Charity work in Butler is once again going to the dogs — literally.

Street Dog Coalition is returning this Saturday to provide free veterinary care and pet supplies to the community.

Helping out our furred friends may not be the first thing you think of when you consider help for those in need. However, there’s a proven demand for services.

The event will provide more than just veterinary services. A pet pantry is being offered and other organizations will share pet supplies and resources for pet owners.

Team co-lead Tim Lydon likened the stop to a resource fair.

It isn’t the mobile clinic’s first trip to Butler. The group, which is part of a broader effort, has worked in the Pittsburgh region in the past. It made a stop in Butler just a few months ago.

During its last stop, the mobile clinic ran out of food to give away in minutes, with people still lined up down the block. This time, its appointment schedule for veterinary services is already booked solid.

Clearly, people in this region have a need for help caring for their pets.

Recognizing that need, the organization said it would like to make stops in Butler a regular occurrence. The people of Butler County can help make that a reality.

Despite it being too late to get in for a clinic appointment in the morning, the organization and its partners will still offer pet supplies and informational resources into the afternoon until supplies run out.

The all-volunteer group is always looking for donations from individuals and organizations to help cover costs of provided treatment, which runs about $250 for one dog.

Given the need and the group’s willingness to continue to help the Butler County community, there are far worse things someone could spend a little money to support.

— JP