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   On the morning of June 20, 2024, 17-year old Alyssa Wheeler’s life was taken when she was struck head-on by a distracted driver on her way home from a dental appointment in Park Rapids. Parents Laura and Todd Wheeler and family were determined that her love and memory will carry on.

   “Lou Lou will always be Alyssa’s nickname. I’m not really sure who called her Lou Lou first but it just stuck. When our first granddaughter started to speak the name Alyssa was hard to say and Lou Lou was easier. She was affectionately known as Auntie Lou Lou.” Commented Mom Laura.

   Alyssa possessed a special passion to help animals in need and in partnership with the Longville Food Shelf, (located next to the Tossed and Found Boutique), the idea of Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry was formed. Many pets in our community will receive additional support and will serve to continue Lou Lou’s passion to help animals.

Laura Wheeler, left with Food Shelf Manager Andrea Richard with the newest addition to the Longville Food Shelf - Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry. Photo by Dave DeLost.

   Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry will be available to the public for the first time Wednesday, September 25 and is a dedicated display containing various high-quality pet foods and supplies providing supplemental food for dogs and cats through the Food Shelf. This service will continue through donations from the Wheeler family, friends and through public donations, with no additional money from the Food Shelf itself.

   “We’re honored to be the choice for the location of Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry,” said Food Shelf Manager Andrea Richard. “Most families we serve have pets in their household, especially dogs, this will be a great addition to the services we provide to our customers.”

   “We want to keep her memory alive - she found joy in caring for and helping with the family chickens, dogs, and cats, but was especially fond of her animals Leo (horse), Snickers (goat) and Mater (bunny). Said Laura.

   Alyssa had a love for helping those in need. Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry is a way of honoring her kindness, compassion, and belief that no pet should go hungry due to financial hardship.

   If you would like to make a monetary donation to Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry, you can stop into the Tossed and Found thrift store or mail to PO Box 308, Longville, MN 56655 or you can donate online at www.loulouspetpantry.com. Please make checks payable to the “Longville Area Food Shelf” with memo to Lou Lou’s Pet Pantry. Donations of pet food and supplies are also welcome. Donations qualify as a charitable tax donation.

   “We are learning to live with the love that Alyssa left behind. We are all heartbroken and our world will never be the same without our Lou Lou. May her memory ease the burden of others in caring for their pet.” Concluded Laura.

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