CANTONMENT - Most charity groups that serve people are hurting for funds these days. Non profits that aid animals are really struggling.

Channel Three's Kathryn Daniel profiles a local pet rescue group that is fund-raising by helping both.

At most stores a bell signals an incoming customer.

Here, a bark is more likely to announce a patron and then meet your personal shopping trio. Mikey was found on Quintette Road.

Amanda Gifford; "Took me about thirty minutes to catch him but finally he jumped in the back of the truck."

Nala was an angry, abused purebred Pekingese at a kill shelter.

Amanda Gifford; "She still has a little bit of an attitude but it's all just a front, she's really just a lovebug."

And Boomer was a bald hungry puppy: a little lime dip and a lotta love later his coat and tummy are both full.

Amanda Gifford; "Probably about a good thousand animal lives were helped last year."

By the Junior Humane Society, a 23 year old all volunteer group. Until now, they haven't had a facility, and the one they have now isn't a kennel or a shelter, it's a thrift store.

Amanda Gifford; "I'm a thrift store junkie and a yard sale junkie. I think the prices are low."

Amanda Gifford says more folks than ever need bargains. A thrift store offers those for cash strapped humans down on their luck animals get the profits.

It's hard to find anything here for more than a dollar unless it's this designer wedding gown: It costs ten bucks.

Gifford says the Cantonment area has been hit hard economically. This store will provide thrifty treasures and get more pets out of kill shelters, which she has never seen so full.

Amanda Gifford; "Unbelievable how many pedigree dogs and all of the little mixed breeds are just as awesome and beautiful. There's twice as many as them."New Thrift Store To Fund Pet Rescues