POLAND — Poland Animal Hospital, at 1197 Maine St., will host a collection drive this weekend for their client, Varney’s Labs, who recently lost their kennel in a fire.

On the evening of March 10, a fire ripped through a barn housing 33 dogs at Varney’s Labs in Turner. Most of the dogs made it out unharmed. Unfortunately, three puppies were lost in the fire, along with their entire kennel and storage facility.

“The staff was extremely saddened by this news and wanted to offer our support to Brad and Paula Varney and their dogs during this time of need,” says hospital owner and veterinarian, Dr. Derralyn Rennix.

Most of their storage space was destroyed along with the barn, so they are unable to store any surplus of food and supplies. Poland Animal Hospital will be renting them a mobile storage unit for three months while they rebuild their facility.

Poland Animal Hospital will host a donation drive to fill the storage unit prior to transporting it to Varney’s Labs.

A PODS unit will be located in Poland Animal Hospital’s parking lot at the intersection of White Oak Hill Road and Route 26. The staff has volunteered their time to receive donations from the public this weekend.

The collection dates and times are from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 21; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23.

Varney’s Labs are in need of the following supplies: Purina Dog Chow, Purina Puppy Chow, leashes and collars, stainless steel food and water dishes, six- and eight-quart stainless steel pails, five-gallon buckets with lids, crates 36-inch and 42-inch sizes with side and front openings (available at Ocean State Job Lots) and gift cards to Lowe’s, Home Depot, BJ’s or Sam’s Club or other supply source.

Anyone who would like to donate to this cause but is unable to attend during these times may contact Poland Animal Hospital at 998-2444.