WAITSBURG - Pam Alexenko was more than frustrated when she found paw prints through the caramel candy she'd made for a fundraiser and left cooling on the porch. That frustration quickly turned to concern when her son, Zac, spotted a half-starved kitten hiding in some foam.

"Its feet were frostbitten and swollen to about three times their normal size," said Pam. "It still makes me angry." The Alex­enkos warmed the friendly feline, fed her and took her to Black Dog Rescue at the hardware store.

"She spent a few days at the vet and she's bounced back beautifully," said Marilyn Stellwagon. "She wasn't even four pounds when she came in here. Now her feet are all taken care of and she looks great." The healthy six-month-old is cur­rently available for adoption.

The importance and need for Black Dog Rescue really hit home with Alexenko, who spearheaded a dog and cat food drive to help aid the cause.

"The less food we have to buy, the more we can put toward vet expenses," said Stellwagon. "I'm so glad they're doing that."

FFA is hosting the drive and will accept food donations at the WP vs. Asotin game on Saturday, Feb. 1. All types of food are welcome, though the shelter generally houses more cats than dogs. A donation jar will be available for those unable to donate pet food. Donations can also be delivered directly to the hardware store at any time.