter. Occasionally, a new home can be found for a pet in need. Jazzy & Mumbos does not pay for the entire expense, which is something that is frequently requested, but they do pay for a portion of the bill as their funds allow.

Jazzy & Mumbos does not receive any governmental assistance and is completely reliant on customer donations and purchases. “If we don’t sell our stock, the pets don’t get helped,” Cowan explained. “We get the donations, but we need to sell them too.” No one at the thrift store is paid; the business is run by four volunteers – including Cowan. “It all goes right back into the community.”

Cowan’s love of animals is the passion behind the business. “I currently have five dogs, three horses, and a few cats,” she said. The store is named after the aforementioned Mumbo and Jasmine, a dog also known as Jazzy. Cowan met Jazzy when her owners could no longer care for her following their divorce. Unable to pay an ever-growing kennel bill, the owners gave Jazzy to Cowan, who took her home to get the dog accustomed to family life. After finding the canine a new home, the storeowner was devastated to find out that Jazzy had become horribly ill. After the dog’s death, it was discovered that she had been poisoned by an unknown subject. The thrift store is Cowan’s tribute to both animals.

Cowan would like to encourage people to do their homework before contacting the store. “You want to get an estimate and not run to the first place,” she explained. “You have to help us help you; I can’t call around for you.” Although there are always those pet owners who try to get out of an expensive bill for selfish reasons, the majority of people are in definite need. That is where the joy comes in for Cowan. “I love the good feeling of helping the neighbor with a pet that they love and truly can’t afford to help at the time,” she said.

Jazzy & Mumbos is sponsoring a special event on May 24 from 1:00 – 3:00pm at the Natural Pet Center in Fargo. All funds raised will go towards the medical expenses for two dogs in need; one of which needs over $2000 in care, the other over $3000. “Hopefully we can raise enough to give something to each of them,” Cowan said. “Our funds are getting low but we want to help the two dogs and replenish our reserves to help with other emergencies.

A business such as Jazzy & Mumbos cannot survive on its own. It takes the support of the entire community to help Cowan meet her goal of being able to help any animal in need. “If you like what we are doing, spread the word,” she encouraged. “Help us get the word out.”

There are several ways you can help:

· Bring unwanted cans to Minnkota Recycling in Fargo and tell them to put the proceeds on Jazzy & Mumbos’ account

· Shop on AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to the store. For more information, visit www.smile.amazon.com

· Donate gently used clothing as well as household or animal items

· Volunteer at the thrift store

· Tell others about the business

Anyone with a pet can understand the emotional connection and impenetrable bond that quickly develops within the family. Now imagine that your pet is sick or hurt and you are unable to afford its care. That type of helpless feeling is without equal. Fortunately, there are people like Wendy Cowan in our community and places like Jazzy & Mumbos to turn to for help. If you can help in any way, please do so. Tables can turn in an instant. One never knows when he/she might be in a position of need.

More information on Jazzy & Mumbos can be found at www.jazzynmumbosthriftstore.com or by visiting the store at 123 Center Ave. E. in Dilworth.